From the Man Cave.
Build yourself a smoke/steam generator.
Please note of updates to this article:
Parts and complete fog units are only available to club members only
There are no hot components used in this system as it is a water based device that works with an ultrasonic mist generator.
On the left is a picture of the prototype working.
Below is what you will need to build one.
Ultrasonic mist generator.
I acquired all parts from eBay. The mister you will find if you search for: Ultrasonic Mist Maker Light Fogger Mister Fountain Pond Frog Machine 24V They come from China and take a few weeks to arrive in the UK. |
12 volt 25mm computer cooling fan.
The fan is any 12V computer fan, there are plenty to choose from on eBay depending on the physical size you need |
100 ohm potentiometer.
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12 volt to 24 volt converter.
The voltage doubler is available in the UK, search for: DC-DC 4A 4.5-32V to 5-42V 12V 24V Step up boost converter power regulator |
Plastic box of your choice.
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A suitable box for the printed circuit board.
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Also required is a length of plastic pipe (I found plastic water pipe ideal) to make the funnel.
What you need to do.
To make the water tank you will need to cut 3 holes in the top of the plastic box. The first hole is 14mm for the bung on the ultrasonic generator, the second is 25mm for the fan and the third is 15mm for the funnel. See the picture below for the positioning of the holes.
What you need to do.
To make the water tank you will need to cut 3 holes in the top of the plastic box. The first hole is 14mm for the bung on the ultrasonic generator, the second is 25mm for the fan and the third is 15mm for the funnel. See the picture below for the positioning of the holes.
Position of holes.
A small amount of silicon was used to fix the ultrasonic device to the bottom of the box. Make sure you do not get any silicon in the vent holes in the bottom of the device. The device is placed in the corner of the box to prevent any water getting in the fan. Cyno was used to stick the fan on top of the box, make sure you get it the right way round so it is blowing into the box.
Since the device works at 24 volts dc you need to step up from the 12 volt battery. I have sourced a converter that will do this (from e-bay). Place the pc board in a plastic box to keep it dry. See picture below, |
Suggested Layout of components.
Connect the battery to the input and the ultrasonic device to the output, (check polarity is right, red +v black –v) there is a potentiometer on the pc board to adjust the output volts, monitor the output and set it to 24 volts. The fan runs from 12 volts and putting the 100 ohm potentiometer in series with the fan will give good control of the steam output. The box shown has an optional on / off switch for the fan but is not needed.
Connector strips were screwed to the top of the box for ease of connection. See picture below. |
Control box viewed with the top on and screwed down.
I have ordered ultrasonic misters from China and will be able to provide them to club members ONLY.
I have also got fans and voltage converters available at cost for club members ONLY. Prices: Ultrasonic mister £3 Voltage converter £10 Fan and potentiometer £2 Water tank box came from ASDA and box for pc board from eBay, so if you want to make one it’s less than £20. Have a go at making one it’s dead easy and produces lots of steam. Clive Beard. (see me on Club Nights) |