Vinotemp Fans

av8tor152d · 04-13-2017, 09:25 AM

I have had two vinotemps for a few years now, I used to use the oust battery powered fans in them to circulate air...all of those have come to an end as well. What are folks using these days for small fans in the vinos?

G G · 04-13-2017, 09:38 AM

I had a vinotemp back in the day. I guess I was lucky cause it lasted quite a few years. The cooling element went out, which is the downfall I am told. It's almost as much to replace the element as the whole think costed.

I was able to buy a frigidaire compressor driven model for $100 and with Shilala's help I wired three computer fans to blow at about a 45 degree angle down the evaporator and put a temp control unit in it and voila, rock steady for over 2 years.

av8tor152d · 04-13-2017, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G G

I had a vinotemp back in the day. I guess I was lucky cause it lasted quite a few years. The cooling element went out, which is the downfall I am told. It's almost as much to replace the element as the whole think costed.

I was able to buy a frigidaire compressor driven model for $100 and with Shilala's help I wired three computer fans to blow at about a 45 degree angle down the evaporator and put a temp control unit in it and voila, rock steady for over 2 years.

yeah my cooling element has long been out, I keep them in the back room of the house that never gets over 67 degrees so temp isn't an issue, not really wanting to mess with replacing that as I got the Vinos on sale for 49.99 both back in the day. I may look at wiring a couple PC fans into them but was hoping to find a battery type small fan like the old Oust fans..not paying the 45.00 on most sites that I can find them still lol.

stearns · 04-13-2017, 09:49 AM

I remember looking for a battery powered replacement years ago and couldn't find anything (reasonably priced). I actually made one as a project way back when as part of my electronics lab in school that runs off a 9v, the design was good but I ****ed up one solder and it never really worked consistently. If I were to do it now I'd probably run wire to computer fans like Greg.

But, I don't bother with that stuff any more, I have enough holes and air paths built into my shelves so air flow isn't an issue, at least one that I've noticed

G G · 04-13-2017, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by av8tor152d

yeah my cooling element has long been out, I keep them in the back room of the house that never gets over 67 degrees so temp isn't an issue, not really wanting to mess with replacing that as I got the Vinos on sale for 49.99 both back in the day. I may look at wiring a couple PC fans into them but was hoping to find a battery type small fan like the old Oust fans..not paying the 45.00 on most sites that I can find them still lol.

I would prolly be still using mine if I could keep it that cool, but in Florida it wasn't an option Jason.

av8tor152d · 04-13-2017, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stearns

I remember looking for a battery powered replacement years ago and couldn't find anything (reasonably priced). I actually made one as a project way back when as part of my electronics lab in school that runs off a 9v, the design was good but I ****ed up one solder and it never really worked consistently. If I were to do it now I'd probably run wire to computer fans like Greg.

But, I don't bother with that stuff any more, I have enough holes and air paths built into my shelves so air flow isn't an issue, at least one that I've noticed

One of the Vinos has no issues with airflow, the other one though has a set of Scotts drawers in them from back in the day and there is a noticeable difference in humidity throughout, although you have given me an idea that I may make some larger vent holes in the back of the drawers to help circulation.

Thanks!

av8tor152d · 04-13-2017, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G G

I would prolly be still using mine if I could keep it that cool, but in Florida it wasn't an option Jason.

Oh here in Bama it is not much better but the back room only gets about an hour of morning sun on it, and is under several trees so it stays very cool year round.

stearns · 04-13-2017, 09:55 AM

If I remember later on I'll try to snap some pictures of my single shelves, they're designed for airflow and are awesome. I have a few other flat shelves that are more for 5 finger bags and coffins, and I literally took a 1" drill bit and cut all sorts of holes in them. not pretty, but work well

av8tor152d · 04-13-2017, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stearns

If I remember later on I'll try to snap some pictures of my single shelves, they're designed for airflow and are awesome. I have a few other flat shelves that are more for 5 finger bags and coffins, and I literally took a 1" drill bit and cut all sorts of holes in them. not pretty, but work well

Sweet thanks man, I am actually debating on starting to craft my own shelves, I love the ones Scott made but now that I have more free time I am getting back into woodworking and might actually start making such things to order as well.

stearns · 04-13-2017, 10:03 AM

Mine were a one-off production, I had some customers at the old shop who had a family cabinet making business and a full workshop at their disposal, I gave them my empty vino, a few ideas and a handful of smokes and they came back with something perfect for my needs

av8tor152d · 04-13-2017, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stearns

Mine were a one-off production, I had some customers at the old shop who had a family cabinet making business and a full workshop at their disposal, I gave them my empty vino, a few ideas and a handful of smokes and they came back with something perfect for my needs

Awesome can't wait to see pics!

stearns · 04-13-2017, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by av8tor152d

Awesome can't wait to see pics!

Dang.. that means I'll actually have to follow through with taking them

av8tor152d · 04-13-2017, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stearns

Dang.. that means I'll actually have to follow through with taking them

Well the more pics I have the more ideas I have, it makes it easier to justify purchasing more power tools to the wife.

CigarNut · 04-13-2017, 10:57 AM

I use these RV refrigerator fans: http://www.rvplus.com/valterra-fridg...All%20Products

As long as you remember to check the batteries every once in awhile, they work great!

av8tor152d · 04-13-2017, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

I use these RV refrigerator fans: http://www.rvplus.com/valterra-fridg...All%20Products

As long as you remember to check the batteries every once in awhile, they work great!

Awesome thanks for the info, they look to be about the same size as the old Oust fans from what I can tell.

Wharf Rat · 04-13-2017, 03:29 PM

You can get little surplus fans cheaply: https://www.sciplus.com/s/c_15/sf_140

av8tor152d · 04-13-2017, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wharf Rat

You can get little surplus fans cheaply: https://www.sciplus.com/s/c_15/sf_140

Sweet, I think I am going see if I can actually make a set of drawers/shelves that incorporate fans like that.

04-13-2017, 09:25 AM	#1
av8tor152d Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jason Location: Huntsville AL Posts: 1,152 Trading: (21)	Vinotemp Fans I have had two vinotemps for a few years now, I used to use the oust battery powered fans in them to circulate air...all of those have come to an end as well. What are folks using these days for small fans in the vinos? __________________ W.O.L.F. pack member since 2002 Last edited by av8tor152d; 04-13-2017 at 09:31 AM.

04-13-2017, 09:38 AM	#2
G G BR549 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Taylor, FL. Posts: 12,726 Trading: (10)	Re: Vinotemp Fans I had a vinotemp back in the day. I guess I was lucky cause it lasted quite a few years. The cooling element went out, which is the downfall I am told. It's almost as much to replace the element as the whole think costed. I was able to buy a frigidaire compressor driven model for $100 and with Shilala's help I wired three computer fans to blow at about a 45 degree angle down the evaporator and put a temp control unit in it and voila, rock steady for over 2 years.

04-13-2017, 09:49 AM	#4
stearns Dogbert Consultant Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ben Location: Park Hill Posts: 5,386 Trading: (50)	Re: Vinotemp Fans I remember looking for a battery powered replacement years ago and couldn't find anything (reasonably priced). I actually made one as a project way back when as part of my electronics lab in school that runs off a 9v, the design was good but I ****ed up one solder and it never really worked consistently. If I were to do it now I'd probably run wire to computer fans like Greg. But, I don't bother with that stuff any more, I have enough holes and air paths built into my shelves so air flow isn't an issue, at least one that I've noticed __________________ "Ignoring all the racket of conventional reality" - Keller Williams

04-13-2017, 09:55 AM	#8
stearns Dogbert Consultant Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ben Location: Park Hill Posts: 5,386 Trading: (50)	Re: Vinotemp Fans If I remember later on I'll try to snap some pictures of my single shelves, they're designed for airflow and are awesome. I have a few other flat shelves that are more for 5 finger bags and coffins, and I literally took a 1" drill bit and cut all sorts of holes in them. not pretty, but work well __________________ "Ignoring all the racket of conventional reality" - Keller Williams

04-13-2017, 10:03 AM	#10
stearns Dogbert Consultant Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ben Location: Park Hill Posts: 5,386 Trading: (50)	Re: Vinotemp Fans Mine were a one-off production, I had some customers at the old shop who had a family cabinet making business and a full workshop at their disposal, I gave them my empty vino, a few ideas and a handful of smokes and they came back with something perfect for my needs __________________ "Ignoring all the racket of conventional reality" - Keller Williams

04-13-2017, 10:57 AM	#14
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,042 Trading: (111*)	Re: Vinotemp Fans I use these RV refrigerator fans: http://www.rvplus.com/valterra-fridg...All%20Products As long as you remember to check the batteries every once in awhile, they work great! __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

04-13-2017, 03:29 PM	#16
Wharf Rat I'll get up and fly away Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Bob Location: Florence, SC Posts: 786 Trading: (7)	Re: Vinotemp Fans You can get little surplus fans cheaply: https://www.sciplus.com/s/c_15/sf_140