EDIT: BEFORE YOU BURN DOWN YOUR HOUSE REMEMBER YOUR DC ADAPTER MUST MATCH UP TO YOUR FAN'S SPECIFICATIONS. The voltage must be exactly the same and the amperage (amps) on the dc adapter must be equal too or higher than your fans
Ok here's the list of materials:
18 Gallon container (K-Mart, $5.00 on sale)
2 Level Tray (Martha Stewart Collection, K-Mart, $6.00 MSRP)
78 CFM 12v DC 180mA Computer Fan (Radioshack, $10)
12v AC to DC Converter, 500mA (Radioshack, $10)
Tools:
Screw Driver
Pliers
20awg Wire Connectors (2)
Glue Gun (or caulk)
Ok here we go:
So have a look in your container and figure out where you are going to mount your fan. This is what mine looks like
Next take a look at the wiring come out for you fan. It has v-slot jacks that you are going to have to take off. Note that only red and black wires are coming out of the fan, then it is split to v-slot specification.
Grab your 12v dc adapter and cut off the jack at the end. Split the wires apart and strip the ends. before you plug it in check the wiring harness on your fan and see what pins lead to the black and red wires coming out of the fan. On mine they share pins with a black and yellow wire.
these are the pins you will be leading the wires from the dc adapter.
Now test your fan by touching the matching colored wires to each other. don't worry if you accidentally touch black-red/black-red instead of black-black/red-red, it will work either way.
Tada! now we know that our fan works!
Next step is to trace where you will be mounting your fan
Cut out a hole to roughly match the size of your fan and tap holes for the screws. Mount your fan and lead the wires through the large hole to the outside of your box. I mounted mine so the air is moving out of the box, but i suppose you could make it an intake if you like. You can tap a seperate hole for your wires, but i opted not to. It should look something like this:
Next up, Cut off the wiring harness of your fan power cable, leaving only the black and white wires coming from the fan itself. I recommend you leave your self as much length as possible. Use some crimping connectors, tap, heatshrink tubing, or anything else that safely connects your wires. I used crimpers. It should look something like this:
Now take your hot glue and run beads along the edges of your fan creating an air tight mount.
Now, i dont know if you will need to do this or not, depending on your fan and box size, but i had to add some intake holes because when the lid was put on it slowed the fan down... which meens the fan was being stressed and would eventually start creating heat. Not pretty but they work
Put in your rack, stand back, and be proud of your creation! this is what mine looks like all said and done:
You can use different rack styles too, add in dehumidifiers and carbon filters, and create ducting, but i don't really have any issues that would be solved by these additions.
I hope you like it, i won't be testing it out for another 2-3weeks, but i am sure it will be quicker than straight up hanging.
Last edited: