Thread by @CRBoxKits

An easier to make and service 9 fan #ALPanel for you all! I realize wiring is the hard part so this is all just connector plugs, no tricky wiring and no controller. Added a plenum that makes swapping out the filter a cinch. And finally finger guards. Rainbow ONLY Details in 🧵

With all the parts, it’s like legos. Total around $140
-3x 3 packs Novonest Auto Rainbow 120mm fans
-14x14x1 @3M Filtrete MERV13 + Box it came in
-12V/3A Power Supply
4x 4-way fan connectors (Etsy)
2x 2-way fan connectors (Etsy, optional)
9x fan finger guards black
Black tape

Unpack 9 fans, line them up in a grid. Run wires carefullly. Orientation doesn’t matter for LEDs, I adjust fans so wires meet up with about the same length sticking out. Test. Merge with 4 ways. I used 2 ways to channel the wires, not nec tho. Test again. All wires are 4 pin fan

Time for the plenum. It will lift fans off filtet for better flow, store wires, and make swapping filter easy. Also stands easier. Cut out both sides of the box leaving ~.75in border frame. Tape fans blowing out, make channels for wires and run them down the side, pop out bottom.

Slide in the filter with wires in between, not getting into fans and helping push filter against back. Tape all around on outside to keep filter in place and make box look better. Make sure you allow box to open easily but seal closed.

Plug it in, test. Then screw on the finger guards. You are ready to enjoy your new AL Panel!

Fans are rated at 55cfm, so 495cfm raw. Not sure true CADR but with the plenum it’s probably improved, ~120-175cfm or maybe better. 47db full blast, very mild sound. Needs something in small gaps between fans, maybe weatherstripping. Haven’t fixed that yet

I order these in white, looks better when looking from behind the filter
etsy.com/listing/115686…

Easy peasy

If you want to be able to dial it down, get a variable voltage 12v power supply (fans will slow but LEDs will not dim) or use a PWM remote controller like Cool Moon. But my goal was easy, and this should be on high all the time anyway for max benefit

Here’s the back. Fans don’t sync because there’s no central controller so it’s just a random rainbow pulsing lava lamp vibe. Back will look cool for 2 weeks and then darken too much for good visibility. Then just look at the fans

You only need one power supply. Accidentally put 2 in my Amazon cart. Ignore!

And if you’ve made it all the way to the end of this thread, your reward is a clip of the show I went to Fri night when the lights reminded me of my AL Panels! Death Cab for Cutie’s “Northern Lights” at the Greek (outdoors and I masked KN95 w valve and gaiter over :-)

Note: the plenum is the box that the 2 pack of filtretes comes in. You can get a 6 pack, but start with the 2 for this build so you get the box. “Free box included” lol

I’m definitely enjoying the filter side right now. Better than a 1990 TV set. Here it’s trying to recreate the DCFC song

I mean… so cool!! Touched up the tape a bit to remove all the white. Definitely the most entertaining CR Box yet #ALPanel