Urgent Question

Meaningful discussion outside of the potato gun realm. Projects, theories, current events. Non-productive discussion will be locked.
User avatar
koolaidman
Specialist
Specialist
Posts: 156
Joined: Sun Jun 24, 2007 7:46 pm

Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:55 am

Guys, i need to figure this out fast. I need to trip a sprinkler valve in an irrigation setup. for some reason 18 v wont do it. It looks like it is 1.5" so possibly the solenoid takes more juice? anyways, would i achieve the same ends if i just unscrewed the solenoid itself. Would this release the pilot, open the diaphram, and turn on the sprinklers. And if so what are the chances of me being able to screw the solenoid back in? thanks guys
User avatar
Biopyro
Corporal 2
Corporal 2
Posts: 654
Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 5:32 am
Location: UK

Fri Jun 06, 2008 8:03 am

You should be ok doing that if you can manage to unscrew it. In a water setup, wont water come out of where the diaphragm was though. Chances are it's either a 24v solenoid or there's just a short circuit.
Unless it's glued in you should be able to screw it back no problem. Try phoning the company who made the valve if they have a support line.
Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
User avatar
ghostman01
Specialist 3
Specialist 3
Posts: 372
Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2007 9:15 am

Fri Jun 06, 2008 8:47 am

THERE should be a little sliding thing where the solenoid is screwed on to turn it until its on ( override )
Image
Ultimateforum
I have 27 different kinds of weapons in my home, do not attempt to trespass........!
User avatar
jimmy101
Sergeant Major 2
Sergeant Major 2
United States of America
Posts: 3206
Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2007 9:48 am
Location: Greenwood, Indiana
Has thanked: 6 times
Been thanked: 18 times
Contact:

Fri Jun 06, 2008 10:53 am

Unscrewing the solenoid should open the valve. You shouldn't have any problems screwing it back in because of the huge mechanical advantage the threads give your hand.

The valve may also have a vent screw. Look for an odd looking screw, might be plastic, might have a knurled head (instead of a philips or flathead or hex head).

I'm surprised 18V won't cycle the solenoid, it should. Either the 18V supply can't supply enough current or the solenoid has siezed up. A pair of fresh 9V batteries in series will source a couple amps, at least, which is probably more power than the 24V wall wart type supply normally used for these types of valves.

Might try smacking the solenoid a few times to see if you can get it unstuck.
Image
User avatar
psycix
Sergeant Major 4
Sergeant Major 4
Posts: 3684
Joined: Mon Jun 25, 2007 7:12 am
Location: The Netherlands

Donating Members

Sat Jun 07, 2008 5:26 am

Is there enough pressure to open up the valve?
Till the day I'm dieing, I'll keep them spuddies flying, 'cause I can!

Spudfiles steam group, join!
User avatar
koolaidman
Specialist
Specialist
Posts: 156
Joined: Sun Jun 24, 2007 7:46 pm

Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:13 pm

Never mind guys, but thanks. I was planning a surprise for our high school's freshman picnic, but It got rained out.
User avatar
daxspudder
Specialist 3
Specialist 3
Posts: 300
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:22 pm

Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:58 pm

That is just classic. Awesome. I hope you have a chance to pull it off later, and video the whole thing when you do...
"<I>For dare to be peace, I have to keep at it everyday, da Man doesn't take days off so neither can I</I>" -<B>Bob Marley</B>, day before a performance, a day after being shot in the chest. "<I>If you are the big, big tree, we are the small axe, ready to cut you down!</I>" -Bob again :brave:
User avatar
jr
Specialist
Specialist
Posts: 162
Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2006 8:24 pm
Location: brem. wa.
Contact:

Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:10 am

LOL that is /would be awsome....good luck
Post Reply