Fan – Stuff!

DIY: Portable Cooling Unit

written 7/14/25; updated 7/14/25

What

Make your own air conditioner that’s not really air conditioning. This device made from household items helps blow cold air from water chilled by ice. It is highly customizable. Best for small spaces.

Why

The use case for this assembly can be varied. Examples: the top of my townhouse that never gets A/C properly, picnics, tailgating, my workplace whenever it loses A/C (at least once a year), etc.

Time and Effort

Time: 2-3 hours

Effort: Easy-Moderate

Materials and Cost

Materials

Submersible Pump USB, 3W/50gph

Arctic Zone Titan Cooler, 16-can

Radiator w/ Fan, 120mm/DC12V/12pipe

Tubing, 3/8″-1/2″ (0.3″-05″; 8-12mm)

Dual 3 or 4-pin USB Adapter, 12V

4in Dust Hose, sculptable/flexible

4in Bell Nozzle Dust Collection Fitting

USB Hub with Power Switches, 2.5A/5V

Cost

$6.99

$27.99 (sale)

$20.99

Free (~$6)

$8.99

$15.45

$19.98

$19.99

TOTAL: $120.39 ($126.39)

Owned Supplies

Sharpie

Dremel w/Cutting Bit

Driver w/Drill Bit

Screws, Nuts, Washers

Utility Knife

Ruler/Square

Safety Glasses

Optional – the assembly is highly customizable

120mm Slim Case Fan attached to other side of radiator for push/pull method (~$10)
Replace the 120mm Radiator w/Fan with a 240mm Radiator w/Fan ($36.99), Slim Case Fan 3-pack w/PWM sharing ($28.99)
Add another Fan to the end of the Flex Hose for even more pulling power (~$10-$30), by utilizing a 3D printer or buying a Duct Collector Flange (~$10)
If you don’t need the on/off switches for power, then just a dual port USB A power block is fine (~$10)
You can also get a USB splitter plus an in-line USB with on/off switch all connected to a 1-port wall block, but that would mean many adapters and could compromise power delivery if not careful
Use an insulating tape around the base of the Bell Attachment

Schematics

This is the original schematic I drew. It has different components I didn’t end up using like wing nuts, a diverter tray at the bottom, and an added plastic sheet/bracket for fastening the hose flange on top to.

Process

Planning and Measurements

After gathering supplies, try them out to see if they will fit, the best orientation, etc. Adjust as necessary

Cut Hoses to fit the Submersible Pump and Radiator w/Fan into reservoir (orange liner bucket)
Decide if you want to use the push or pull method (or both) for the radiator, and swap the fan to the desired side

Note: Cooler fans always have a direction of flow and spin indicator somewhere on there

Take measurements and mark them with the Sharpie

Cutting

As nerve-wracking as it can be, you just gotta do it to get it done
Start with the notches in the plastic. I used a Dremel with a cutting wheel and it was quite simple. *Don’t forget safety glasses when cutting plastic!!*

Dremels make the plastic melt while cutting

It’s useful for keeping things mostly smooth

Now for the cooler. I decided to trace the inside of the Bell Nozzle Attachment to open up as much space as possible for the air movement (planning on later using a 240mm instead of just the 120mm). Using the utility knife, I cut through the 3 layers of insulating material

Initially, I’d planned on just setting the Bell Attachment on top of the cooler, so next, I drilled holes for the 4 attachment points through insulating material and the orange plastic (needed to stand on a stool to do this on the workbench) using a 1/4″ bit

Then, I traced the opening on the plastic with a Sharpie because now I can see the line through the backside. It’s time to cut the opening! Here, you have options. I think the easiest method is to run the utility knife multiple times around the shape, cutting deeper each time, then clean up with the Dremel (sanding bit) afterwards (unless you have other fun tools in your arsenal). Instead, I decided to get fancy and use aviator snips (tin snips) because they pretty much cut everything. The problem is that you have to know how to use them otherwise you mess up like I did. Thankfully, it wasn’t a huge deal. It really doesn’t have to be gorgeous, either.

Right side snips. Not sure where my left one is…

Securement

Here, you have to decide how you want to mount the Bell Attachment: Under the insulation? Above? And, even, if you want to secure it on top of the cooler fabric, or underneath it, just on the orange plastic.

I happen to have a huge box of loose screws organized by size, and some random washers and nuts, so I chose some 1/4″ (M6) screws

Initially, I used the 1″ screws, washers, and nuts to go all the way through.

In the end, I changed my mind used the 1/2″ length screws and attached it all underneath the cooler fabric because the 1″ screws were too long even through the fabric and would impede the fan/radiator placement inside

Final Assembly and Testing

Time to put it all together!

First up, replace the orange liner bucket, suction the Submersible Pump to the bottom, and replace the tray with the Pump’s cord through the notch
Fit the water tubes down into the reservoir through the tray’s convenient holes (bonus, this stabilizes the radiator/fan unit) and attach to the Pump

Attach all Power Cords and Adapters together
Attach the Flexible Hose to the Bell Attachment

Time to Test!

Move the tray aside a little, and fill ‘er up with water (make sure it’s always past the top of the Pump… You should never run those dry!) and ice packs. I happened to use ice because I ran out of ice packs testing out the first iteration of this assembly (see end of post if interested)
Plug it all in

Water is draining into the reservoir just like it’s supposed to!

DONE! Give it some time to start cooling

Result

07/14/25: The power really isn’t as strong as I’d like it to be. Ended up trying all kinds of fans (happened to have) to try and boost power. More money equals more power, but also more noise… With that said, having this when it’s about 100F with no other air source, would be a Godsend.

The cooler is insanely portable, and everything about this cooler by Arctic Zone is perfect for this application from the tray with convenient holes to the zipper-less closure, to the plastic liner tray which makes it fully waterproof, to just how nice it looks. It even comes in a 48-Can size!! Technically, you can just scoot the tray aside and carry drinks in the reservoir, too. Even food if you have space in the tray. I’m sure you can 3D print any manner of dividers if you’re not using the whole tray for fans. The largest sized cooler could really have dual fan and vent setup.

Just store the cords and block in the pockets when not using

Here is a hose-end fan attached with a 3D printed 4″ adapter

When I have more monies, I will try the 240mm Radiator with push and pull fans, then update here.

Notes

Your choice on how you want to orient the fan on the radiator. You can unscrew and re-screw to the other side, or even add another fan for a push/pull method instead of just push or pull
Many soft-sided coolers are NOT actually waterproof! Be careful!
Submersible pumps are easily clogged. You do not need a powerful one. A weaker one will do just fine
Ice packs are preferable to actual ice, though you can use ice itself, too. The reason being tiny ice pieces can enter the pump and potentially damage the entire system
Very large chunks of ice do not melt easily or quickly, and can provide longer cooling than small pieces
This can also be done in a hardcase cooler. I chose this cooler because drilling through plastic of a hard cooler would likely necessitate some sort of sealing to retain the insulating abilities of the cooler. Like, spray foam or insulating tape?

Test Run

If you’re interested, I initially tested it all out on a small cooler/lunch bag that was free. I’d drawn schematics for 2 different setups including the smaller setup. The result was less than ideal:

The fan and radiator were much too large for the front pocket that I’d planned on trying
Poking holes through the bag to the reservoir of water is not idea for leakage reasons, yet running the hoses around the outside alongside the power cords made for a very ugly setup and high chance for leaking, not to mention reduced water-cooling capabilities
- The cooler/lunch box ended up leaking because it’s not actually waterproof

Here are some pictures!

Just need a utility knife to score and break

Pump goes in, but has no hard surface to suction to

Too tight a fit, so the hoses have to stick up and out

Closing it inside the pocket kinks the hoses

For reference, the counter outside it was 69F

In the end it leaked everywhere and was a bust

Back to DIY Projects Page

Kairosoft Games Reviews

written 07/16/23, updated 07/16/2023

Kairosoft, based out of Tokyo, Japan, has created numerous simulation games for mobile, Switch, and PC, since 1996.

Big Fan

I am a HUGE fan of Kairosoft games ever since I played my first one, Hot Springs Story. Here, I am going to list the ones I have played. They’re simple, adorable, addicting, fun, witty, strategic, and if you’re a fan of simulation games, highly recommended. This is a list, ratings, and short review for the games I’ve played. To be updated as I play them.

Quick Jump

Games (A-Z)

Games (A-Z)

Burger Bistro Story

Rating: 2 out of 5

Comments: You own a Burger Chain and must compete with 3 other Burger Chains. by creating any combination of burgers with ingredients researched, as well as decorating and managing each individual store, complete with staff and suppliers, and unlocking new customers. I found it to be a bit too loose in burger creation and rather difficult to enjoy for long. Outcompeting competitors is satisfying.

Dream House Days DX

Rating: 3 out of 5

Comments: You manage a housing complex through 3 types of expansion, tailoring each individual room with specific furnishings to certain groups or tenants. They will grow up, get jobs, get married, have kids, retire, and die from old age right inside your rooms. Kind of Sims-like. I personally was shocked when my favorite tenants got old. I helped them get jobs! Counseled them through dates! That put a damper on the game…a little too much reality, a little too much God-playing.

Dream Park Story

Rating: 5 out of 5

Comments: LOVE THIS GAME. Then again, I’m partial because one of my favorite video games of all-time is Sim Theme Park and I’ve yet to find a suitable replacement for it. This game is the closest so far on the simplicity and fun side. It’s exactly that: a simulation theme park. Small rides, big rides, sideshows, shops, eateries, bathrooms, trashcans… Expansion, research, hiring, seasons, contests. Love it.

Dungeon Village

Rating: 4 out of 5

Comments: Neato mechanic where you build a village that attracts adventurers itching for battle. Inns, eateries, weapons shops, leisure, and if/when the adventurers like it enough, they will stay, giving you a nice amount of cash! During the day, they fight monsters and venture through dungeons, gaining levels and stats, and at night, they either sleep in their houses or go back to whence they came. Eventually there are boss fights! Great idea. Good game.

Dungeon Village 2

Rating: 3 out of 5

Comments: Just like Dungeon Village 1 except with some steps forward…and some steps back. I was really hoping for a blow-away-better game. It does have expansions which is cool and allow you to carry over some of your favorite adventurers to new towns in new lands right away. I just wish it was a bit…better. I played it less than the original version.

Epic Astro Story

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Comments: You build a settlement that gets visits from aliens for space tourism. You grow things, expand, get supplies and resources. All for economy! You can even send your settlers on voyages! Unfortunately, while it sounds good, I found it to be a tad frustrating. Alien tourists only had a set area they would go outside of a space station which places constraints and makes buildings repetitive. All in all, I found it rather tedious and disappointing.

Game Dev Story

Rating: 5 out of 5

Comments: One of Kairosoft’s original games! What makes this game extra special is that a video game software company released a game about making video games! You have creative license to combine different elements together to try and make a stellar game with your team, while undertaking small side gigs all in the name of prestige and fame! Expand, research, and create to either explosive success, or dismal failure. Extremely fun.

Hot Springs Story

Rating: 4 out of 5

Comments: My very first Kairosoft game. Played as a demo and was hooked. One of the earlier entries, it has some frustrating elements like being unable to move things around easily as you expand. Otherwise, you are managing a hot spring! Contests with magazines for popularity, make combos, and give clients what they want!

Hot Springs Story 2

Rating: 4.25 out of 5

Comments: Definite improvement on the original! Added outside elements for the inside of the hot spring, different hot springs, lots of combos, many more stores and decorations. I found it to be great except some small details like for some reason very few of my clients ever wanted to go enjoy the outdoor attractions, and even when I placed stairs to access them, no one ever used the steps, rather walking through walls. I also found the game to be too confining for all of the new elements added. I found I wanted it to be double the size after fully expanding the facility.

Mega Mall Story

Rating: 4.75 out of 5

Comments: Fantastic game! You’re managing a multi-level mall. Utilizing combos, escalators, elevators, place shops eateries, and attractions while working with transportation and communities to outperform competing malls! My only gripe is that there’s not enough space!

Mega Mall Story 2

Rating: 3 out of 5

Comments: Radically different flow and graphics style, I was disappointed in this game. The core is the same, but things are so different that I quit playing after about 3 total levels attained.

Oh! Edo Town

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

Comments: As a later installment, this has features that make moving things around easy. You’re creating a town in the Edo period of Japan’s history. Roads, store, houses, attractions, castles, turrets, hot springs…there’s a lot to design with! Somehow, I found I wasn’t terribly fond of the game. Perhaps the historical setting was too constricting? It was fine, just I prefer Venture Town despite having better game elements.

Pool Slide Story

Rating: 5 out of 5

Comments: Fantastically enjoyable! I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as the others because it’s constrained to just pools, but WOW! You get to design both indoors and outdoors elements. Food, shops, tables alongside, well, pool features! Slides, currents, streams, plants, water colors and fragrances??? It’s just awesome! I only wish I had more space to make even bigger and better pools!

The Manga Works

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Comments: This is just like Game Dev Story but for Manga. Instead of working in an office with team members, though, you are the mangaka, her(him)self. You work at home and suffer through creative blocks, barely making deadlines, entering contests, trying to fulfill special requests for publishers… all the while trying to pay rent with other odd jobs. It’s a good game for its realism, but I didn’t last because the reality was so depressing that it became dull.

Tropical Resort Story

Rating: 4 out of 5

Comments: You are the manager for a set of islands where you are trying to create the ultimate getaway complete with accommodations, shops, sightseeing, and FISH. Lots of fish and ocean flora! There are SO many elements to place and research! You go fishing for more fish! Progression on this game is amazing, but I found the terraforming to be constricting. It’s hard to create the combos given the limitations of space. Do you focus on underwater life? Or the shore? Why is there no path? Why can’t people walk around trees?

Venture Towns

Rating: 5 out of 5

*NOTE: This is the 2nd game I played of Kairosoft and is the reason I’m hooked to the games. However, it is old now (unless they updated, and I don’t know). The 5 out of 5 is based on when I originally played it*

Comments: Great city builder! A little dated now as it lacks the “rearrange” option, and is a tad difficult, but lots of fun and progresses well. Use combos to boost sales and attract residents to your town! Five different locations to attempt!

World Cruise Story

Rating: 3 out of 5

Comments: Design an irresistible cruise ship and become a famous cruise line! Control rooms, games, amenities, decorations, gyms, outside and inside elements! Expand the number of decks! Appeal to richer and richer passengers! The beginning was fun, but then it started getting stagnant after more ship levels are added. Being confined to a cruise ship is tough on the design-side! And VIPs are too critical!