My DIY controller cabinet work in progress

MPevine33 · Sep 28, 2020

Looking for a way to neaten up wires and and gear. Couldn't find a cabinet I liked so I got a kitchen cabinet.

The sides were particle board, so I wrapped it with pine, put a top on it and built a light into it.

All my controllers and gear will be in here, and eventually an apex when I pick one up. [Tank has fresh water, currently leak testing]

GK3 · Sep 28, 2020

MPevine33 said:
Looking for a way to neaten up wires and and gear. Couldn't find a cabinet I liked so I got a kitchen cabinet.

The sides were particle board, so I wrapped it with pine, put a top on it and built a light into it.

All my controllers and gear will be in here, and eventually an apex when I pick one up. [Tank has fresh water, currently leak testing]

Ventilation. I have my apex in a DIY cab and I have a pc fan that runs 24/7. Temp still stays in the 80’s. Make sure you have a way for heat to escape. Power packs for lights I’ve found to be the worst culprit

MPevine33 · Sep 28, 2020

GK3 said:
Ventilation. I have my apex in a DIY cab and I have a pc fan that runs 24/7. Temp still stays in the 80’s. Make sure you have a way for heat to escape. Power packs for lights I’ve found to be the worst culprit

I've been looking at fans. What size did you go with?

GK3 · Sep 28, 2020

MPevine33 said:
I've been looking at fans. What size did you go with?

120mm I believe can’t quite remember but it’s 4-5 inches

MPevine33 · Sep 28, 2020

GK3 said:
120mm I believe can’t quite remember but it’s 4-5 inches

How do you power it? Thats the only thing holding me back. I'm not sure what it needs for power.

GK3 · Sep 28, 2020

MPevine33 said:
How do you power it? Thats the only thing holding me back. I'm not sure what it needs for power.

It depends on the fan. you could prob find one that comes with a power supply.

TheHarold · Sep 28, 2020

MPevine33 said:
How do you power it? Thats the only thing holding me back. I'm not sure what it needs for power.

Very easy- they make power supplies that computer fans plug right into.

Example:

MPevine33 · Sep 30, 2020

Painting the exterior today, was going to do black inside also but considering dark grey instead

NCK · Sep 30, 2020

Very cool! Looks promising!

Chbix · Oct 1, 2020

Might work for this application, or you can wire 12v computer case fans.

Chbix · Oct 1, 2020

Also it shows at $17.99 on the actual website, not 31.98...

MPevine33 · Oct 4, 2020

GK3 said:
Ventilation. I have my apex in a DIY cab and I have a pc fan that runs 24/7. Temp still stays in the 80’s. Make sure you have a way for heat to escape. Power packs for lights I’ve found to be the worst culprit

So came up with a solution. Ac infinity airplate. It is a 5x5 fan ran off a thermostat, and going to add 2 grills inside [bottom of cabinet is where power supplies will be] and one outside.

Will probaly set it 78° so anything over that the fan will kick on