Start a fan when PS4 is switched on (USB port)

#1

Hi Everyone,

I have a PS4 is a cabinet/shelf and it is getting quite hot. So I have placed a fan there which I have to turn on manually and this seems to be working for the heating problem. What I would like to do now is have the fan come on when the PS4 starts up and stop when it is shut down.

My idea here is to use a relay to isolate the power for the fan from the PS4 system and use the USB 2.0 port on the front of the unit to close the relay. The only other idea I had was to use a temperature sensor and when the temp got to hot in the cabinet to turn on the fan but I thought the relay would be simpler and not require a micro.

The fan I am looking at is https://www.pccasegear.com/products/27883/noctua-nf-b9-redux-92mm-1600rpm-fan
and the relay I am looking at is https://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/pololu-basic-spdt-relay-carrier-with-12vdc-relay-assembled but as I have never worked with relays I am not 100% what I am looking for here. The switch handling of this device looks more than enough but I am not sure how the trigger signal would work. The USB ground would be connected but the 5V+ and the signal would both come from the USB 5V+ line which doesn’t seem quite right.

Anyway, thought I would throw this out there to see what suggestions/corrections come in.

Thanks in advance
Michael

#2

I could be way off here, but it seems like you should be able to connect the relay directly to the usb port using a cable. Just cut the usb cable and connect the power wires directly to the relay, and when the unit is powered on it will switch on the fan. I don’t have a module to test but I’m pretty sure you could jumper the power and signal terminals if necessary

#3

A relay is probably the best way to do it but you want to use one with a 5V trigger. Take a look at this unit. https://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/pcb-mount-solid-state-relay-5v

#4

Thanks for that everyone, I will get some of those and mock something up as a test and report back.

#5

Is it necessary to use a solid state relay?
Was just thinking that this would be easier to wire up.

#6

Sorry you are absolutely right. I misread that board as needing a 12vdc supply to run the coil. You can use the relay board.