TinyFan
Introduction
TinyFan is a handy little board that attaches to RAMPS, and allows you to control an extra two fans. TinyFan is ideal for dual-extruder systems, when you've used up all RAMPS’s MOSFETs on your HotEnds but still need to get a few fans up and running.
We designed TinyFan to be as easy to use as possible – an onboard screw-terminal makes it easy to provide power, simply run a short set of wires to the main screw terminals on RAMPS.
TinyFan has two fan outputs – each with an indicator LED and flyback diode for protection when using larger fans. TinyFan can also be used to control LEDs, or even heating elements – we've used TinyFan to power a HotEnd cartridge! Check the specifications for recommended power ratings.
TinyFan plugs directly into the ‘Servos’ header on RAMPS, and any attached fans are controlled by pins D11 and D6. Most printer firmware supports using these pins to control fans – we've got details on modifying Marlin below.
Running a 24V printer? TinyFan can handle it, just make sure your fans can! TinyFan will run on an input from 5V-25V, and because it’s fully PWM-controllable, you can always run your attached fans at any voltage lower than the input – so you can use 12V fans with a 24V supply! Just make sure you limit the PWM value to 50% in firmware, and your fans will run happily!
Features
- 2 PWM Controllable Channels (D6 and D11 on RAMPS)
- Vin: 5-25V
- Max. Current: 3.5A / channel
- Flyback diode on each channel
- Indicator LED for each channel
- Dimensions: 15.5x15.5mm
Firmware Modification
To do
Driving High-Power Devices
TinyFan wasn't designed to drive big loads - but provided you're reasonable it's surprising what it can do! We've successfully tested TinyFan powering a 12V 40W ceramic cartridge heater (the type typically used in HotEnds) without any signs of distress. If you use it for something unexpected or unusual, let us know!
TinyFan uses a MOSFET with a very low RDS(ON) value, which means it's pretty efficient at what it does - not a lot of energy is wasted as heat, which is nice. TinyFan should stay cool to warm under most loads - if it's become uncomfortable to touch, then you might be asking too much of it!
Source Files
TinyFan is open source hardware - all source files are available on GitHub under the GPLv3 License.
Purchase
TinyFan is available to purchase from the Aus3D store. As TinyFan is open-source, you might find it crop up elsewhere too!
Schematic / PCB
To do