Cabinet project and all things related

[Rploaded]

Okay, I recently bought a 240 bottle wine unit. It has a cooler built in that has the ability to maintain the humidity of 58% with all excess condenstate removed through a drain line. I am now in the process of building my own humidifier system.

This is what I have done so far but am a little stuck..

I gutted a cigar oasis and harvested the control box the sensor and the fan power leads.

I am thinking I am going to be able to use the controller as is as I have elongated the sensor wire to 9 feet (overkill) and got that all to work. Now here is my thought that may or may not work:

I would like to use the 12 VDC output of the cigar oasis that normally powers the fan to trigger a standard automotive relay that would kick on a group of 12 fans mounted over 12 lbs of beads.

Do you think an autmotive relay will kick with the cigar oasis output of 12vdc at .18 amps?

Also do you think using fans mounted over beads will be worth it or do you think I should develop a water system using fans? Also would it be bad to allow the condensate drain to drip into the tray with beads??? The water being condensate will be the same as distilled.

Thoughts comments suggestions........

Ryan

[Scimmia]

Since the automotive relays that are most easily available draw less than 200ma and you have 800ma available, you should be fine from an electrical standpoint.

As for the question of this working well or being the best way to go, I have no idea.

[Rploaded]

Originally Posted by Scimmia

Since the automotive relays that are most easily available draw less than 200ma and you have 800ma available, you should be fine from an electrical standpoint.

As for the question of this working well or being the best way to go, I have no idea.

Sorry I edited my post, I meant 180 milliamps.

[whiteboard]

Originally Posted by Rploaded

I would like to use the 12 VDC output of the cigar oasis that normally powers the fan to trigger a standard automotive relay that would kick on a group of 12 fans mounted over 12 lbs of beads.

I don't think you necessarily need to mount the fans directly over the beads. Remember, sometimes they will be giving off moisture and sometimes absorbing it. I would concentrate on a fan set up that moves the air evenly throughout the space. As long as you have enough beads for the space, the RH will then take care of itself.

[Scimmia]

OK, just saw your edit, you have 180ma, not 800. IIRC, most of the relays I've used draw something in the 150-160ma range, so you'll probably still be fine. If not, you can always use a smaller relay to control the larger one, or, preferably, use a transistor switch to control the relay.

Also, the consensed water won't be the same as distilled, it will have a bunch of crap in it from the air.

[Rploaded]

Originally Posted by Scimmia

Also, the consensed water won't be the same as distilled, it will have a bunch of crap in it from the air.

Good point maybe an inline filter of sorts would solve that issue.......

I am sure I am not going about this the easiest way but making it sure is going to be fun......

Good point on the relays........ Sad part is I dont know what is what when it comes to building that stuff... I guess this will be a great learning experience.

[Scimmia]

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

Coil draws 160ma and has a 30A swith rating (how many fans did you want to run?)

That's assuming you're using 12V fans and have an extra PS for them.

[Rploaded]

Originally Posted by Scimmia

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

Coil draws 160ma and has a 30A swith rating (how many fans did you want to run?)

That's assuming you're using 12V fans and have an extra PS for them.

So what would be a low milliamp draw solution for my relay if it did not kick it over with the output provided by the oasis?? What could I build then. I really only need a 4 amp draw at the max as that is all the power supply I am using will put out.

[Scimmia]

Well, you could certainly use something like this:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

it only draws 30ma and can switch 10A, but the contacts aren't as nice to use as the larger one, you have to solder wires to them, the other one can use spade-type disconnects.

If you're not looking for something local, www.digikey.com www.mouser.com both have a large selection, but shipping and handling would probably kill you.

Really, you should be fine with the standard 30 amp relay.

[RGD]

I don't think that I would put the fans anywhere near the beads - in the event the beads should dry out you may end up with beads flying everywhere -


Ron

[Rploaded]

Originally Posted by RGD

I don't think that I would put the fans anywhere near the beads - in the event the beads should dry out you may end up with beads flying everywhere -


Ron

Ron I was planning to put the fans on top of a container blowing up wards. I was going to have the air draw in near the sides. the fans will be 6 inches above the beads.......

Maybe a water system would be better then beads...