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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? :lol:
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.