oregonparamedic
Well-Known Member
Just finished mine. Can't wait to try it out! :rockin:
Just finished mine. Can't wait to try it out! :rockin:
maxposure said:I just finished wiring up my new stir plate. This is my first electrical project ever, and I figured it would be a great place to start. Fortunately, when I flipped my switch, the fan was spinning wonderfully. Unfortunately, I could not get my potentiometer to vary the speed. My wiring seems to be correct but I was hoping someone with a bit more knowledge might be able to share some advice and help me trouble shoot. -Much Thanks.
maxposure said:Thanks CranApple. I think you were right about the quick disconnects making contact. When I separated them I was able to detect a difference in the sound of the fan when I changed the speed.
Is my 5v power supply underpowered? I don't plan on making starters larger than 1 liter. But I do have plenty of other supply's I could use.
Get a flat head screw driver or something flat you can slip between the magnet and metal piece. you may have to gently persuade it with a hammer.
cheffriz said:Need some assistance with this
not sure how to get the magnets off the larger pieces of metal
Two sets of pliers on each end. Bend.
I just got my prototype working using parts I had around the house. So my component list is a little different:The only thing I bought was a lighted switch for the bling factor in the finished product. It's a rocker that lights red when the plate has power and goes green when it's on.
- 120V Radio Shack fan
- Rotary ceiling fan speed control
- Kuba Kuba cigar box
- Salvaged appliance power cord
- Two big magnets (not rare-earth)
Here are some of my initial thoughts:
- The lighted switch looks cool
- The stir bar I have is probably too big (3") and is keeping the speed down.
- The load is producing a lot of heat in the fan motor - too much?
- I'll play with a smaller stir bar, different magnets, and different spacing in the hopes of getting better speed and less heat.
- Might have to add some cooling vents in the box to get that heat down
- The 120V fan is beefy, heavy and all metal which virtually eliminates any vibration you would get with a plastic PC fan.
- The fan control is infinitely-variable (not 3-speed) and also has a trim screw to adjust the low-speed cutoff - very cool.
I got mine put together but it doesn't pull the vortex down to the bottom, only about 2 or 3 inches at full power. Will this create the desired effect for a starter?
So I just got a stir bar, and my stirplate keeps throwing it. I haven't put on a speed control yet, but plan on it. But it throws it as soon as I turn it on. Is there a certain way the magnets should be on the fan, or do I need more? I have 2 HD magnets right now. It's a 50mm stirbar with center ring FYI.
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