Re: Replacement fan for the IIGS

[Mitchell Spector <mitch2gs@hotmail.com>]

SlickRCBD <slickrcbd@hotmail.com> wrote:

>The fan installed in my old Apple IIGS has a dead spot on it. This means 
>that sometimes when I turn on the machine, the fan fails to start, and I 
>need to open the case and give the fan a little nudge to get it to start 
>up.
>
>I was wondering, if I needed a fan specifically for the IIGS due to 
>unique power requirements or plug sizes, or if I can run out to Radio 
>Shack or CompUSA  and grab a cheap fan off the shelf. Both locations 
>have fans that look identical to the one inside, but I can't tell if 
>their the exact same size connector or not, and I'm not sure what the 
>voltage requirement is. The fans are for modern computers. I could 
>probably dig the manual out of storage to get the voltage, but it won't 
>tell me about the plug.

    If you're looking for the official Apple fan, I noticed Shreves Systems
is offering them new in the box for US$8 (with free shipping) on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-Apple-IIGS-System-Fan-Free-Shipping_W0QQitemZ5814668287QQcategoryZ80033QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

    Apart from the vintage box packing and plastic clips to mount the fan 
to the side of the Apple IIgs's powersupply, there's nothing unique about 
them. It's just your standard and typical run-of-the-mill 12 volt fan with
two-pin connector. Any computer or electronics shop carries these 
inexpensively, and if need be, the molex pin connector can be swapped
without too much difficulty. The connector on the motherboard is simply
+12v and ground (the pin closet to the powersuply holds the voltage).

    The Apple fan was not a very popular option. It was fairly noisy, 
blocked one or more card slots, and just re-circulated the already hot 
air inside the case. External fans (i.e. JuiceBox GS, System Saver GS,
Converser) at least drew the hot air out through the vents.

Mitchell Spector