PWM with 4-pin fans...
 
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PWM with 4-pin fans?

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(@straytexel)
Eminent Member
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 12
Topic starter  

Hi, 

I'm in the process of building a SimHub Shake-it fan setup. I currently have an Arduino Uno R3, and 2x 140mm NF-A14 iPPC-3000 fans. These are 4-pin PWM fans. I can't seem to find any guides that are using fans like these- most seem to be 2-pin DC fans.

FWIW, I'm currently planning to buy this motor shield: Amazon.com: HiLetgo TB6612 Mosfet for Arduino Motor Shield Standard IIC I2C TB6612FNG Stepper Motor PCA9685 PWM Servo Driver Shield V2 Robot PWM Uno Mega R3 Replace L293D : Industrial & Scientific

How exactly would I hook these fans up to the motor shield? Can someone please help clear-up my confusion here? 🙂

Thanks in advance!


   
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(@admin5435)
Prominent Member Admin
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 732
 

Hi ! With pwm fans you don't need any additionnal board 😉 : https://github.com/SHWotever/SimHub/wiki/Arduino-Shake-It#pwm-fans


   
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(@straytexel)
Eminent Member
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 12
Topic starter  

@admin5435 hi Wotever! Thanks for replying... that somewhat makes sense, but I think where I get lost is this part: 

  • Plug 12 V to a 12v power source

Do I buy a power supply like this (Amazon.com: Chanzon UL Listed 12V 2A 24W AC DC Switching Power Supply Adapter (Input 100-240V, Output 12 Volt 2 Amp) Wall Wart Transformer Charger for DC12V CCTV Camera LED Strip Light (6Ft Cord, 24 Watt Max) : Electronics) and plug it into the Arduino, and then somehow connect both fans' DC pin to some pin on the Uno PCB? Or do I need to connect the fan DC pins directly to the power supply (skipping the Uno altogether, and only connecting PWM and GND)?


   
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(@admin5435)
Prominent Member Admin
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 732
 
  • The power source + must go directly to the fan +12v (it's not connected to the Arduino.
  • The power source gnd must go to both Arduino (to any Arduino gnd pin) and fan.

Do not connect the power source to the Arduino plug. It's better to keep high power away from the Arduino. Some fans can draw easily up to 3-4 amps, if you run two of them and use the Arduino power plug it means running 6amps through the Arduino, it's above its capacity and it would easily fry.


   
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(@straytexel)
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Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 12
Topic starter  

@admin5435 got it- thank you!


   
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