Make Your Own Cheap USB Fan (DIY)

Make Your Own Cheap USB Fan (DIY)

Jayesh Limaye, Oct 01, 2010 1540 hrs IST

Cool off at your desktop with this incredibly cheap USB fan

While the space on most desktops is less for a table fan, air conditioners are often avoided because of what they can do to your monthly electricity bill. But what if we tell you that you can build yourself a cheap fan at your desk at virtually no cost? We will show you how it is possible to achieve this with very little effort.

There are a few things you need for this project.

1. A desktop case fan/CPU fan: Most of us can easily salvage such a case fan from our old computer casing. In case you happen to have old processor heatsinks, the fan from it can also be used for this purpose. However, make sure that it is a 5V fan. A 12 V fan works as well, but the speed will be slower. The voltage rating is mentioned on the fan, so read carefully before choosing the fan.

2. A USB cable with a USB port: You can try using any USB cable even if it is not working, as long as the cable has a USB port at one end.

3. Wire cutter/stripper: You will need a cutter to cut the cable/wires.

4. A pair of pliers: Pliers will help you twist and wrap the wires.

5. Electrical insulation tape: Electrical insulation of wires is necessary, hence the use of the insulation tapes.

6. A piece of stiff wire: You will need this for a makeshift stand for your USB desk fan. A 20 cm long piece is a good length for this.

Do you agree with this aritcle?

3

Related Links

Discussion Board

(10) Comments

dumbo

,mumbye, on Nov 10, 2010 02:07 PM

er....u never mentioned that it should be connected to the USB port !!!

Report abuse

Aneesh

,kollam, on Nov 06, 2010 11:58 AM

Worked Great,Simple to get it done!Thanks for sharing! :D

Report abuse

hcpuri

,jabalpur, on Oct 08, 2010 12:18 AM

if we have an extra USB port then it can be good idea, but when limited don't take risk.

Report abuse

msramkrish

,Trichy, on Oct 01, 2010 08:28 PM

Hi Guys, always better to have stand-alone devices for at least inductive loads like fan or a motor for that sake. Never connect such devices to USB as there is always a risk of damaging the USB port and in worst case your expensive computers / laptops. Happy computing!

Report abuse

Jangz

,Baroda, on Oct 01, 2010 11:00 PM

The fan used is a Brushless DC motor...its not inductive ..so connecting it to USB wont affect the PC/laptop...!

Report abuse

msramkrish

,Trichy, on Oct 03, 2010 08:28 AM

Hi Jangz, thanks for your feedback. Both DC brushless and normal DC drives works on the electro-magnetic induction and creates back EMF (the one which damages electronic components) only difference is that latter develop a sinusoidal back EMF, as compared to a rectangular, or trapezoidal, back EMF for brushless DC motors. In any case back-EMF which damages electronic devices are created in both leading to chances of less protected electronic components to damage. Non inductive loads like an LED based USB Light is safer. My point why should we risk expensive laptops / netbooks to a device that is just couple of hundreds worth and can be purchased as battery operated stand-alone device! Happy and safe computing!!

Report abuse

lakshay

,delhi, on Oct 03, 2010 02:37 AM

i want to ask if something similar can be attached to my Nokia X6-00? to stay cool on da move..!! :)

Report abuse

Bhu

,Mumbai, on Oct 01, 2010 06:05 PM

Need a USB Vacuum Cleaner...

Report abuse

RMK

,KOCHI, on Oct 01, 2010 04:55 PM

any idea how to light a USB LED lamp