On request please find a diagram which illustrates the power configuration for the fan and light combination.
An AC power splitter and LED light transformer can normally be sourced form a local hardware store. The PC fan normally only needs a 1 AMP 12V power source.
If your FAN spins the wrong way, simply change the wires around on the 12v side of the transformer.
Hi Clinton, good work man, enjoying you blog...I managed to do this using a standard 230v AC fan instead of a DC fan removing the need for a converter, just wire it straight to the light socket, keep it easy. I have the design plans in PDF for anyone who's interested but not sure how to share it??? I plan to do a video later on, should be good.Cheers Mike
ReplyDeleteHi Mike, would be glad to share your PDF with attribution to you of course. I found the AC fans were quite costly, hence settled for cheap PC fans. Did you manage to source a reasonably priced AC fan, the ones I have seen are designed for sun beds and probably contributes to the price problem?
ReplyDeleteReading about on the net I've found different versions of biltong boxes; what is the difference between versions with and without a fan? What is the exact purpose of the light bulb in the one with the fan?
ReplyDeleteI would guess that the light bulb has to be incandescent for the heat and so an energy saving light bulb would be no good... is that correct?
Hi, the light bulb creates heat which rises and draws air into the box from the bottom. This creates a flow of moving air across the meat, the air is also dry as the bulb dries the air. So its not really heat that is doing the drying although it accelerates it, you mainly want dry air that is moving over the meat.
DeleteFans increase airflow and assist the drying of the meat while the light bulbs help with maintaining drier air inside the box.
Incandescent bulbs are required, even halogens if need be, but low voltage won't be effective for this.
If you are in a really dry climate you could get rid of the bulbs and just use a fan.
Hey boet, thanks so much for your info! I have made my own biltong box (with your plans), with a pc fan and a 75w alogen bulb. My biltong is drying in about 72 hours. If it's a bit too wet when I slice it I just slice it all up and then put it back in the box for about 10 hours. The family (and friends - even though I am in Italy and it strange for them) are really happy. My wallet a bit less but we are really enjoying!
ReplyDeleteThanks once again!
Yeah it gets expensive but its so worth it! Good to hear you made your own box and glad I could help.
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