Building PC growbox need Electrical help

Bublonichronic

Well-Known Member
I posted this earlier:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMyjm7_ag88

You can't run lights off the PSU. your CFLs need 110v and the PSU only supplies 12v. You are going to have to run an extension chord to your "PC" and buy some light sockets with chords.
nice video bro...i love learning some new shit about something i use everyday but have no idea about...but you know a good place to find the multi socket CFL outlets..iv seen them on RIU before, just never in a store.
 

Bublonichronic

Well-Known Member
what up fellaz, was wondering if i can get more help..since i am gonna have to use a power strip for my lights, but its easier and adds to the "stealth" of my growcase to have the comps. pws suply in the case..in a nutshell can i cut the un-used cables on the comps. pwr suply to get rid of some of the clutter? and just keep the 1 set of cables i need to wire my fans(and MotherBoard for power)? or would i be better of just trying to stuff them in a corner and covering with mylar?
 

ReelFiles

Well-Known Member
I wouldn't cut them in case you need them later on. Just use some wire ties and bundle it up nicely. There might be a little space above the PSU, depending on the case, you might be able to just tuck the wires up in there. Why do you keep mentioning the motherboard? I hope you're not planning on running an actual PC in that case while growing in it LOL
 

Bublonichronic

Well-Known Member
I wouldn't cut them in case you need them later on. Just use some wire ties and bundle it up nicely. There might be a little space above the PSU, depending on the case, you might be able to just tuck the wires up in there. Why do you keep mentioning the motherboard? I hope you're not planning on running an actual PC in that case while growing in it LOL
lol,no i was just using that to describe the chord with the PS on it..but i dont really intend to use the PS or the case ever again, giving it to my bro so he can start a little grow..so if it wont destroy the unit or anythig like that id rather just cut all the bs out and have only fan wires..
 

ReelFiles

Well-Known Member
Ok that's called the 20 or 24 pin ATX power connector. If you're not going to use the PSU again, I don't see why you couldn't just cut the wires as long as you cap them off.
 

Bublonichronic

Well-Known Member
Ok that's called the 20 or 24 pin ATX power connector. If you're not going to use the PSU again, I don't see why you couldn't just cut the wires as long as you cap them off.
right on bro, i just cut them n wrapd some tape around the tips... and i finished it up so here are some pics.. gotta admitt im a little proud even tho its not 100% light proof and temps are a little high in the 80s almost 90s, but again thanks for all the help:leaf:
 

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ReelFiles

Well-Known Member
Looks good brother. You can always buy some higher CFM fans and put them on a fan controller, that would also fill up one of those drive bays. I would raise that plant up, a bit close to the light.
 

Bublonichronic

Well-Known Member
:leaf:what up ya'll, alright im sure im doing somthing stupidly wrong but still need help, but..so a guy askd me to build him a PC grow box so i said "sure just buy the parts and ill slap it together" but now i feel like a real j.o. caus i cant get the fans to work...i thought it was as simple as just wiring red to red black to black, to any old cell phone charger....so i first tryd with a 5.0V caharger...and i got 1 of the fans to come on(the bigger one)....so after fuckin with some things trying to get the other fan on, i now cant get either fan to run....i even went out and bought a 6.0V charger and some 6.0V fans...and when i hoookd them up still nothing....what am i doing wrong? i know not much to fuck up... but i cant get them to turn on...any help would b great:leaf:
 

ReelFiles

Well-Known Member
Those fans are meant to run at 12v, 7v minumum, but I wouldn't recommend anything less than 9v. Make sure the charger can supply enough amps to the fans too, other wise you'll burn it out. .5a per fan should be plenty.
 

Bublonichronic

Well-Known Member
:leaf:
Those fans are meant to run at 12v, 7v minumum, but I wouldn't recommend anything less than 9v. Make sure the charger can supply enough amps to the fans too, other wise you'll burn it out. .5a per fan should be plenty.
alright thats what i was thinking...but couldnt get the fans to work with the 5.v i i did somthing kinda stupid.... i used a regular old extention cord, i had already cut, i hookd em up n plugd em in, it made a crazy electric sound and little bit of smoke came out the fan along with a burnt smell...i only had it in the socket for like 3 seconds before i pulld it, you think i burnd the fans out in that short time? also i dont think i mentiond that the fans i have are antec, one is 140mm the other 120mm i believe...and they say "3 speed" and they have the red black power, and 3 tiny red, black, yellow, which im thinking is the speed settings...what do i need to do with those wires? i tryd just picking one and linking it on to one of the power wires, but still nothing:leaf:
 

ReelFiles

Well-Known Member
The fans are dead. Buy new ones and just use the main red and black wires. Don't buy special fans, the speed settings won't work unless used with a motherboard in a working PC.
 

Bublonichronic

Well-Known Member
The fans are dead. Buy new ones and just use the main red and black wires. Don't buy special fans, the speed settings won't work unless used with a motherboard in a working PC.
alright, the fans came with the case so its not really a big loss since the case was 49.99, but would the fans have workd if i didnt burn them? just not have speed settings? or do they need a motherboard period?:leaf:
 

ReelFiles

Well-Known Member
No, they would have worked fine, but like you said without the variable speed. I said get basic fans because they are cheaper. Also try to stick with fans over 120mm since smaller fans make a lot of noise.
 
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