I made mine from a seven gallon bucket. Measure from the top of the pump to the base of the tee, with the tube halo laying on the pad. I really liked how they pull the eye to the middle, as it lets the eye rest within the photo for a while. Cooler Master Real Power Pro 550w. If you're using an HD bucket, the width/circumference of the bucket should about the same all the way down. Make sure your fan is all centered up with the exhaust hole. I leave it up to you if you wanna fix it, or roll with it at that point. If not, refer to the note some people need to do for row #2/subsequent rows. Join Prime to save $6.99 on this item. So run to your hardware store to collect 5 gallons’ bucket, nuts & bolts, Dura-cool pad, flex-duct, fan, pump, and battery. Measure the circumference of your bucket using your twine/string/measuring tape. Just by making the fit of the pad snug against the walls of the cooler (e.g. Make a point to mention that so folks won't spend big moolah for something that won't work. Please note, I am not suggesting any one power source/product over another. Front Mount Panel Mount Female DC Connector, Altair - a Tripod Mounted Refracting Telescope, Heat Gun/Practical Method of Heating Heat Shrink, 2" Hole Saw Bit (or use the adjustable bit), Wire Stripper/Cutter (use a wire cutter that can cut heavy duty wire, or have a bolt cutter handy - you’ll need it to cut the aluminum wire in the ducting), 36” or longer piece of twine/string/other way to measure round objects, Caliper (optional, but strongly recommended), Heat Shrink (try to get an assortment/”variety” pack), 4 2" #6 Phillips head bolts & nuts (preferably stainless/rust-proof) <- for the fan, 2 1" #6 Phillips head bolts & nuts (preferably stainless/rust-proof) <- for mounting the exhaust port, 2 1" #6 Phillips head bolts & nuts (preferably vinyl/plastic) <- for fastening the duct reducer to the brace, 1" Zinc-Coated Steel or Plastic Corner Brace, Measure 1.75" below the bottom of the rim (the raised part near the top of the bucket that the handle is bolted into.). $24.95 $ 24. The two holes should be directly across from each other. 2 years ago I’ve included links to places where you can purchase some of the more specific parts and tools, and you should be able to find the rest at your friendly neighborhood hardware store. ~ Honey Bee @ Center Camp, Sweet! Typically, there is a set of connections with a light bulb or fan symbol above them on most charge controllers where you'll plug these wires into. items needed: bucket, styrofoam liner, pvc pipe, small fan, and ice. on Step 6. But they won't work in the high humidity areas, like the South. Build a Homemade Swamp Cooler. But keep the length down to 3/4" at most so that the wires have some flexibility near the connector(s). 4.0 out of 5 stars 6. 4.7 out of 5 stars 13. AC//DC power supply included. Before you drill the holes for the corner braces/duct reducer mounts, you might want to check to make sure that the actual holes on the corner braces match up with the template. Also, the lip of the grass bank moving inward helps pull the eye into the photo as well. BE SAFE.) Finally, you could just be using a connector that’s slightly too small for your DC connector, so just make sure to try the next one up. Initially the pad on mine was cut too short, and it was a little loose inside the bucket. But on foot or in a kayak, it’s worth the effort to get out and feel the pulse of an almost prehistoric life that beats on the wings of woodpeckers and insects or slides by on cool, muddy scales. If the generator only has DC outlets (e.g. Hey Larry, just to clarify - the fan and pump specified are both 12V. If there is access to alternating current (AC), wouldn't this work without the 12V power source if you use an AC fan and an AC pump? instructables. Optional (but highly recommended) Accessory: Endless Breeze 12V DC Fan (to place in your tent, to push the moistened, swampy air through your tent and make it even cooler.). If you are planning to power this cooler with one - make sure the generator is far, far away from where this swamp cooler will be sucking in air. To turn the swamp cooler on/off, you'll have to manually plug/unplug the power cable from the swamp cooler, unless you add a switch to the cable. ", Form (something) by putting parts together or combining substances; construct; create, give certain properties to something; "get someone mad"; "She made us look silly"; "He made a fool of himself at the meeting"; "Don't make this into a big deal"; "This invention will make you a millionaire"; "Make yourself clear", Alter something so that it forms or constitutes (something else). Reply Now you’ve got yourself a swamp cooler. J @ Planet Earth & Center Camp Cafe ; ). If the tube length and all that stuff was fine, remove the pump from the tubing and set it aside for wiring later. Thanks for your comment, and hope you build it and enjoy it! If you’re happy with your holes, twist the tube if necessary to point all of the holes downwards so that they’re facing the same way as the "trunk" barb of the tee. Has anybody ever tried using a wicking fabric, such as burlap instead of using a water pump and DuraCool pads? The first order of business is to mark the spots on the duct reducer to which we’ll be mounting the corner braces that will help secure this contraption to the bucket lid. Does it work? Apr 9, 2014 - 5 Gallon Bucket Swamp Cooler DIY Project - Cooling your tent or van. Watch to find out! the 5” wide end.) If the pump and fan are both working, disconnect them immediately, as it’s not good for the pump to run while it’s not pumping anything. First we’ll connect the fan, as it’s the closest to the power connector. I really really really wanted the clouds to come ablaze with light, and I was ready with such a good compo. Required fields are marked * Post comment. If your power unit doesn't have a button, you'll need to manually insert/remove the power cable to turn the swamp cooler on/off. You can also use a 5 gallon bucket to keep your garden or homestead thriving and productive by creating items that will help to increase biodiversity and attract wildlife. If the fan's chassis holes are all good, drill one of the adjacent fan mounting holes, then run bolts through the lid and fan chassis for both fan holes you've made so far. After the pad is cut to size, do a test fit in the bucket. You will need a solar panel, charge controller that will output 12VDC, and deep cycle 12V marine battery. If you have an HD bucket, cut a length of tube to 32.75" long. Next, we’ll cut the tube that will connect our pump to the tube halo we just made. Guess what I did? Once you attach the appropriate connector [connector description], go ahead and plug it into the DC connector and then into your power source/outlet. I will say, unless you have a ton of other stuff to power, a gas-powered generator is massive overkill for this, but beyond that - it's your call. 2 years ago Thank you. Solder the wires together as close to the shielded section of the black wire coming from the power connector as possible [picture] so you have room to connect the pump later. I thought I had the best shot in my arsenal, but then no sun came lol. Using a 5 Gallon Bucket to Increase Biodiversity & Attract Wildlife. You can get them at a winemaking or brew supply store. The power supply I have listed in parts comes with a variety of connectors, and has reversible connections, so it can be handy for other devices and for troubleshooting as well. As far as setting up the width on the hole saw - if you've downloaded and printed the PDF template and it came out to scale, you can use that as a reference to go off. Get a Male DC Connector/Plug. This will be the first point of the second row. This is definitely a good group project to get a few people to help split costs and not have extra material left over. This is the center point of the first row. This swamp cooler was a blast to build, really ignited the “maker” spirit in me, and has bought me countless hours of beauty/recovery sleep at an event I … It would be nice if you would put a few words at the beginning of your instructable to provide an overview of what a swamp cooler is and the general proinciple as to how it works. by having the ends of the pad press against each other), it does a good job of holding itself in there. Get it as soon as Tue, Nov 17. Of course, certain times of year, mosquitos, snakes and other things make swamp exploring more of a challenge. The template/example for the vent holes can be downloaded here. If you're using a different kind of bucket, find its circumference and subtract about 3" to start with for the width you should cut your pad. 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