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Small circulating fan to cool amps

I have two tube amps that are on a rack system with wood shelves. Because of the space requirements of all the components on the rack, there is not as much space as I'd like to see between the top of the amps and the under side of the shelve above. Although I have not had any problem to date, I'd like to make sure it stays that way. These amps do throw a fair amount of heat. Has anyone had any experience with a small fan that could be used for ventilation? I looked at Radio Shack and although they had a number of small fans, the smallest and lightest ones were 12v. I'd much prefer to run off wall current, but I don't have alot of space in which to situate the fan. Their non-battery fans were just too big and heavy. Any suggestions?
frankm1
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Not sure of size requirements but check this fan out http://mcm.newark.com/NewarkWebCommerce/mcm/en_US/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?SKU=50-1672&N=0
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Frankm1, you didn't say if your amps are tube or ss, but I was thinking that if space is tight, you could buy some of those really little computer fans (they're only about 1.5 in square) that they put right on the printed circuit boards over IC chips like on video cards. They're very quiet and powerful enough for your needs, and just set them on top of the tube cage or over the vent slots of a ss unit.
frankm1 OP
58 posts
 
I'm also thinking that I may have to go with the 12v for lack of an alternative that will fit the my space requirements. I note that one of the postings above refers to using a different outlet. Currently, I have a PS Audio Power Port and I have a PS Audio Power Director plugged into it. My tube amps and other components all plug into the Power Director. If the 12v power supply is plugged into the other outlet on the Power Port, is this going to cause some sort of problem that might interfere with the operation of my other units?
rwwear
2,850 posts
 
It won't cause a problem except for being a wall wart and may take up too much space. A small extension cord can be plugged into the PS Audio and the wall wart can be plugged into it.
hbarrel's avatar
hbarrel
342 posts
 
The cooling of computers is a business all in itself.
You might do well to do some surfing in the world of computer cooling.
I'm afraid you might still end up using a 12 volt supply and don't be afraid to us a variac to control the fan speed.

That said, in the world of computer cooling exists a sub-culture regarding noise issues while cooling.
You'll want the quietest fan which moves the most air.

Cooling electronics is cooling electronics be it digital solid state or analog.

www.silentpcreview.com
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