Dual Heater Control

[JoeRuscito]

Thanks guys and thanks for the links to the reostat and upgraded fans. Why use such a substantial Pcb? Aren’t there simpler pots/reostats? Is there some advantage to this dedicated motor control? Just to dissipate resistance heat?

I know the cabins small but it helps when it’s not blowing right on top of you! I figure worst case it’s easier to put an extra hole in the panel now and not use it. Rather than not have a hole and want one.





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[Delta Whisky]

It appears to me that the amazon link is to a PWM (Pulse Width Modulator using MOSFETs in the circuit; so it should be very efficient) and not a rheostat and appears, to me, to be the way to go. Driving the small motor(s) in our planes shouldn't heat it past it's design limit at all. Appears to be a great solution but we'll need a EE to weigh in on this as well.

[mooreaa]

Just my 2 cents, if you get a 4-wire fan, the two additional wires are a tach output (fan rpm), and pwm input. The PWM input can be a really simple circuit, is much simpler and safer than a PWM motor driver. Fan already has the drivers built into it.

Not to hijack this tread, but is it common to use these cheaper electronics in a plane? My experience is that these kind of import/cheaper electronics have a higher failure rate due to the construction/design and lack of safety circuits. Vibration, component fatigue, thermal, are some of the modes. They just aren't designed for a rugged operation. Their use of electrolytic caps, which have a limited lifetime rating too (~500-2000 hours at around 70C) and their failure mode can be outgassing/fires vs polymers or ceramics which can be safer (not what you'll find on those DIY boards).