Car & crate fans

I've got a couple of crate fans, and each has a purpose.  First up is a simple crate fan powered by 2 D batteries.  This fan is useful for the show ring when power outlets are at a premium.  It goes through a pair of batteries per day.

I also have the Breeze car fan that draws power from the cigarette lighter of the car.  This fan is relatively quiet and because it is a 10-inch fan, it moves a lot of air.  However, it puts a draw on the car battery, which is not really made for sustained operation.  Moreover, with modern cars, you can inadvertently have all sorts of accessories (such as the your headlights) on if you don't realize it.  I've experienced the frustration of being unable to start the car at the end of a long day in the field due to this fan.

This brings me to fan #3, the Ryobi.  Ryobi makes a wide range of power tools that use an 18 v NiCad battery.  The battery lasts about a long day in the field and it is rechargeable.  I'll head over to Home Depot on Saturday and pick up a Ryobi fan and battery and try it out on Sunday.

Cheap and very portable, but goes through batteries.

Good for a long road trip in hot weather, but draws car current when in the field.

Up-front battery cost is expensive, but the battery is rechargeable