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Thread: VDM to control fans

  1. #1
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    VDM to control fans

    I have searched the forum and read several posts about controlling DC fans via VDM but it is still not clear to me so I would like to ask the experts to help clarify things for me.

    I have 4 DC fans over my tank to help with cooling. Currently, these fans are being powered by an adjustable voltage universal ac-dc adapter. Fans will run from 3v all the way to 10v. Fan speed varies depending on the voltage.

    My goal is to control the speed of these fans with the VDM module depending on the temp of the tank. I tried connecting these fans to the vdm module directly but fans wont turn on even at 10v output from the VDM (output confirmed via digital multimeter).

    What do I need to make this work?

    Thanks in advance!


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  2. #2
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    VDM to control fans

    Photo of my current setup for reference





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  3. #3
    Master Control Freak RussM's Avatar
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    Variable/0-10v outputs cannot be used to provide power to anything. The output is simply an analog control signal.
    Please do not send me PMs with technical questions or requesting assistance - use the forums for Apex help. PM me ONLY if the matter is of a private or personal nature. Thanks.

  4. #4
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    Thanks for the quick response!

    So cant be done via direct connection to the VDM.

    What do I need to make this work? If LED lights could be controlled via VDM im hoping that there is a device out there that could control my fans.

    Thanks again!


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  5. #5
    Frequent Contributor zombie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dhoggs View Post
    I have searched the forum and read several posts about controlling DC fans via VDM but it is still not clear to me so I would like to ask the experts to help clarify things for me.

    I have 4 DC fans over my tank to help with cooling. Currently, these fans are being powered by an adjustable voltage universal ac-dc adapter. Fans will run from 3v all the way to 10v. Fan speed varies depending on the voltage.

    My goal is to control the speed of these fans with the VDM module depending on the temp of the tank. I tried connecting these fans to the vdm module directly but fans wont turn on even at 10v output from the VDM (output confirmed via digital multimeter).

    What do I need to make this work?

    Thanks in advance!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    We can be of no help without the schematic and other documentation for your AC-DC converter.

    Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

  6. #6
    Frequent Contributor zombie's Avatar
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    Disregard my last post. I misread your post. What you need is a 12V motor speed controller that has a 0-10V input to be able to make this work.

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  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by zombie View Post
    Disregard my last post. I misread your post. What you need is a 12V motor speed controller that has a 0-10V input to be able to make this work.

    Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
    Do you have a link of where I could get the needed controller? Thanks again!!


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  8. #8
    Frequent Contributor zombie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dhoggs View Post
    Do you have a link of where I could get the needed controller? Thanks again!!


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    You need something like this.

    http://controlresources.com/product_data/

    SmartFan Aurora

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  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by zombie View Post
    You need something like this.

    http://controlresources.com/product_data/

    SmartFan Aurora

    Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
    Thanks again!!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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