Cooling system?
- Thread starter Zom0898
- Start date
Zom0898
Hunter
Thanks Drax, I'll check the cargo hold on my laptop when I get home, I can't get it on my phone
Sent from my SM-G928F
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hvacdon
Active Hunter
The fan systems that I've seen run on 12v, or something similar. I'm compiling the parts for one that works off of 5v, so I can use one of the light weight phone battery packs to run it (and I can use it for the phone if needed).
I have not tested it yet to see how long it will run a couple of fans, but I plan to soon.....
I have not tested it yet to see how long it will run a couple of fans, but I plan to soon.....
Gregory
Active Hunter
I have 2 fans from eqdizzle here on TDH. Mine are powered by 4 AA batteries in a switched box all mounted in the helmet, which balances the weight of the rangefinder servo relay/radio receiver and batteries:
I experimented with different placement of the fans while running to lessen their affect on my hearing. I settled on the back panel location with the fans outflow aimed up the back. In this way the airflow passes over my head and down the front to defog the visor. Also the intake is at the nape of my neck as add additional cooling sensation, all with minimal impact on my hearing. Only needed in short bursts in my experience, since the helmet is so open around the bottom. Helps to exhale out your nose instead of your mouth, especially in cold weather.
I experimented with different placement of the fans while running to lessen their affect on my hearing. I settled on the back panel location with the fans outflow aimed up the back. In this way the airflow passes over my head and down the front to defog the visor. Also the intake is at the nape of my neck as add additional cooling sensation, all with minimal impact on my hearing. Only needed in short bursts in my experience, since the helmet is so open around the bottom. Helps to exhale out your nose instead of your mouth, especially in cold weather.
Gregory
Active Hunter
Yeah, I have a hard time hearing somethings anyway. Many of my Garrison mates have TK helmets and can't hear anything. So the fans, while not too loud, could be a hindrance inside the helmet. To figure out what worked for me, I turned them on and held them in different places like a tuning fork hearing test. In front or especially on the sides meant the fans was all I could hear. I've never had them on for more than a minute or two. In my areas typically rainy weather, my visor tends to fog up if i do any talking. So after some conversation I switch them on and off again once my visor is clear.
Gregory
Active Hunter
Nope, mine's a snug fit. If you look at pic, you see I have 3 1" thick open cell foam pads to hold it forward, otherwise my nose presses hard against the visor. It's light (scratch built) but the batteries and motors add heft. Never have worried about wind, but haven't really experienced any either, I've only been trooping for a year. A chin strap/cup would be the thing if that is a concern. It would certainly make it worry free and also allow sudden/action movements.
hvacdon
Active Hunter
I can see where the padding would be a great help to hold it in place. I just got some motorcycle chin straps in i ordered that I plan to try. One is the old style d ring attach and the other is a quick release. I believe they will connect ok where the ear piece screws go..I'm anxious to assemble them to see how it works out.
Sent from my SM-N910T
Sent from my SM-N910T
I attached my chin strap to the ear screws as well and it does hold well. I don't cinch it super tight but it keeps the helmet in place. Also Gregory makes a good point about balancing the weight using the battery pack. Until I installed my rechargeable battery in mine it would shift down on the right side even with the padding. The strap did solve most of those problems but it was still noticeable by the wearer. Something else to consider is how you attach the fans. I did mine with Velcro since the intake is on the face of the fan anyway so it wont affect the airflow. This allows for moving the fans around inside of the helmet if they are being to loud. Also after doing a first test run I noticed the fans I have blowing down across my visor were drying out my eyes. It wasn't a big deal but could cause issues for someone wearing contacts.
hvacdon
Active Hunter
Drax, great info to know. All those are things to keep in mind. The more info the better when laying out what works best on the helmets. One thing I was thinking about is adding a rheostat to vary the speed of the fans so air could keep moving and just vary the speed when more or less movement is needed....
Sent from my SM-N910T
Sent from my SM-N910T
Keep in mind that helmet space is limited. I would suggest getting the helmet set up with pads or whatever type of liner you want to use and then see where you can comfortably fit the fans. Also when looking at the placement keep in mind any other things you may want to add like a servo for the rf or the rheostat.
eqdizzle
Hunter
Just chiming in here. Let me know if I can help. I started building fan kits a little over three years ago because all the other ones I had tried were too bulky to work in my Clone helmet and the Wife's Bo. In that time, I've done a bunch for the Mercs, TKs, Clones, and here on TDH, and everyone seems to be happy with them!
Zom0898
Hunter
hvacdon
Active Hunter
Thanks for the tips Drax. I love only having to do things one time....[emoji4]
Sent from my SM-N910T
EvanDallas
Hunter
Two small fans, in my experience, work best. Positive and negative air keeps the fresh air coming in.
hvacdon
Active Hunter
Looks good, I do like Drax's idea about velcro on the fans. I'm wondering if fans and packs mounted with neodymium magnets might work out too? You could put magnets in a couple of locations to move fans for different conditions and they might be easier to get out of the way to clean inside? ?
Sent from my SM-N910T
Sent from my SM-N910T
Gregory
Active Hunter
I don't think magnets would be a good way to mount the fans, I think they're electromagnetically driven.
