2 position 3 way solenoid valve problems

Cannons powered by pneumatic pressure (compressed gas) using a valve or other release.
MtnMaster_303
Private
Private
United States of America
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2023 8:46 pm
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 3 times

Hi I'm having trouble with a solenoid valve for a qev cannon! The issue is the valve is working but in the opposite way I need it to. So when the trigger is pressed the valve is activated and allows air to flow through the valve past the qev and into the fill tank, when I release the trigger it then closes and dumps the air from the fill tank through the qev. I need the opposite of this action. Need it to fill the tank automatically then with pressing the trigger shut air off and activate the qev dumping the fill tank! Did I get the wrong valve and solenoid or can the action of the valve get switched? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Pictures of current configuration
Attachments
1673713051831701912004692114326.jpg
1673713075134798724485891063196.jpg
16737130930091611957633619549748.jpg
User avatar
jackssmirkingrevenge
Five Star General
Five Star General
Posts: 26219
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2007 11:28 pm
Has thanked: 582 times
Been thanked: 347 times

Welcome to the forum!

Assuming you have a two position three ported valve, the ports should be as follows:

P - inlet

A - outlet

R - exhaust

Depending on whether the valve is normally closed or normally open, gas can flow from P to A when not energized and from A to R when energized, or vice versa.

From what I can see in the images you've shared, you appear to have hooked it up correctly, I'm assuming the nipple on P is connected to your main chamber and A is connected to the QEV pilot.

Image

If that's the symbol on your valve, I believe it could mean that the valve is normally closed, in which case you would have to switch P and R.
hectmarr wrote:You have to make many weapons, because this field is long and short life
MtnMaster_303
Private
Private
United States of America
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2023 8:46 pm
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 3 times

I got it figured out it was a wiring problem at the switch! I do have another question as well! It doesn't seem like the qev is dumping all the air in the holding/ fill tank and im not getting the full 200 psi dumping all at once is this the qev possibly? It is from Granger but my project is coming along just don't know if I will be able to get the distance im trying to achieve with this set up! Any recommendations on a way to get a 14oz. Beanbag to shoot 100 to 200 feet?
User avatar
jackssmirkingrevenge
Five Star General
Five Star General
Posts: 26219
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2007 11:28 pm
Has thanked: 582 times
Been thanked: 347 times

The solenoid you're using probably has very low flow and not dumping the QEV pilot volume effectively.

One possible solution is to add a second QEV, use the solenoid to pilot this QEV which then pilots your main QEV.
hectmarr wrote:You have to make many weapons, because this field is long and short life
MtnMaster_303
Private
Private
United States of America
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2023 8:46 pm
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 3 times

Thanks! For the suggestions !
User avatar
farcticox1
Sergeant
Sergeant
Canada
Posts: 1086
Joined: Sun Mar 31, 2013 12:37 pm
Has thanked: 69 times
Been thanked: 103 times

I wonder if the solenoid valve also needs pilot air to operate and as it starts to dump theres not enough pressure to open it. I have blocked and redrilled pilot ports before so the solenoid part always has full pressure. If the valve has a manual actuation button on it have you tried firing with that, might give different results.
Airtac-Wiring-Diagram-Pneumatic-Control-Valve-4V210-08-5-2-Way-1-4-Inch-Pneumatic-Air-Solenoid-Valve.jpg
Airtac-Wiring-Diagram-Pneumatic-Control-Valve-4V210-08-5-2-Way-1-4-Inch-Pneumatic-Air-Solenoid-Valve.jpg (22.53 KiB) Viewed 69692 times
sarausa
Recruit
Recruit
Bahrain
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri May 30, 2025 9:43 pm

Most solenoid valves have only one default mode (NO or NC), depending on the mechanical and magnetic design inside. You cannot swap this mode unless it is a 2-in-1 valve with the ability to reverse operation (very rare, expensive). Suika game
Leonard27
Recruit
Recruit
Singapore
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2025 9:24 pm

I am very happy to join this forum and read this topic. Everyone is very innovative and also provides me with more help and ideas. Thank you for your sharing and suggestions.
There will be no regret and sorrow if you fight with all your strength.
motores paso a paso integrado
peterparkerrbu
Recruit
Recruit
United States of America
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Aug 27, 2025 11:06 pm

It sounds like you have a Normally Open (NO) solenoid valve, and you need a Normally Closed (NC) solenoid valve.
Post Reply

Create an account or sign in to join the discussion

You need to be a member in order to post a reply

Create an account

Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute

Register

Sign in

  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post