Ventline Bathroom Fan Speed Controller Mod

[pteck]

I recently needed to replace the motor on my bathroom ventline fan as the bushing was wearing out.

Took the opportunity to also modify it with a speed controller so it's not always wailing at full speed. I usually like having this single fan on 24hr/day as a way to keep bathroom fresh, some general airflow and background noise in the trailer. So a speed controller has been high on my list to also keep power draw at bay.

I added this from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It can actually replace the original on/off switch but I couldn't get it to mount nicely in that switches position. Here's my compromise:





It works beautifully to set it anywhere between 10-100% speed. Or 10-100% noise, or 10-100% power draw. Nice fine control. No humming or whining noise to speak of. Why this isn't an OEM feature beats me.

Note for anyone wanting to use the same switch. Make sure to brigde the '3-15' solder pads on it before installing. It's setup for 24-35V before bridging.

[bweybright]

"Note for anyone wanting to use the same switch. Make sure to brigde the '3-15' solder pads on it before installing. It's setup for 24-35V before bridging."
HUH??????? This direction helps about as much as a teet on a bull does.

[turk123]

Here, this may help.

This is a very nice idea! Running the fan for a short time works OK, but having the ability to let it run longer to move a little "air" without the noise, say at night, is a great idea. I'm going to add one to the shower also. We keep a small washing machine in there and it always feels damp and smells from the soaps we use. This is a perfect solution without using up to much power if boondocking.

Good call!

[rowiebowie]

Very nice mod. They should come with variable speed from the factory.

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by bweybright

HUH??????? This direction helps about as much as a teet on a bull does.

This might not be the best approach to get clarification or help.

[Ahroc]

Cool
Did you have to notch the inner aluminum skin to make room for the speed control? I assume you did.

[pteck]

Yes, will have to trim some aluminum enough to provide clearance against the board.

The speed controller can completely replace the original on/off switch in that position. If one can take the time to help it seat right against the relief there. I didn't find an easy way so I opted to mount it as a secondary control.

Perhaps if one used a controller like this with a remote knob, it could fit in the stock switch location which would be best:



https://www.amazon.com/RioRandTM-Upg...%2C210&sr=8-54

[pontzdav]

Nice idea. Question: Would you be able to use the speed controller where you installed it on the rim and just bypass/remove the original switch?

[pteck]

^Yes. All these speed controller have an "off" detent at the knob of the speed control. So the stock red switch is unnecessary.

[lsbrodsky]

Since I saw this post I knew I had to do it. I ordered both controllers, from Amazon, shown below, but the big one just seemed too big to mount where I wanted it. So I used the smaller one. I mounted it up in the Ventline on the cross-brace with a VHB/tie wrap mounting plate. Nice and out of the way but close to the motor. I used marine speaker crimp connectors for the motor, perfect fit.
Best of all, I did not disconnect any of the original wiring except the slip-on connectors at the motor. That way, if this controller dies, on the road, I can just disconnect it and reconnect the original motor connections. Everything is shrink tubing wrapped to prevent any water intrusion. Works great! Thanks!
Larry

[pcskier]

Larry, what is the difference between the two different sized controllers you pictured?

[lsbrodsky]

aside from size, the big one is rated for 6-90v and 15 amps, hence the big cooling fins. The little one is rated for a max of 15v and 2 amps, which seems adequate for the little fan. The smaller one is $7 and the larger one $11. The bigger one looked to have more margin for error of operation but when I saw the size, in the flesh, I realized i could not use the bigger one. According to Amazon reviews, someone has installed the bigger one in their Fantastic fan, but I think even that would be a challenge.
Larry

[pteck]

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

Since I saw this post I knew I had to do it. I ordered both controllers, from Amazon, shown below, but the big one just seemed too big to mount where I wanted it. So I used the smaller one. I mounted it up in the Ventline on the cross-brace with a VHB/tie wrap mounting plate. Nice and out of the way but close to the motor. I used marine speaker crimp connectors for the motor, perfect fit.
Best of all, I did not disconnect any of the original wiring except the slip-on connectors at the motor. That way, if this controller dies, on the road, I can just disconnect it and reconnect the original motor connections. Everything is shrink tubing wrapped to prevent any water intrusion. Works great! Thanks!
Larry

Nicely done Larry!

That was the way I was hoping to do it, but I didn't land on exactly the right controller without some iteration so I worked with what I had. That remote pot switch is the trick. Glad you found one that works!

Can you share a link to the small controller you used?

[lsbrodsky]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Larry

[rbs]

give us a primer on the proper way to remove the handle/screen assembly on the vent fan to facilitate the installation of the fan speed control

Thanks

[lsbrodsky]

OK, the handle needs to be pulled down. From the side, you will see a screw in each end. Remove the two screws and the handle pulls off. Then remove the two screws holding the screen. Note that this was not possible for the fan in the shower as the caulking and the additional height of the enclosure do not allow the handle to pull down far enough to access the screws. When I need to remove the screen, for cleaning, in the shower, I use a small right-angle ratchet screwdriver.
Larry

[moosetags]

I have gotten the recommrnded speed controller from Amazon. I have started to undertake the installation and have encountered a problem.

When I pull down the handle the screws are not even close to being exposed. Lucy is a 2015 with the vented air conditioning. The extra thickness of the ceiling does not allow the fan handle to come down far enough. I have taken the trim ring off. But I still can't get to the screws.

Any ideas?

[rbs]

take the screen out and one screw for the handle is easier to get to than the other, I used a #1 phillips that is a longer shaft to reach the other. It will take a little manipulation, but it can be done

[DoublTrouble]

Brian & Larry,

I need to do this mod too. For me it solves two issues. I broke my shower fan handle while making sure it was closed---duh. Since then I purchased the replacement handle but could not get to the screws and quit. Then, the variable speed control is such a great idea, I have to try to tackle that too.

I'll have to try to get to the screws again and order the control. To clarify, Larry- the switch that you used does not require any modifications on the board because of the voltage, it's plug and play?

Brian, were you able to get those PITA screws out and back in?

Thanks to all.

Jeffrey

[lsbrodsky]

No mods required, just disconnect the old switch and connect the new. Mine is easier without ducted air. Somewhere on the Forum I read that someone had to go in from the top because of the access issue on newer Airstreams, but I cannot really give any advice on that.

Larry