Beer Forum

Here is step one of the stir plate I am making.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk64 ... rplate.jpg

That looks one hell of a lot like a computer fan. I've never seen an AC computer fan. Most run on 12v DC.
If that is in fact a DC motor, when you try to plug that into the wall, it will almost definitely burn right out. (I tried zooming in on the pic but couldn't read anything.)

Please disregard this if it is in fact an AC motor.

Otherwise, it looks like you are off to a good start.

Thanks Bdawg.

It is not a computer fan. I work on slot machines we use this type of fan to cool the stands that progressive controllers and sign controllers are housed in. It is a 115VAC, 50/60hz, 1 phase motor. I was not my first choice. I wanted a DC fan so I could add a led bar that would light up as the motor speed increased (for some reason I like blinking lights). I still may try adding a led. I went with this fan because I got it at a very reasonable price...if you know what I mean.

I probably will just add a pot, magnets, and put it in a case.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk64 ... /acled.gif

you mean like this?
http://tyson.colby.googlepages.com/homebrewstirplate

Yes. Just like that. I like the tupperware container. Those are much cheaper than the electronic enclosures. Thanks for the link.

if you or anyone is interested...
i just ordered a lot of 40 printed circuit boards that integrate the led bar graph display, led driver ic, and voltage regulator. the speed control pot, on/off switch, and fan all connect to the board. the end user only needs to supply the wall wort (12v) and a pc fan w/magnets as well as find a clever way to mount it all up. a plastic tupperware bowl was the cheapest i could come up with.


the board looks similar to this but the bar graph display will mount on the backside. two of the four orange trimmer pots are used to set the slow and fast speeds (min and max voltage output of regulator) and the other two set the range of the display to match your desired min/max voltage.

Of course we're interested. How much do you want for one with all the fancy leds, etc.? Also, can someone tell me how big of starter can be driven by these 12V computer fans? I was looking at the large stirrer at NB (not currently available) that can handle 2l or possibly even larger flasks.
-Eric

I can spin 5 liters with my home made stir plate. I use a 12v fan and a magnet from a pc hard drive.

foomench wrote:Of course we're interested. How much do you want for one with all the fancy leds, etc.? Also, can someone tell me how big of starter can be driven by these 12V computer fans? I was looking at the large stirrer at NB (not currently available) that can handle 2l or possibly even larger flasks.
-Eric