heat dissipation

[voxkeys]

I just purchased a 7002 and my wife would really like the unit to go into our AV cabinet to essentially 'hide' it when not in use.

Basically, at this moment there is not a lot of clearance, especially on the sides, without making some internal alterations to the cabinet (not necessarily all that difficult). When the 7002 is to be in operation, the doors of the cabinet will always be open (they're solid wooden doors) to allow for the IR remote to operate, among other things.

Obviously, heat build-up is of major concern. I'm thinking of installing a good-quality but quiet fan (oxymoron?) in the back wall of the cabinet to pull the warm air out.

Any thoughts or recommendations on fan brand?

[hamike]

Never given this much thought before but I would think any 12cm computer case fan would work quite nicely. At 12cm and low rpm it will be very quiet and can be purchased at any computer or electronics store for as little as $10. The only possible drawback would be the 12V power requirement, not sure if that makes it feasible.

[voxkeys]

Originally Posted by hamike

Never given this much thought before but I would think any 12cm computer case fan would work quite nicely. At 12cm and low rpm it will be very quiet and can be purchased at any computer or electronics store for as little as $10. The only possible drawback would be the 12V power requirement, not sure if that makes it feasible.

Yeah, that was my concern, too - how to power the little sucker!

I notice TigerDirect has quite a selection of these fans.

[99gecko]

definitely go DC !!!
I tried AC first and it was too loud. Tried 2 other AC fans (without installing) and the audible noise signature was still too high.
I have a DC fan in the back of my cabinet (glass doors). I wired a dimmer switch out of the switched outlet on the back of my HTR. A common 12 V DC adapter plugs into it. I cut off the DC plug end and wired the fan to it.
If you want to see a pic PM me and I'll take one and post it here.
Here is another thread about this.
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=78106
I think there is at least one other thread about this topic on DHC as well - but you'd have to do a better search than I did

[99gecko]

voxkeys,
As per your PM, here are some pics.
Since my wiring is more intricate than required, I included a schematic. You do not need the dimmer switch, but I recommend it since you can then throttle the fan.
You might notice the little light on the 4x4 box. It is not included in the schematic as it is completely unnecessary. I tied it into the incoming AC so that it illuminates when the outlet is powered. Had it lying around so I threw it in for fun.
The transformer is tied to the DC fan in the 4x4 box; it doesn't show up in the pic and I left it out of the schematic as it is unnecessary.
I have purposely inserted a safety plug in the extra outlet, as it is dimmed and it is not grounded.
The transformer, I think I might have picked it up at little hole-in-the-wall electronics shop I frequent near work (steeles & dufferin) likely cost less than $5.
Rest of the stuff was left overs from other projects so I can't really give a price.
Note in the pic that I had to put the fan on washers to lift it a fraction off of the back of the cabinet - the blades were touching the cabinet with out it.
In my case, I shortened the back of the all the shelves by ~ 3/4" to aid with air flow (and wiring components to each other. ).
The glass door is not visible in the pics (reflections made it a pain). I have put little silicone "bumps" on the inside of the doors to hold them open, ~ 1/8". Not sure where they came from, perhaps a picture framing store. They allow air to flow inside the front of the unit.

Prior to this set up the components would get quite hot. Now there is next to no heat when the fan is running. I don't even need it running very hard at all. I keep it at ~ 1/2 speed, I'm guessing.

Good luck.
Let me know if you need help with the schematic.

cheers,
99gecko

[jvincent]

MacGuyver would be proud!