I need "thermal management" assistance...

[sdcfan18]

First off, I apologize if this in the in wrong section, feel free to move it...

So...here's my problem. I've build a AV/TV stand for my new plasma, but now have an issue. I only have one shelf that is big enough to fit my Yamaha 6190 (replaced the HK354 that is in the photo) and the Emotiva XPA-3 that should be on the way soon (it will be going where the PS3 is in the photo). Problem is, the opening is only 9", not leaving a lot of room above the units (2.5" above the AVR, 1.25" above the amp). Because of this, I want something that will move the warm air away from the units.

Also, am I hurting anything by having that little room? The top of the AVR doesn't feel too warm, so I'm not really worried. I just really want to make sure I'm not going to hurt either the AVR or the amp once the XPA-3 gets in there and starts to warm things up a little more.

As you can see, there is lots of room between the units and about 5 inches to the outside. The back is wide open and the door are opened for air movement when things are in use. The only real issue I see is the space above the units.

So far, this Mid Atlantic fan is really the only thing I've found. Problem is that the store that carries them locally wants $80/ea and that's a little out of my price range. Anyone found anything a little easier on the wallet or something that is DIY. My only request is that it has a two prong AC plug. This way I can plug it directly into the AVR so they turn on at the same time.

Link to Mid Atlantic (Called the COMP COOL (http://www.middleatlantic.com/rackac/cooling/qcool.htm#cabcool))

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/sdcfan18/100_0498Medium.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/sdcfan18/compcooler.jpg

[eloplayspolo]

You could get some rack mount coolers and fabricate them on to the rear of the unit and pull air out of the back end of the stand. seems like a simple solution to me....

[eloplayspolo]

also. you may just be better off with everything open. I dont see why the airflow wouldnt cut it. and im sure u want everything to look really nice... but what about something like this even... http://www.amazon.com/Clip-Stik-Desk-Fan-2-SPEED/dp/B000RL0O1C... if u have room behind the units.... just set them down back there.

another option http://cgi.ebay.com/Laptop-Cooler-Fan-Pad-7-USB-Port-Hub-AC-Power-Adapter_W0QQitemZ370134185304QQcmdZViewItem

may im not picturing a solution easily in my head.

[Montoya]

AV cooler http://www.antec.com/usa/productDetails.php?lan=us&id=75007# not sure on quality so make sure and do your research I have seen these at frys for cheap though.

[mmadden28]

AV cooler http://www.antec.com/usa/productDetails.php?lan=us&id=75007# not sure on quality so make sure and do your research I have seen these at frys for cheap though.

That looks pretty cool-help get the heat to the back even with low clearance.

I am going to be doing a DIY thing. I already bought the fans (low noise computer fans) and the controller (which has an AC plug) with connection for 4 fans and speed controlls for each one separately. One of the fans I bought will adjust its speed based on the heat. I just have to build a frame of sorts to hold the fans and then install. I may do a fan at the bottom pulling fresh air in, then another at the top of the space pulling hot air out.

I may consider getting one of those Antec AV coolers too (instead of my temp controlled fan) for the Onk 805 since its the hottest component i have-just to have that extra boost.

Right now I have it kinda ghetto and running with my doors slightly open and I just have a fan sitting in the front just sucking air out. The back of mey cabinet is closed. I haven't done it yet as it would be a major project taking all the equipment out and such and I can't mode the entertainment center AT ALL.

If you built the stand yourself (meaning fabricated and not just assembled) then I would think you would have no problem fabricating something for some computer fans with your open back cabinet.

[Hawkeye]

Heat is a big killer in electronics. Can you invest in a new rack that will give you the clearance you really need?

Plugging motors into your AVR is not advisable. You may introduce a hum that will have you running in circles trying to figure it out. You've got a nice chunk of change tied up in your rig and putting it in that cabinet may shorten its life.

Gordon

[sdcfan18]

That looks pretty cool-help get the heat to the back even with low clearance.

I am going to be doing a DIY thing. I already bought the fans (low noise computer fans) and the controller (which has an AC plug) with connection for 4 fans and speed controlls for each one separately. One of the fans I bought will adjust its speed based on the heat. I just have to build a frame of sorts to hold the fans and then install. I may do a fan at the bottom pulling fresh air in, then another at the top of the space pulling hot air out.

I may consider getting one of those Antec AV coolers too (instead of my temp controlled fan) for the Onk 805 since its the hottest component i have-just to have that extra boost.

Right now I have it kinda ghetto and running with my doors slightly open and I just have a fan sitting in the front just sucking air out. The back of mey cabinet is closed. I haven't done it yet as it would be a major project taking all the equipment out and such and I can't mode the entertainment center AT ALL.

If you built the stand yourself (meaning fabricated and not just assembled) then I would think you would have no problem fabricating something for some computer fans with your open back cabinet.


Yes, I built the stand from scratch. I think I might come us with something like you've described. Take everything out and put some fans on the back.

I've posted this on a few other sites, and have only got one reply. This is why I'm such a fan of the Polk Forum. You guys are always willing to help each other! Keep the ideas coming!

[mmadden28]

As mentioned, some simple fans at the back might be good enough in your case with an open back. Like I said in my case right now I have the front doors open with a fan pulling air out and it seems to keep things sufficiently cooler. In my case I have a sealed (well closed back) center. Of course the doors being open thing is very low on the WAF (and My AF as well) and it's only temp and doesn't really get the circulation going as well as it could.

If you go the PC Fan route...The fan controller I got is this one (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0251807). I don't think I paid $40. You can probable find other designs and brands. Just linking so you have a start.
Look for fans that are on the quiet side since this is your Home Theater we're talking about. Might want to put a filter in on the intake fans-I picked up some of the filters at Home Depot meant to be placed in the floor vents/registers like these (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100351670&N=10000003+500387+90034). No sense in pulling in any more dust. I'm going to fashion mine so I can easily replace the filter.
Also I know I've seen kits like this on eBay from time to time for a decent price too.

[fossy]

Parasound makes a good looking fan in their Z line of products but is expensive

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAZBREEZE

[ViperZ]

Find some quiet Panaflo Lo 120 or 180 mm computer fans, run them through any 12V power supply and you are in business. As previously suggested, you can also control those fans with the rheostat fan controller - there are many of those available for cheap.

[sdcfan18]

Find some quiet Panaflo Lo 120 or 180 mm computer fans, run them through any 12V power supply and you are in business. As previously suggested, you can also control those fans with the rheostat fan controller - there are many of those available for cheap.

I notice that you are in Toronto. I'm about 60min. away in Brantford. Is there anywhere local that sells these parts?

[eloplayspolo]

if ur in canada just open a window!

[sdcfan18]

if ur in canada just open a window!


Hardy Har Har!!!

LMAO, it that all we are to you people...Eskimos?:D:p

[nebborjk]

Hardy Har Har!!!

LMAO, it that all we are to you people...Eskimos?:D:p

That and bad spellers.:p

[ViperZ]

I notice that you are in Toronto. I'm about 60min. away in Brantford. Is there anywhere local that sells these parts?

Closer to Brantford...

Computer stores: canadacomputers (http://canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProdList&cmd=pl&id=FN.505) and tigerdirect (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=2216&name=140MM-Fans&Nav=|c:494|&Sort=0&Recs=10)


If you want more industrial/rugged ones, there are several electronics stores on Matheson/Dixie in Mississauga (just off 401), including Sayal and Active. Those guys usually have a good selection.

[eloplayspolo]

http://www.xoxide.com/logisys-4channel-rckit.html

every fan u ever could want is on this site.
http://www.xoxide.com/casefans.html

[ViperZ]

360mm silent case fan! That's cool!
http://www.xoxide.com/360mm-case-fan.html

[sdcfan18]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I got sick of looking for a good deal, so I decided to make it a DIY project. I went to a local surplus stores and good all the things I needed.

12v cell phone adapter ($3.95)
12v DC computer fan (for the Emotiva) ($4.95)
12v DC video card fan (for the Yamaha) ($9.95)

It was as easy and cutting off the ends and splicing the + to the + side and the - to the - side. Simple as pie. You'll notice in the pics that I used electrical tape to hold the wires together. This was just to test, I'll be using Cable Taps to secure the connections.

Blows lots air so I can now keep the doors closed. Again, thanks for the advice and help! I will post pics of the final setup when everything is set into place.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/sdcfan18/P1010018Medium.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/sdcfan18/P1010019Medium.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/sdcfan18/P1010020Medium.jpg

[zingo]

Nice job and I have done a couple DIY computer fan installs in A/V cabinets, desks, etc. It's a very low cost and simple solution. And thanks for not using electrical tape on the final install... :p

[wainemaine]

I'm kinda late here, but something to keep in mind for later use, you can get 220 volt AC fans and run them off 110, they will run at 1/2 speed and will be very quiet , I have seen some that are 6-8" in diameter and move a lot of air quietly.