Computer Fan help needed

[nicki]

I've read different threads that mention using computer fans to circulate the air around orchids. For someone with no knowledge to this stuff can anyone with experience provide me with a little more information on the supplies I'd need and the how to. Anything would be helpful no matter how basic or common knowledge it would seem. Thanks!

[rapidan]

I use to have one but the fan died pretty quick. I dunno if it was just a bad fan or what...

[pavel]

I have no doubt there are members out there MUCH more wire savy and clever than myself. I, simple individual that I am, picked up a cheap variable AC/DC adaptor, cut off the connector end that would plug into the electronic device (NOT the end that goes into the wall), split the cord into its two main wires, strip the plastic of the last 1/2 inch to inch of each wire, and then used the cheap plastic connectors/splicers (can't remember what they are called ... if I remember I'll try to check later) to join the two wires from the fan to the adaptor's wires.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Nicki, are your orchids growing in a terrarium? If they are not, you could use small house hold size fans to circulate the air around your orchids. There are many different types and sized and even in my greenhouse, I use some small fans that oscillate back and forth to move air around the orchids that are bunched together on the lower shelves.

Cheers,
BD

[sarraceniac]

The PC power supply puts out 2 different circuits, one at 5 volts and one at 12 volts. I can't remember which circuit a case cooling fan uses but can find out if you want. (The fan may even have it on it). The simplest way would be to use a computer PSU as your power supply for the fan. If the fan has a small plug on that normally goes into the motherboard then you can buy a simple adapter for pennies. You really want (for simplicity only) to use one of those 4 hole adapters that would normally plug into an IDE (not SATA) internal hard disk or CD/DVD player. Then everything would be correctly wired anyway and all you would have to do is invent a simple way of holding the fan. There is, of course, a cooling fan within the PSU itself and this could also be used as a secondary fan pointed at you orchids. BUT, whilst this system has been used by a few people it is hopelessly inefficient. Computer case fans are designed to circulate air very feebly round a very small area. Unless you are growing in a small terrarium then BDs system is far more efficient and cost effective.

[nicki]

BD, my orchids are not in a terrarium but I'm looking into putting them in some sort of enclosure.
Winter time I can't keep the humidity up. I think multiple computer fans will work better for what I need to do. Plus I want to add to my collection and so I've learned I need to protect them from 2 curious cats that 'welcome' home almost every plant I've had. Thanks for the help everyone.

[BrianC]

Small fans from a laptop cooler may also work.

They are powered by USB, which is easier for some people.

[Paphiogirl]

Last summer i had purchased an incubator for hatching my quails eggs. there was an optional circulated air fan kit that sold for around 50 dollars, being ever so frugal i went online trying to dig up some information on incubator fans and came across a video on you on how to make your own fan for the incubator using a cpu computer fan and a simple cell phone wall mount charger, the set up was easy and worked great... and may i add only cost me 1.98 total!
i purchased the cpu fan brand new on ebay for only .99 cents shipping incuded and i had a spare charger that i recycled to give the fan power supply. the seller also had neat fans that have led light on them which im sure if utilized correctly coulkd make for one gorgoues nighttime neon orchid display or even light up a terreium!! here is the link for the youtube video. as far as the fans they sell them a dime a dozen on ebay dirt cheap. the led clad cpu fans usually run only a half a dollar or so more..dirt cheap! The input for the fan needs to be 12 volts and most (if not all) cell phone chargers output is (wait for it) 12 volts! Goodluck!