Diy Computer-fan Stir-plate Build

[geneabovill]

Done:

 

[lael]

Rather than looking for smaller round neo magnets like I had in my old stir plate, I picked up 10x rectangular Neo magnets from a retailer on eBay (I can find specific details if anyone likes, cbf logging into eBay right now) for a decent price, was like $25 for 10 or something reasonable like that. A couple of CoolerMaster 120mm LED fans ($25/both), some PC fan speed controllers ($2 each!) and some tupperware containers nicked from the SWMBO's cupboard and they're basically done. I need to pick up some power sockets from Jaycar and i'm ready for a winter of Lagers!

this looks great - what size magnets did you get? Did you just glue the tips of the magnet to the round hub and the rest is just hanging over?

 

[vortex]

this looks great - what size magnets did you get? Did you just glue the tips of the magnet to the round hub and the rest is just hanging over?

Yeah they're just glued with Tarzans Grip, about 3/4 of the magnets are on the hub so plenty of room to hold them on.
The magnets are 25mm x 10mm x 3mm each.
Exactly these ones: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Buy-10-Neodymiu...d2ae&_uhb=1 Aussie seller.

 

[lael]

Yeah they're just glued with Tarzans Grip, about 3/4 of the magnets are on the hub so plenty of room to hold them on.
The magnets are 25mm x 10mm x 3mm each.
Exactly these ones: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Buy-10-Neodymiu...d2ae&_uhb=1 Aussie seller.

excellent! thanks! ordered some 30mm x 10 x 4 so should do the job!

 

[potof4x]

Something to contribute and a query as well. Have found and trialled this power supply this and pwm speed control on my 80mm fan stirplate. They seem to work treat and plug together out of the box.

Have the fan to make a 120mm stirplate but can't really find a good budget pro looking box. These at jaycarare ideal but pricey for a plastic box , and these from the UK, but postage is a killer.

Any suggestions for some thing available similar for the right price?

 

[bullsneck]

I got mine (similar to geneabovil's above) from DSE online for half of what they are priced at Jaycar.

 

[lael]

I got mine (similar to geneabovil's above) from DSE online for half of what they are priced at Jaycar.

I tried looking - want a box for a braumiser controller - but had trouble finding anything - would you mind linking?

 

[lael]

I used one of these: to reduce the speed, but have found that the fans make an annoying whining noise. Does anyone know why / have any suggestions?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LED-Light-Dimmer-Brightness-Adjustable-Control-Controller-DC-12V-8A-Bright-Lamp-/140936962822?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D11%26meid%3D7153136481644901969%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D2%26sd%3D390502379656%26

 

[krausenhaus]

I used one of these: to reduce the speed, but have found that the fans make an annoying whining noise. Does anyone know why / have any suggestions?

Mine does too - I thought it was going to be a big problem after I built it and made plans to try and insulate it, but I used it for the first time the other day and found that I barely noticed it over any other background noise in the house unless I was standing close to it.

Just whack it in a different room and let it blend in with all the other household sounds.

 

[lael]

insulate it? electrical source? or just to insulate / reduce the noise?

 

[Acasta]

My stir bar just got 'lost'. Any suggestions of getting a cheap replacement? Was thinking a local store might save on shipping. After the 25mm or so ones.

 

[Helles]

My stir bar just got 'lost'. Any suggestions of getting a cheap replacement? Was thinking a local store might save on shipping. After the 25mm or so ones.

Grain and Grape have them $10 i think

 

[felten]

After I lost my first one, I bought 4 of them from proscitech.com, $14 for a pack of 4x 50mm oval.

 

[lael]

Just upgraded my stirplate - I found the smaller fans were having trouble starting up with the larger magnets on them.

Went for:
Server Fan - these are POWERFUL, so be careful with your fingers / remove blades if you have kids:
3 fo $40.- http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/234389147.html

Controller - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-8A-PIR-Sensor-LED-Strip-Light-Switch-Dimmer-Brightness-Adjustable-Controller/400514371595

Power Supply (fans are 1.6Amp): http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/120967914339?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Magnets - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Big-Super-Strong-Block-Strip-Cuboid-Magnets-Rare-Earth-Neodymium-30-x-10-x-5-mm-/170885527943
but I got a pack of 5 for about $10 from memory?

Drill holes out of the corner mount (8mm) and put through 5/16" bolts in as a stand, with rubber caps from Clarke Rubber over the top. Works so much better with water - haven't tried wort yet.... I've got KegKing erlenmeyer and the bottoms aren't flat - so the oval stirbars produce way less noise.

 

[KingKong]

Finished my build. Very happy with it! Is there a need to vortex when using it with a starter.



ed. I dont know how to turn that around.

 

[lael]

pics

 

[Edak]

Looking good lael

If anybody else is having trouble with a fan not starting up or working at low speeds then consider making a pwm stir plate, reason is that pwm will still drive at full voltage but pulses instead, which ensures motor doesn't struggle

 

[lael]

Looking good lael

If anybody else is having trouble with a fan not starting up or working at low speeds then consider making a pwm stir plate, reason is that pwm will still drive at full voltage but pulses instead, which ensures motor doesn't struggle

cheers Edak! I looked into PWM - have you built a circuit for it? I actually got those fans because they are 4 pin and can take full PWM output. Ideally I would like to use
http://www.overclockers.com/pwm-fan-controller
this circuit to send a 'true' PWM signal to the fans, which would also eliminate the noise. But... my knowledge of electronics is scarce. Any pointers?


Edit - PS to the above post. stirbars in the picture are 70mm oval stirbars - also off aliepxress for $8ea - guy was nice and thew in a 50mm one for free too! . They are large enough that they recenter themselves if they get thrown and you turn the fan off.

 

[Edak]

cheers Edak! I looked into PWM - have you built a circuit for it? I actually got those fans because they are 4 pin and can take full PWM output. Ideally I would like to use
http://www.overclockers.com/pwm-fan-controller
this circuit to send a 'true' PWM signal to the fans, which would also eliminate the noise. But... my knowledge of electronics is scarce. Any pointers?


Edit - PS to the above post. stirbars in the picture are 70mm oval stirbars - also off aliepxress for $8ea - guy was nice and thew in a 50mm one for free too! . They are large enough that they recenter themselves if they get thrown and you turn the fan off.

Mine was similar to the one you linked, I used a 555 timer but I don't think I used the diodes on the output. I can take a couple of photos for you if you would like...

 

[syl]

Well I found the answer to my low power issue, only used one HDD magnet thus far. TIME TO HARVEST MORE HDD'S!