Bottlehead Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: rockdoc on October 17, 2022, 03:40:09 PM

Title: Fan on amp?
Post by: rockdoc on October 17, 2022, 03:40:09 PM

I just set up an old radio shack 120 V "cooling fan " on my Scott 299 integrated that's sitting in a cubby in my LP rack. Is there a good temp to aim for with these old ( restored) amps, and our new BH amps? In other words; how hot is too hot?

and, any recommendations for a good small fan?

Steve T

Title: Re: Fan on amp?
Post by: Paul Birkeland on October 17, 2022, 04:01:03 PM

A fan can really help keep temps down.  An internal chassis temp that's under 140F would be a nice target to aim for.  With vintage amps, the majority of the power supply caps are on top of the chassis, so you can really keep them happy with some moving air. 

If you go with a DC computer fan, it's easier to control the speed and keep them quiet.

Title: Re: Fan on amp?
Post by: rockdoc on October 17, 2022, 04:14:19 PM

Thanks Paul! Trying to figure out where to source, and how to power a DC computer fan....    Steve T

Title: Re: Fan on amp?
Post by: Paul Birkeland on October 17, 2022, 04:58:15 PM

If you have a defunct internet router, it will have a 12V/2A DC wall wart.  You can cut the plug off it and solder it up to a 12V fan.

Title: Re: Fan on amp?
Post by: rockdoc on October 17, 2022, 05:10:05 PM

I have wall warts..........     

Title: Re: Fan on amp?
Post by: Cary on October 18, 2022, 04:32:46 AM

I use a nine volt DC wall wart power supply with a twelve volt fan. This helps keep the sound of the fan low and a nice breeze across the transformer, tubes, caps and chassis.

Title: Re: Fan on amp?
Post by: Mucker on October 18, 2022, 08:10:29 AM

A 12V DC fan controller should work great to minimize fan noise. This one has a clickable turn off.

https://www.amazon.com/ALEDECO-Voltage-Motor-Speed-Controller/dp/B07P2BLG2L/ref=asc_df_B07P2BLG2L/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343187910376&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8140738376795963352&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030766&hvtargid=pla-687131066147&ref=&adgrpid=69721953515&th=1

Title: Re: Fan on amp?
Post by: larcenasb on October 24, 2022, 12:04:53 PM

Not cheap, but the silence and performance of Noctua fans is legendary to PC enthusiasts. In this case, their tan/brown color scheme works rather well. :)

I use a 120mm Noctua NF-F12 fan, a generic 120mm metal fan grill, a Noctua NA-FC1 fan speed controller, and a DC wall adapter for 4-pin fans. This is plugged into the switched outlet of my Yammie CR-1020, so it turns on when the amp does.

The power supply board on this amp is known for getting hot and even desoldering some components and scorching the top metal vent over time. Since I put the fan above, as an exhaust, the metal vent barely gets warm. And I can't hear it at all. Hope you find a setup that works for you. Cheers.