Byte Insight
Sim Hub Wind Simulation Kit
If you are getting warm during races because of a VR headset or hot and sweaty fighting for position then you need the Simhub Arduino ShakeIt Wind Simulation mod. There are numerous solutions available such as boat blowers and 4 pin PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) fans. My first configuration was built around a 12v Boat Blower and although this worked I wouldn’t recommend it now because:
- Noise – the boat blower is really noisy.
- Pipework – its surprisingly inflexible, gets in the way and can put stress on the printed parts.
- Performance – although it can move air its not the most flexible in output.
My recommended solution is to use 120mm 4 pins fans but not just any old fans! The GDSTIME GDP1238 Axial Fan is a 12v DC fan that can move up to 227CFM at 6000rpm!
Which ever way you go the following parts give you the basic blower unit and air flow straighter plus a box for your Arduino Uno. All the printable design files are available for download from Printables and I offer a printing service to UK sim-racers. The 120mm Fan adapter is available here.
120MM 4 PIN FANS
The great thing about this solution is it avoids the requirement for a Moto Shield simplifying the electrics and as the fans are PWM they will run at a greater range of speeds without complaint. The circuit still utilises a 12V DC supply and its essential that the grounds are linked. The fan tacho pin is left disconnected.
BOAT BLOWERS
Retired Solution – See 120mm Fans above.
My twin blower design uses either a 12 or 24v 100mm/4″ boat blower and Arduino Uno with a Monster Motor Shield while a honeycomb straightener ensures maximum wind is blown towards you.
BOM
- 8040 Extrusion Mount x 2
- Base x 2
- Main Body x 2
- Honeycomb Straightener x 2
- Front x 2
- Tube Back x 2
- Y Splitter x 1
- Enclosure x 1
- Enclosure Lid x 1
- Arduino Uno x 1
- Moto Shield x 1
- Boat Blower x 1
- Power Connectors x 3
- Power Supply x 1
- 50mm Smooth Bore Hose x 3m
- 30mm Fan x 1
- 15mm Heatsinks x 2
- Wiring
Development Image Gallery
Notes
Boat Blower
Either a SEAFLO 24v 4″ 235CFM In-Line Bilge Blower Fan which has a compact body and five blade fan or a SEAFLO 12v 4″ 270CFM In-Line Bilge Blower Fan that comes with a larger body and six blade fan will work.
Motor Shields
Finding a motor shield now the Sparkfun MotoMonster is retired is a bit more of a challenge. Thankfully there are plenty of clones out there such as this one from Aliexpress – Monster Moto Shield VNH2SP30. In order to keep it cool I added a couple of 15mm2 heatsinks and a 30mm fan of an appropriate voltage.
Hose
The fans are connected using a length of SMOOTH BORE DUST EXTRACTION/ SUCTION HOSE from eBay.