Suggestions for Cooling Fans?

I need some suggestions. I find that my 950/7100 combo is running hot and I am looking into adding some external cooling. The components are stacked (950 on top of 7100) with about 2" of space between them and the rack is open on all sides.

I have seen some small fans but they were rated at 12V DC. However since I want to plug the fan into a powerstrip, I assume I need to have fans rated at 120V AC. And quiet would be nice! Any suggestions on set up or recommendations on brands? Looking to spend about $25 or so.

Thanks,

Mukund

Would you be willing to try having the 7100 two inches above the 950? Perhaps no fans will be needed if there will be no obstruction to the air flow above the 7100 at all.

While there are 120vac fans to buy, if the 12vdc fans are the size needed and they are quiet, how much current would you need total? Would an AC to DC converter, wall wart style or otherwise, handle the load?

You should not need fans. As long as you have the open sides and the top has the clearance, your units should be getting the right thermal dissipation. While there is no spec for max temp in the manual, I have my 770 is enclosed on three with only the back open and about 6 inches of clearance on top and the 1 inch on bottom and I have measured the temp and it never goes above 120 degrees F, when I was running it loud on purpose to test this. Normally is stays right around the low 100's. Per the manual, you only need 2-3 inches above if your in a open cabinet.

You should measure the temp if you can to verify just how hot is hot. If your going above 150 or more, than maybe you have cause, otherwise, I would not worry.

bestbang4thebuck - There is a 1" to 1.5" clearance above the 950, so stacking the 7100 on top may not help too much. Also I was unsure if the 7100 was too heavy to stack on the 950. I was hoping to avoid using an AC to DC converter as I thought it would be easier not to do so. I am fine using one...any suggestions on a brand that has worked well?

alphanstein - I kind of agree...I *probably* don't need a fan, but the components do get somewhat hot and this is compounded by the fact that I get some direct sunshine on that area in the afternoons. I don't have a way to measure the temperature, but it does get very hot to the touch. Is that 120, 130 or 150...I am not sure. So the fan is more for peace of mind.

Thanks for the suggestions!

A fan will also add noise, no matter how slow a fan you try and choose. You can easily add a 12V fan and just use an off the shelf 12V wall wart supply, as long as it has enough current for the fan you choose. Places to get both are partsexpress.com, digikey.com, mouser.com, etc. You would want to get a slow/low CFM spec model as they will be the quietest.

Easy way to measure is if you have a digital thermometor like the ones that you use in your mouth, you can place near the vents to get a close enough estimate.

I use a cheap indoor/outdoor thermometer to monitor temperature in my rack. The remote sensor can sit on a little paper-clip stand about 1/4" or 1/2" above the top of the amp. I've recorded temperatures as high as 110F, but that was with very tight clearances in a closed rack.

My rigging is enclosed in a cabinet, and the fan noise isn't so noticable, so you may have issues with noise if your rack is open. However, this Rat Shack combo ought to work for you price-wise, macharya, as long as you're OK with basic electrical:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=273-242
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=61-2852

Connect the leads from the fan to the appropriate leads on the AC cord (elec. tape, butt connector, etc) and you're set. I have it hooked to a switched outlet on my power conditioner to sync power-on w/my audio gear.

Spent mucho time looking for a better alternative, but unless you're willing to plunk down $100 or more, it's a pretty empty field. Hope this helps you out.

You might try getting a 24V DC fan and run it at 12 or 15 volts. You probably don't need to move much air and cutting the voltage will have it spin slower & quieter. I've done this on PC fans before to cut the noise. Also, you should probably get a ball bearing not a sleeve bearing model.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll take a look at the Radio Shack option.

-Mukund

Look on Ebay. That's where I got mine and they are fine. (I need to update my pics. My previous 'cooling fan' was a high tech Wall Mart version. )

Here is what I did in my component rack.

MeanGene\'s Rack with Quiet Fans