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-   -   Avionics Cooling fan (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=153237)

RicoB 09-11-2017 10:10 AM

Avionics Cooling fan
 
What have you guys done about that? I am at that point so trying to get ideas. I love to use the cyclone 21-3 but the price is pretty steep for a fan!
Got ideas and pics to share?

Raymo 09-11-2017 10:20 AM

I have a few cooling fans out of old HP servers that work great. They run on 12 volts, are light and inexpensive. Mine comes on with the nav lights.

I have several extras if you'll donate $5 to VAF and pay shipping (USPS small box or padded envelope).


Auburntsts 09-11-2017 10:20 AM

I didn't install one. My GTN 650 has a built-in fan, but I don't think that in most instances an external fan is required for today's avionics. However, I have nothing factual to back that assertion up.

rleffler 09-11-2017 10:48 AM

My Garmin transponder was the other thing in my panel that needed a dedicated fan port. I added two standard computer fans on the glareshield. They solve two issues. The first is to remove hot air trapped behind the panel. The second is function a defroster when the temps start to drop.

SteinAir 09-11-2017 02:07 PM

Many of the modern avionics and EFISes have their own cooling fans in or on them, and in addition to that perhaps the most important thing is to have some sort of vent holes in the glareshield (or even a couple muffin fans). That should allow that dead space between the main panel and sub panel to be ventilated and kept at a good temperature, so everything should be good (as Bob noted, those glareshield fans also work as defrosters too).

Just my 2 cents as usual!

Cheers,
Stein

RicoB 09-11-2017 11:53 PM

I guess I forgot to mention that mine is a tip up canopy so fan placement on the glare shield is not quite the same!!

Wingnut 09-12-2017 02:17 AM

I believe it
 
was Bruce Swayze that did an excellent job of describing how to mount fans in his tip up glare shield. Check his build log website for details. 09-30-15 entry.

bobnoffs 09-12-2017 05:35 AM

i made a heater with an oil cooler core and these fans.
search ''pancake fans'' on ebay and there are dozens.

Auburntsts 09-12-2017 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteinAir (Post 1203255)
Many of the modern avionics and EFISes have their own cooling fans in or on them, and in addition to that perhaps the most important thing is to have some sort of vent holes in the glareshield (or even a couple muffin fans). That should allow that dead space between the main panel and sub panel to be ventilated and kept at a good temperature, so everything should be good (as Bob noted, those glareshield fans also work as defrosters too).

Just my 2 cents as usual!

Cheers,
Stein

I should have stated that I also have 2 glaresheld vents too.

flion 09-12-2017 08:38 AM

When Stein speaks avionics, we should all listen.

My -6A has a fan but no venting in the glare shield and pooled heat can get to around 150 degrees on a hot day. The -10 will have vents and has two fans to service the ports on the G900X components and the LSE ignition boxes. Those fans are mounted on the sub-panel between the G900X racks and are updraft to draw from cooler air below the panel and any air not forced into the cooling hoses will be sent up toward the glare shield vents. Don't count on your avionics having fans and, even if they do, you still want to be sure air moves from under your panel so you're not 'cooling' your avionics with hot air.

And, while the -6A panel is out this winter getting updated, I will rectify the dead air situation behind the panel.


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