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Help with ventilation for electronics
#146347 08/28/06 10:12 PM
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ShaunB Offline OP
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Hello everyone.

I need some help with the ventilation of this Entertainment Center Console, (click the image on the right). The part I am speaking of has the glass doors on either side and three drawers in the center. The inner dimensions of each side to be ventilated are 19"W x 23.5"D x 21"H. There is a glass shelf that divides the upper and lower half with a 1/4" gap on all sides. The rear is covered with pressboard and has openings for cabling.

While I am aware that this isn't the best option for storing electronics, this passed the WAF. I currently open the glass door when viewing TV through my Comcast DVR since the DVR heats up like an oven. I will be adding an HTPC soon and will want to keep it cool.

I have found something that might work, but would like to get your opinions/ recommendations. I found this Fan setup on E***. Would putting a setup like this in the upper section of the rear panel remove the heat that rises? How about the same setup to draw in cool air?

Thanks in advance for your help and responses,
Shaun


Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot.
Re: Help with ventilation for electronics
ShaunB #146348 08/28/06 10:28 PM
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axiomite
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Hi Shaun,

I would guess that a fan(s) are definitely the answer to your dilemma. There have been some threads here on the forum concerning this issue. You might do a "fan" search for suggestions. You definitely want to be sure to get a fan(s) that is quiet, and efficient. Maybe some of our computer experts, who know about these types of fans, can offer a critique of the fans you're looking at, and/or offer other suggestions.


Jack

"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton
Re: Help with ventilation for electronics
Ajax #146349 08/28/06 11:07 PM
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those stupid DVR boxes do get pretty hot. I figure when i get mine, if i fry it because of not enough ventilation or whatever then oh well, i'll just have the cable company give me another one

Re: Help with ventilation for electronics
Haoleb #146350 08/29/06 12:21 AM
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I have DirecTv's HD DVR and have never noticed it to even get warm, the unit has a fan on the back but I don't recall ever hearing it, and per instructions my DVR is on at all times.


A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
Re: Help with ventilation for electronics
ShaunB #146351 08/29/06 02:22 AM
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Shaun, the only thing I would be concerned with is the amp draw of the fans. You need to find that out.

The 24 volt thermostat shown has a max current rating of only 2amps. If the fans are close or slightly over, you will be burning through thermostats like candy. Idealy, he should have installed a small glass fuse in-line.

There is no mention of warranty that I could find in the add. (Honestly, I really didn't look that close)


Shawn

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Re: Help with ventilation for electronics
real80sman #146352 08/29/06 02:32 AM
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You might want to look at the Middle Atlantic Ultra Quiet Fan Panels, We use them for some of our projects at work, theyre nice. but expensive.

Middle Atlantic Fans

Re: Help with ventilation for electronics
Haoleb #146353 08/29/06 02:39 AM
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How expensive are we talking here?


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Re: Help with ventilation for electronics
Ken.C #146354 08/29/06 03:03 AM
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a few hundred $$$ :O

Re: Help with ventilation for electronics
Ajax #146355 08/29/06 03:24 AM
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Oh, and Jack is right - there was no mention of the Db rating in that add. (But the guy's feedback does indicate that his buyers think they're quiet)


Shawn

Epic 80/600 + M3's + M3 Algonquins + M2 Computer + EP125
I think I'm developing an addiction.
Re: Help with ventilation for electronics
Haoleb #146356 08/29/06 04:29 AM
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ShaunB Offline OP
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Haoleb, those are nice looking fan panels but a little pricey.

real80sman, so far his ratings are good, but you know how that works. No follow ups to say it broke in three days.

I was just talking to my brother-in-law the "Electrical Engineer" and he suggested the pre-fab way too. I think he meant he didn't want to volunteer to build them for me. His X-mas gift just got downgraded to a Dollar Store gift card valued at $1!

I found another site with Pre-Fab units. Sadly, none have a thermostat installed. It would work for my Yami V2600, but not for the HTPC. The size is right there. I can fit something up to 19" total, with the fan width to around 17".

Here is where we installed the console. I almost need to grease the sides of the console to squeeze it into the alcove. It's six inches from the rear wall, so there's room to move air back there.


Please forgive the flash. The Yami is unseen on the left under the DVR. The HTPC will go on the right under the DVD player.

So I'll re-phrase one of my questions. Would you (1) Go passive for a cool air intake low on the back and powered up high to remove the heat? OR (2) Powered fans for the intake and exaust?
Keep the ideas coming!

Shaun


Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot.
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