Looking for external fan, USB connected, with API for software-controllable speed

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mirova

Reputable
Aug 26, 2015
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Hi,

I'm looking for an external fan whose voltage I can control programmatically. For example: to be able to write a script that allows me to turn the fan off, on, or to half-speed with the click of a button.

Requirements:

  • - Connects to computer (likely via USB)
    - Allows for voltage regulation by software
    - Includes API to regulate voltage programmatically

I can't find anything like this on the market. Would anyone know of one?

Thank you!
 
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boosted1g

Titan
Jun 12, 2013
14,846
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Nothing like this exists because any fan that can be powered by the 5v usb interface is going to be very small, so would only be usefull INSIDE a computer.

As getochkn stated you can use an adruno, raspberry pi or other embedded IO board to control a fan of whatever size and power you want.

Not sure about adruno but the PI can be configured to provide a web interface to control the device with.
 
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boosted1g

Titan
Jun 12, 2013
14,846
8
74,965


You cant use a dimmer with an AC fan. You will damage a fan motor trying to start it on "low" voltage. This is why there is special fan modules for zigbee, zwave, insteaon, x10 etc. They give it full voltage for a couple seconds to get it moving and then step it back down.

In regards to this setup over a PI, it would be more expensive but by far easier. With the PI you would need build your own circuit to control the fan and then attach it to the GPIO pins.
 
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