SUPER STEALTH SUPER COOLED 1st PC GROW

[matero23]

Ok, i got this PC CASE

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?S=1190&ID=1461

that my brother bought but never got the chance to build so i decided to make a pc grow out of it. What i need help is with the whole wiring of the fans. The case comes with 3 fans, u can get the specifications of them from the link i posted. and also how to mount the lights on. i wanted to do some sort of way of screwing some mounts on to the sides and wire them all together, and connect it to one power source. i dont know if all this is possible, im just comin up with ideas of makin this a very clean yet very effective case. if anyone can give me some help or ideas if this was what u had to work with and wanted to make it as stealth as possible. BTW i am not thinkin of using any scrubber or anything. odor will not be an issue as i live in a house with 3 roommates and we all smoke lmao, so odor is not a problem. Any other information u may want of the tower that u dont get from the link, feel free to ask. Thank you all, i hope to start a journal very soon with this bad boy

-mateo!

 

[matero23]

anyone... anyone

 

[ScrubNinja]

Well first of all you have to work out the total amps of all the fans, it doesn't say on that page that I could see, then get a 12v dc power supply and make sure the amps of it is more than the total of the fans.

I always recommend the following style because they come with the fan connector already on it



Mind you, I did have to switch one wire before it would work



Or you can use the more common style like you might use to charge your phone or power something else, or buy one at radio shack or wuteva. As long as it's DC and 12v and follows the amps rule you'll be fine. A common move is to get one that has a switchable voltage, like 12v, 9v, 6v etc. This can let you adjust your fan speeds to some degree. I try to just buy fans with a speed controller dial and use them with the power adaptor I showed.

Or you can use a computer power supply but that's kind of bulky in a micro grow.

I'm pretty sure the fan I use for the canopy in my tent is a 120mm thermaltake and it's really good.

 

[matero23]

Well first of all you have to work out the total amps of all the fans, it doesn't say on that page that I could see, then get a 12v dc power supply and make sure the amps of it is more than the total of the fans.

I always recommend the following style because they come with the fan connector already on it



Mind you, I did have to switch one wire before it would work



Or you can use the more common style like you might use to charge your phone or power something else, or buy one at radio shack or wuteva. As long as it's DC and 12v and follows the amps rule you'll be fine. A common move is to get one that has a switchable voltage, like 12v, 9v, 6v etc. This can let you adjust your fan speeds to some degree. I try to just buy fans with a speed controller dial and use them with the power adaptor I showed.

Or you can use a computer power supply but that's kind of bulky in a micro grow.

I'm pretty sure the fan I use for the canopy in my tent is a 120mm thermaltake and it's really good.

- Front (intake) :
120 x 120 x 25 mm, 1400 rpm, 21 dBA
Fan Dimension 120 x 120 x 25 mm
Fan Speed 2000 RPM
Fan Speed Control N/A
LED Color N/A
Bearing Type Sleeve
Noise Level 21 dBA
Max. Air Flow 78 CFM
Max. Air Pressure 2.97 mm H2O
Power Connector Molex 4-pin
Rated Voltage
Started Voltage 6V
7V Max
Rated Current 0.38A
Power Input 4.56W
MTBF 30000 Hours
Weight 156 g

- Rear (exhaust) :
Blue LED fan, 120 x 120 x 25 mm, 1400 rpm, 21 dBA
Fan Dimension 120 x 120 x 25 mm
Fan Speed 2000 RPM
Fan Speed Control N/A
LED Color Blue
Bearing Type Sleeve
Noise Level 21 dBA
Max. Air Flow 78 CFM
Max. Air Pressure 2.97 mm H2O
Power Connector 4-pin
Rated Voltage 12V
Started Voltage 6V
Rated Current 0.38A
Power Input 4.56W
MTBF 30000 Hours
Weight 140 g

- Side (intake) :
90 x 90 x 25 mm, 1800 rpm, 21 dBA
Fan Dimension 90 x 90 x 25 mm
Fan Speed 2850 RPM
Fan Speed Control N/A
LED Color N/A
Bearing Type Dual-Ball Bearing
Noise Level 35 dBA
Max. Air Flow 56 CFM
Max. Air Pressure 3.98 mm H2O
Power Connector 3-pin
Rated Voltage 12V
Started Voltage 7V
Rated Current 0.22A
Static Pressure
Operation Temperature -10C ~ 70C
Power Input 2.64W
MTBF 50000 Hours
Weight 90 g

These are more specifications of each individual fan i found. based on this will the power u showed me work to power all these fans? I would rather go with the power supply u showed me, cause i want to keep the extra added stuff as little as possible to maximize more space for growth. Thanks Ninja!!


Any one have any ideas on hard mounting the lights to the sides of the case, and anyone know how i can re-wire them all together and connect that aswell to one power source so they can all go on and off in unison, also i guess so its only one plug that goes into the timer, if all this actually makes any sense?!?!

 

[ScrubNinja]

You're welcome dude. On the front intake fan it doesn't mention a rated voltage. Assuming it's 12v (I'm assuming it's safe to assume, lol), your amps add up to 0.98 amps, and the adaptor I showed is 1amp, so yes, it's a good choice, except you won't have any speed control. If you look in computer stores or ebay etc, you can find aftermarket speed controllers so maybe that'll help you out if you need speed control.

With mounting your light holders, it's always better to use a physical sort of mount, like a screw, a bolt, etc. I guess you're asking because if you put a screw in the side, it'll be visible from outside. I glued some of mine, no problem, as long as it's a good glue CFLs are extremely light. Or you could glue a large sheet of wood to the inside of your case's side wall and use that to screw into.

The wiring is gonna depend on what country you're from. The main challenge is wiring up the first holder. Once you can do that without blowing anything up, it's a matter of doubling those wires up and extending the second set of wires to the same connections on the next holder, and so on. That's about as well as I can explain it. I'd suggest searching for "parallel wiring" and study the idea, because that's what you're wanting to do - wire in parallel (as against "in series").

Anyway, hopefully someone from your country can give you details. The following is an australian example ONLY:

As someone who's been electrocuted a few times (never while building PCs lol) I would highly suggest you check out the basics of wiring, someplace like wikipedia.org just so you know better what's going on. And never plug it in until you're 300% certain that it's wired correctly and lastingly. It's also hard to get a firm hold on 2 wires in the same contact when you start going in parallel. One of those comes loose and it's game over not just for your plants, lights, and fans.

HTH

 

[Lord Doobie]

in these setups, fans are usually put on the bottom front (intake) and on the top back(exhaust)
since you said lights, I'm guessing multiple CFL's...
you can either get individual sockets and mount them on a board or 3-4 pre-mounted sockets as a complete fixture at HD or Lowes for $10...usually in bathroom lighting
the thread below is the PC case growers club which will answer all your questions
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=54232

 

[ScrubNinja]

The thumbnails don't lead to the pics

 

[matero23]

@ DOOBIE- I already have three light fixtures mounted at the top, i will be using 4 26w and maybe throw in some 42w during flowering, thats why i want my ventilation to be in optimum conditions. i guess im being extremely precautious... measuring twice cutting once!!

@ Ninja- im still having alot of trouble uploading the pictures how i would really like them to. can you help me out?

 

[ScrubNinja]

Sure mate. If you don't see the following screen, click the "Go advanced" button. I recommend the lower option of clicking the thumbnails:

 

[matero23]

I Got it!!! finally these look alot better! any one please any input, +/- , ill appreciate, but lets keep it positive hahaha

 

[Forest20]

Very nice setup you have plan are you going to LST your plants or Bonsai mum it? K+

 

[irie4i]

GL putting it together looks promising as PC grows go

 

[ScrubNinja]

This is a sick collection of equipment bro. Very nice work so far. I've used that clear thermaltake one a lot, it's a great fan. Don't forget to snip the LEDs if it has them. Sunon is a good brand for fans too. The only thing I can see if I'm being really picky is you may want to shorten the wires on your lights so the wires aren't so close to the bulbs. It can get hot right above the bulbs. Best of luck.

 

[Aerohead]

That's a nice case, good start too!
That's quite a mixed bag of fans you have there, looks like the Sunon should be exhaust by the ratings on it. Best way to go from here is put the 42w bulbs in, hook up some fans, and see what the temps are. Ideally you will need to re-create the front and rear panels for the fans and ditch the side case fan. What kind of tools do you have access to?

 

[jonkanoo]

.

 

[matero23]

Very nice setup you have plan are you going to LST your plants or Bonsai mum it? K+

Thanks man, i actually plan on doing a scrog. Aeroheads case really inspired me. im gonna start off with at least 6 plants in 20 oz bottles for space then hopefully get 4 females then repot then and weave the fuck out of them through the screen. reaching for a zo but half a zo would still be great. This is just for the summer, once i move back to my college town and be in a new house i will be using a rubbermaid grow, and grow them ounce+ plants !! haha.

GL putting it together looks promising as PC grows go

'preciate it. im expecting great results, i only strive for the best when i am creating something from scratch, and i couldnt have done it without the whole micro community! bong rip for you guys!

This is a sick collection of equipment bro. Very nice work so far. I've used that clear thermaltake one a lot, it's a great fan. Don't forget to snip the LEDs if it has them. Sunon is a good brand for fans too. The only thing I can see if I'm being really picky is you may want to shorten the wires on your lights so the wires aren't so close to the bulbs. It can get hot right above the bulbs. Best of luck.

they all came with the case and the sunon came out of an old PSU, it actually blows out alot of air very impressed. Thanks again for the info on wiring the light fixtures i finally got them and they look great.. yea i might have to do that, i pushed them all the way to the back so they are that rounded and possibly touch the bulbs, ill have to wait and see once i get the bulbs, if not, i will make holes on that aluminum panel and run them through the back of it so it is out of sight completely. it will make it look alot cleaner. im glad thats the only issue you have found hahaha, shows im doing alright. DUDE i cant wait to see your shivas when they are done, they are all BLINGED OUT in frost. i will definately be reading and rereading your grow so i can better understand scrogging.

That's a nice case, good start too!
That's quite a mixed bag of fans you have there, looks like the Sunon should be exhaust by the ratings on it. Best way to go from here is put the 42w bulbs in, hook up some fans, and see what the temps are. Ideally you will need to re-create the front and rear panels for the fans and ditch the side case fan. What kind of tools do you have access to?

thanks man! ur ccase has really inspired me to tke my time and get it as clean looking with an excellent ventilation system to gro PRIMO BUDS! I was wondering if u coould take a picture of the back of the case and see how u have all ur hardware wired and what not. i saw that u dont have anything in the case besides lights fans and GREEEEEEN hahaha! i want to use a computer power supply and connect a surge protector and mount it on the back groove where the motherboard plugs would go, but what concerns me is the intake would be going in the same spot were i would have to screw in the power supply. maybe ur setup might give me some ideas.. im waiting to get some money to buy my lights it sucks to have to wait. im actually re-creating the front and back as we speak, right now im using cardboard to just test out how i want to set it all up, if it looks clean i might just keep the cardboard and cover it with emergency blanket and reflective tape... we'll see. not that many tools, drill, hammer screws nails, hand saws.. no electric saws unfortunately. id probably have to go to HD or Lowes to get aluminum sheets cut and plexiglass if i need the heat shiled or not.

edit: the only thing ive actually spent money on so far is the light fixtures, a chep extension cord to get the wire for the lights, and electrical tape, total coming to a whopping 12 bucks haha so, so far financially its all good, but with no summer job and the money i get from my parents is just enough to get me some bud for the week. and its hard to get my parents to get me all these things without asking questions. you wouldnt believe you confused and curious they were when i got light fixtures. they had no possible idea with what i could use that for. i told them i wanted to make a cool colorful light thing and possibly put them in a pc for a unique look... idk how they believed that bullshit haha... ok im rambling lol. THANKS EVERYONE!!!

get lifted!
-matero23 L2B3J <-- thats LBJ 23.. lebron james lol cavs fan right here! should have been kobe and lebron at the end

 

[matero23]

nice pc mat!
how the fans performs? which is the better?

thanks jonkanoo!! ive only tested the sunon one that i just wired to an old charger, and it seems to pull lots of air. the thermaltakes i plugged into a computer power supply just to see them on and they were pretty powerful, idk if it was using all the power it could cause i have a fan controller that came with the case for the fans. i actually dont know how to connect it to the fan or fans if its possible. if anyone could help out with that i would appreciate it. all the three colorful ones are from the same company, all the input i have on them is based on scrubninja who uses them to blow on his canopy and he seems to like it. check his grow out! very informative and very intertaining as well. ill let you know more on them once i have the lights to actually see how much they are coolin

stay lifted!
-matero23!
L2B3J

 

[ScrubNinja]

Hey thanks bro, I'm glad I could help some! That's funny with your parents, haha, risky business. Does the speed controller have a make or model or some way to find it on google or a picture?

 

[basscadet]

i actually dont know how to connect it to the fan or fans if its possible. if anyone could help out with that i would appreciate it. all the three colorful ones are from the same company, all the input i have on them is based on scrubninja who uses them to blow on his canopy and he seems to like it. check his grow out! very informative and very intertaining as well. ill let you know more on them once i have the lights to actually see how much they are coolin

stay lifted!
-matero23!
L2B3J

matero, can you take a pic of the fan and the controller and all the wires. Can help you connect them but need to see what goes where.

My new fan had red, yellow and black wires into the fan and a separate send for the controller. Need more info on yours.

btw, what's your method of connecting the wires. Solder, tape or other?

 

[matero23]

Hey thanks bro, I'm glad I could help some! That's funny with your parents, haha, risky business. Does the speed controller have a make or model or some way to find it on google or a picture?

Heyy everyone!! ive been putting off this case for a long time now, but i finally found an apt and am now moved into it. now i can focus more on this case.

@scrub

these are the fan controls that came with my PSU.. could they be used to control the fans i use?

@basscadet

those are the fan controls i have, i posted the pics of the fans earlier in this thread.

Another question i have is that i want to use an old power supply to connect a surge protector to it, so i can make the pc case a little more stealthy. i am using MushuHappiness's thread http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=70544

He explains it there, but his negative is white and positive is black, but in my psu it is blue and brown. here are some pictures so u can see what im talking about.

which one is positive and negative in my psu? lol im sooooo baked right now i hope all this makes sense in the morning lmao