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Malfunctioning Sprinkler Valve
Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 10:55 am
by noname
My sprinkler valve is not working. the solenoid and everything works but when i start pumping the gun up the air just flows out the barrel. I have made 6 pneumatic guns before this but this is my first sprinkler valve.
Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 1:18 pm
by sergeantspud2
Did you leave the solenoid on?
Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 1:37 pm
by noname
it doent have an on/off switch
its just the solenoid, then 3 9V batteries, then a push button switch
Anyone have any ideas?
Help is Welcome
Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 2:34 pm
by FiveseveN
Is it a normally open valve ?
As in does it close when you apply current to it?
Also check your solenoid with an ohmeter. Or maybe your wiring is faulty.
Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:24 pm
by noname
the valve is always closed but if i blow in it the air comes out the other side. The wiring works fine and all of the batteries work; ive been zapped enough to know that.
Where can i get an "ohmeter"?
Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:34 pm
by FiveseveN
Well, if you blow in it and air comes out the other side, how can you say it's closed?
You can buy an ohmeter or multimeter at an electronics store. It should be cheap and a multimeter is always useful around the house. Alternatively, you could wire the solenoid in series with a battery and a light bulb (must be small enough to work normally with the battery you're using). If the bulb doesn't light up, the circuit is open, therefore your solenoid is damaged.
Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 11:55 am
by noname
it looks closed and i cant see anything
thanks
if it helps any, i've been trying to modify the valve with the blowgun idea but i don't have the blowgun. So right now there's a hole drilled in the top with a steel hose coming out.