how do I use solenoid valves?

Build a homemade water gun or water balloon launcher and tell us about it.
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Commander Soakage
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how do I use solenoid valves?

Post by Commander Soakage » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:30 pm

you heard the question. could someone please answer it.
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aEx155
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Re: how do I use solenoid valves?

Post by aEx155 » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:50 pm

The following is assuming you're talking about sprinkler valves, which are essentially solenoid valves:

What are you planning on using them for?

If it's for a water gun: if you don't already know, a solenoid valve has way too many turns inside it for it to make a good valve for use in water guns. Use something like a ball valve instead.

If it's for a water balloon launcher: Looking here, solenoid valves may increase the chance of popping the water balloon projectile. If you find a way around it, then read on.

This is assuming that you know how sprinkler valves work; if you don't, then look that up before continuing:

If you want to know how to make a solenoid valve open, the there are two ways to do it: pneumatic, and electrical.

Electrical is the easy way; just hook up 24-30 volts (EX: 3 9-volt batteries in series) to a switch and the solenoid terminals. Every time you press the switch, the valve should open.

Pneumatic is harder, but the valve opens faster. A guide to modifying the valve can be found here. To use, you just open the pilot valve (in that case, it's an air gun) and the valve should open.

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SSCBen
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Re: how do I use solenoid valves?

Post by SSCBen » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:51 pm

Google helps for questions like this.

AquaLab's guide has some solenoid valve stuff: http://aqualabs.tripod.com/thelaunchers.html

Here's some more information from SpudFiles (a spudgun website):

http://www.spudfiles.com/spud_wiki/inde ... kler_valve
http://www.spudfiles.com/spud_wiki/inde ... dification
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=305

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Specter
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Re: how do I use solenoid valves?

Post by Specter » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:51 pm

What application do you want to use one for? If it's for a Water Balloon Launcher you need to modify the valve so it performs efficiently.
If you want to know how to connect it. Either the PVC has to be glued into the slots on the valve, or if it's threaded, you need Male Adapters that fit the valve.

Edit: I was a bit late hitting the post button. The other 2 have more info in them. :)
Edit2: Ignore edit 1 haha.
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SSCBen
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Re: how do I use solenoid valves?

Post by SSCBen » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:53 pm

I don't think we've had three posts at the same time before. Hopefully that's enough information to get you started on using a sprinkler valve.

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