mustang guy Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 (edited) I had an old ratshack 4"-115V AC fan for years and finally decided to put it to use. The problem is, it is kinda noisy. In fact, I measured the cab before the fan was on at 56db ambient, and when on, it raged to almost 80db. However; when I throw the Variac at it and lower it down to 80VAC, is whispers. In fact, the noise is virtually the same as ambient. Long story short, I want a transformer to step the voltage down to 80-85VAC. The fan is 115V 20watt rated. I would rather avoid using a variable fan controller, because I checked and at 60VAC the fan won't start (stalls) and that's a fire hazard. What's the quickest/cheapest yet safe way to get make a step down transformer that can handle this little fan? Edited February 24, 2016 by mustang guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 I bought an adjustable device on e-bay years ago. Let me see if I can find a link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 THIS isn't what I was looking for but would it work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Maybe a BETTER option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason str Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Why not just use a fan speed controller for a ceiling fan ? Set your wanted speed then forget its even there. Available at any home improvement center or local hardware store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pzannucci Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 You might want to look here: http://www.coolerguys.com/fanbracketkits.html I have one for my equipment, very quiet and moves a fair amount of air. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pzannucci Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 Oops, have found the real fan I used. http://www.frozencpu.com/products/9074/fan-561/Cabcool_120mm_Component_Cooling_Fan_-_1200_RPM_USB_Powered.html?tl=g54c503&id=UYqjtHZ4 Cheap, quiet, and effective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted March 6, 2016 Author Share Posted March 6, 2016 (edited) Thanks everybody. I finally chose Jason's idea. I put the fan controller in a shallow box, and wired it in series to the fan with the power coming out of the switched outlet. Here are some pics of the build. It was a difficult room in my son's house, but we got it done. RB-81 II's and RC-62 II with an el-cheapo Dayton 12" Sub. That's a 4K Visio 55". Edited March 6, 2016 by mustang guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pzannucci Posted March 7, 2016 Share Posted March 7, 2016 I hope you can get that fan to move enough air and still stay quiet. If not, check out some of the fans made to be super quiet to begin with along with having full flow. Nice project!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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