How to create a temperature controller for a CPU cooling fan (or similar cooling fan for other electronics) only a few bucks and a handful of parts.
Build yourself a fan temperature control [via]
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Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.
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The MOSFET dissipates no heat when it is fully “off” or “on.” However, in theory, there is a temperature at which the MOSFET will be “half on” and will dissipate heat. How much current does the fan draw under that condition? Is a heat sink needed?
Yup, Michael C, you are correctly alluding to a weakness in this design. Properly realized, this circuit would include a comparator (w/hysteresis) to make sure the mosfet is truly switched. mosfets have a great deal of process spread, so this is not a ‘good circuit.’
Without wanting to come off as a latent jerk, it wouldn’t kill a person to read a few books on electronic design. Fairchild’s op amp hand book, the Art of Electronics, ARRL pubs, something!