Introduction: Temperature-controlled USB Fan @MilCandy
As summer is coming, I bought a USB fan from HuaQiangBei, Shenzhen. However, when I focus myself on work(or game), I could hardly notice its existence. If I can teach it how to think and execute its duty without my order, that will be more practical and fun! So roll your sleeves and follow me to refit a temp-controlled fan!ãããããããããããã
Step 1:
The structure of USB fan is pretty simple. When you break it down(or even you don't need to, just think in your mind), you can find it just consists of a motor and a key. To make it controllable, turn it over, screw out the screws then we can continue to the next step.
Step 2: Solder the Controlling Wires
First of all, you need two wires. Then solder them on two ends of the key. It doesn't matter which side is positive and which side is negative. They function in the same way.
Step 3: Wire Up the Relay
Grove - Relay has two terminals for connecting open wires. Put
Step 4: Combine the Stuff
The temperature sensor, relay board and MilCandy are all members of Grove plug-and-play system. In this step, find two Grove cables to connect all the stuff. The "eye" of the MilCandy, AKA temperature sensor, should be connected to the input side of MilCandy. And the "hand", AKA relay, should be connected to the output side of it. Then they are ready to go.
Step 5: Teach MilCandy Your IFTTT Logic
To teach MilCandy your logic, you need to know how it works.Double click means trigger point to MilCandy. And single click means "one this side of trigger point, I can take a rest for a while". Then once input value from the sensor meets conditions you set, the actuator connected to the output end will run, like in image 2.
Step 6: Done
Now! MilCandy can serve you by itself! I used the combination of Grove - Temperature sensor, MilCandy, and Grove - Relay to implement this mini-project. But we have so many input sensors and output actuators. If you have an interesting idea, make a comment below and share with me.
7 Comments
7 years ago
I made a usb fan also.
9 years ago on Introduction
Do you have any idea on to adopt this for a commercial desk fan(about 60W)? I'm trying to look for some circuits but they are too complicated...
Well my idea is to utilize the 3 speed control of a regular desk fan.. then at certain temperatures it will be switch on 1, 2, and 3, as temperature increases. Something like that
11 years ago on Introduction
@angpal59 So sorry for your confusion. The Seeedstudio account is not tied up with mine. I replied your question with that account yesterday. Did you receive it?
11 years ago on Introduction
Oh, so sorry to for the late reply! The sound like "drum roll" indicates that the reply turns on and off continuously. Let me make a rough guess. Maybe the threshold is too close to your ambient temperature. The readings of temperature sensor tremble in a slight magnitude. Have you tried to set the threshold at some point not so close to your ambient temperature? Let's say, if your temperature is 25C, you want the fan on at this point, then set the threshold at 23C can be helpful.
11 years ago on Introduction
seeedstudio: A visitor to the site is asking a question about your project in Answers. Perhaps you'd be able to help them out?
https://www.instructables.com/answers/Is-anybody-experienced-in-MilCandy-and-grove-compo/
11 years ago on Introduction
And the source code is?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
no need source code. The MilCandy is pre-programmed when shipped. So just need a few clicks to kick off a mini project. if you mean the firmware, try more info on Seeed Studio website, where you can find the open source file. :)