Difference between revisions of "Sprinkler valve modification"

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This refers to [http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=305 pneumatically modifying] a [[sprinkler valve]] to actuate via a pilot valve with a higher flow then the solenoid—typicaly a blowgun, although larger valves (1.5-2" and up) require something with more flow to preform well. The larger vent decreases [[opening time]], and does not require batteries like the stock solenoid.
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This refers to '''modifying''' a [[sprinkler valve]] to actuate via a [[pilot valve]] with a higher flow than the solenoid—typically a [[blowgun]], although larger [[valve]]s (1.5-2" and up) require something with more flow to preform well. The larger vent decreases [[opening time]], and does not require batteries like the stock solenoid. A step by step tutorial of the process is available at [http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=305 Spudfiles]
  
Recent [http://forums.spudtech.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11028 research] by ssb73q of the [[SGTC]] indicates that using a small [[QEV]] as the pilot increases muzzle velocity and the consistency thereof. This is most likely because the time it takes to open is not variable, in contrast to a human opened blowgun.
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The faster and higher flow the pilot valve, the faster the actuated valve will open. This means that performance can be increased by using a [[QEV]], which offers the additional benefit of eliminating the human variable. This has been [http://www.spudfiles.com/spudtech_archive/viewtopic.php?t=11028 shown] to yield [[muzzle velocity|muzzle velocities]] as much as 2 times as consistent.
  
Another modification that can be made is enlarging the pilot leak hole. If the Sprinkler valve is opened it contains a large diameter rubber disk (called the diaphragm). About 1/2-1" in somewhere around the diaphragm (in a oftenly used [http://www.orbitonline.com/index.cfm?fa=watermaster.product&productid=201 Orbit Watermaster] sprinkler valve) will be a small white plasic piece poked through the diaphragm. If this piece is removed, the pilot area above the diaphragm will be pressurized instantly while the cannon is being filled, and so the valve will be more sensitive and will (in some instances) seat better.
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Another modification that can be made is enlarging the [[pilot]] leak hole. If the sprinkler valve is opened it contains a large diameter rubber disk (called the diaphragm). About 1/2-1" in somewhere around the diaphragm (in a often used [http://www.orbitonline.com/index.cfm?fa=watermaster.product&productid=201 Orbit Watermaster] sprinkler valve) will be a small plastic piece poked through the diaphragm. If this piece is removed, the pilot area above the diaphragm will be pressurized instantly while the cannon is being filled, and so the valve will be more sensitive and will (in some instances) seat better.
  
 
[[category:valves]]
 
[[category:valves]]
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[[Category:Construction methods]]

Latest revision as of 13:26, 1 June 2008

This refers to modifying a sprinkler valve to actuate via a pilot valve with a higher flow than the solenoid—typically a blowgun, although larger valves (1.5-2" and up) require something with more flow to preform well. The larger vent decreases opening time, and does not require batteries like the stock solenoid. A step by step tutorial of the process is available at Spudfiles

The faster and higher flow the pilot valve, the faster the actuated valve will open. This means that performance can be increased by using a QEV, which offers the additional benefit of eliminating the human variable. This has been shown to yield muzzle velocities as much as 2 times as consistent.

Another modification that can be made is enlarging the pilot leak hole. If the sprinkler valve is opened it contains a large diameter rubber disk (called the diaphragm). About 1/2-1" in somewhere around the diaphragm (in a often used Orbit Watermaster sprinkler valve) will be a small plastic piece poked through the diaphragm. If this piece is removed, the pilot area above the diaphragm will be pressurized instantly while the cannon is being filled, and so the valve will be more sensitive and will (in some instances) seat better.