[mythtv-users] Quiet fans

[Peter Loron]

On Oct 17, 2008, at 1:41 PM, Yan Seiner wrote:

>
> On Fri, October 17, 2008 1:10 pm, Peter Loron wrote:
>
>> Oh, yeah. I just checked my inventory, and I've got temp sensors from
>> Dallas/Maxim. Analog, and ST Micro in the parts bin. Guess my only
>> excuse for not doing it now is lack of time.  :-)
>>
>> Having the sensor on leads would be nice for checking the temp
>> someplace the PCB won't fit. Should also be pretty easy to multiplex
>> some sensors if you wanted multiple readings.
>
> You know, if you were to build a few of these, I'd buy a couple or  
> three.
> Basically, something that can handle 2-3 temp sensors, run up to 4  
> fans,
> and works off a regular PC power supply.
>
> That way you could stick the temp sensors inside the raid array and  
> run
> the fans based on the max temp in the array.
>
> (and a LCD showing the temp, usb interface, drivers... :-)  Just  
> kidding
> on those.)

I've been tinkering with parts and spreadsheets. Looks like my cost  
(in prototype quantities) for a unit that will programmatically  
control 3 fans (via PWM), have 3 thermistors controlling them, and  
have a 2x20 LCD screen, and USB connectivity would be around $26.

A "dumb" controller with direct temp controlled PWM driven fan headers  
and 3 thermistors would be around $13. No microcontroller, no USB, no  
display.

The fancy controller would have some kind of software that would allow  
you to monitor the status of the fans, adjust the speed<-->temp ratio,  
etc. The display would also have some programmability.

Thoughts? How much would *YOU* pay?  :-)

Basically if I can determine there is a market worth my time, I'll see  
what I can do.

-Pete