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Which sprinkler valve model to buy?

Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 1:19 pm
by surfbum
hey, im going to build a sprinkler valve sniper this weekend
i was wondering what model of sprinkler valve to buy.
i know about the guide rod, but is there a specific model that performs better than others?

thanks for the help

Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 1:46 pm
by iPaintball
I used an Orbit Watermaster. It was very easy to mod.

Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:18 pm
by Thursto
Yeah, ive heard that watermasters are the way to go, but try to get one without the rod inside it, well thats what ive been told. (i cant remember what its called exactly)

Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:26 pm
by singularity
guide rod? i think thats what its called

also remember to use lots of Teflon tape on the threaded piece of pipe you put in for the pilot valve. i modded one a while ago except it didn't work so i ended up buying another one and modded it, even thought the first one would have worked fine if i had put enough Teflon on it. i thought the problem with the diaphragm but it actually was the pilot port was not 100% sealed which caused it to stay open. moral of the story, you can never have too much Teflon tape

Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:46 pm
by Thursto
Yes Guide rod thats the one, singularity wrote "moral of the story, you can never have too much Teflon tape" tat is exactly true, and if you have too much, its not like its going to do any damage. they say the ones without guide rods are easyier to mod, but it can still be done if it has one.

what's a guide rod?

Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 4:54 pm
by db
HOw do you know if the watermaster has a guide rod or not? Anybody got a picture?

db

Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 5:05 pm
by Specialist
here is a link to their site and you should be able to find out if it does or not. http://www.orbitonline.com/

Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 5:56 pm
by frankrede
Thursto wrote:Yes Guide rod thats the one, singularity wrote "moral of the story, you can never have too much Teflon tape" tat is exactly true, and if you have too much, its not like its going to do any damage. they say the ones without guide rods are easyier to mod, but it can still be done if it has one.
haha, Do you even know what your talking about?
Teflon tape is good, with moderation.
If you put too much, your fitting may not seal.

Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 7:39 pm
by Specialist
dunt-da-dunt-daaaaa! thats why they invented epoxy and pvc cement and primer. and i guess teflon tape. and thats why you solder copper pipe to give it a air-tight water-tight seal.

What and where is a guide rod?

Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:59 pm
by db
I am a complete newbie... giving me Orbit's website didn't help because I can't find the watermaster on the site... I have no idea of what category to look under and searches only turn up press releases...

On top of that I wouldn't know what a guide rod looked like if it walked up and bit me!

With all the info on the Net about spud guns I would think someone would have documented visually and with more detail what it takes to build a pneumatic valve.

If not, could you at least provide me more info so I can be sure to find buy the right valve?

All help will be greatly appreciated...

db

Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:17 pm
by dewey-1
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Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:28 pm
by db
Thanks for the link. That get's me to first base.

Can you also point me to some or an example of how to modify the sprinker valve for pneumatic use. Except for spud tech who used to sell them, I can't find examples on the web ... that's why I came looking for a forum...

illustrated or step by step info would be good for my ignorant self...

Incidentally, is this the valve they use when they trigger electrically also?

db

Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:38 pm
by dewey-1
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Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:53 pm
by db
Did that ... searched on "STICKY modding valve" and got pages of misc. spud gun palaver related to pneumatic spud guns but nothing I could spot in particular about modifying the 57020.

I don't want to make a lifestyle out of this project ... I am trying to avoid spending days reading pages upon pages upon pages of misc info figuring out how to build one trigger valve.

Just need to build the trigger to replace a funky squeezed hose trigger that I presently have.

I can see that means buying some hose, clamps, the valve, the trigger and threading the valve I imagine... the specific how's and what's are all I need.

Since you know your way around could you just isolate a specific how-to (illustrated if possible) for me?

I am drowning too much non-specific, partial bits, info from people who already know what they are talking about and aren't mentioning it ... which leaves a newbie like me in the dark.

I would greatly appreciate your help.

Thanks

db

Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:01 pm
by dewey-1
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