Sprinkler Valve Control
Archiver
Posts: 46,084
I am working on a project where I need to control a sprinkler valve
rated at 24VAC .30 amps. BTW this is not a lawn watering project. I
would rather not have to use a Lawn Sprinkler controller or Lawn
light controller to provide power to the valve, but rather use the
power supply that the Stamp would be using. Would it be better to
have:
1. (Preferable to me) A DC supply for the Stamp and valve and convert
the DC to AC for the valve? Would I have to have a 24 VDC supply and
step it down for the stamp? How would you go about doing all of this?
or
2.An AC supply to run the valve and step it down and convert it to DC
for the stamp. How would I do this if this is better than #1?
Thnx Already
Harold Goodrich
rated at 24VAC .30 amps. BTW this is not a lawn watering project. I
would rather not have to use a Lawn Sprinkler controller or Lawn
light controller to provide power to the valve, but rather use the
power supply that the Stamp would be using. Would it be better to
have:
1. (Preferable to me) A DC supply for the Stamp and valve and convert
the DC to AC for the valve? Would I have to have a 24 VDC supply and
step it down for the stamp? How would you go about doing all of this?
or
2.An AC supply to run the valve and step it down and convert it to DC
for the stamp. How would I do this if this is better than #1?
Thnx Already
Harold Goodrich
Comments
how you solve it if you find answers other than on this group. I
am/will be addressing a similar problem.
Thanks
Don
--- In basicstamps@y..., "hgoodric" <hgoodric@y...> wrote:
> I am working on a project where I need to control a sprinkler valve
> rated at 24VAC .30 amps. BTW this is not a lawn watering project. I
> would rather not have to use a Lawn Sprinkler controller or Lawn
> light controller to provide power to the valve, but rather use the
> power supply that the Stamp would be using. Would it be better to
> have:
>
> 1. (Preferable to me) A DC supply for the Stamp and valve and
convert
> the DC to AC for the valve? Would I have to have a 24 VDC supply
and
> step it down for the stamp? How would you go about doing all of
this?
>
> or
>
> 2.An AC supply to run the valve and step it down and convert it to
DC
> for the stamp. How would I do this if this is better than #1?
>
> Thnx Already
>
> Harold Goodrich
Probably the easiest way is to use the stamp I/O pin to drive a relay whose
contacts close the 24VAC through to the solenoid. Make sure the winding
resistance is high and the current draw is about 15ma. There are several of
these type relays in the Jameco catalog. You also need a reversed diode
accross the windings to prevent reverse voltage destroying the stamp output
pin. There is another method and that is to drive the relay with a UNL
2803. This IC can sink (supply ground) for 1/2 anp per gate. and has a
built in diode protection provided. Again drive the relay and let the relay
contacts drive the AC load. If using the UNL2803 simply output a high on
that stamp pin.
Good Luck
Eric Adams
Original Message
From: "hgoodric" <hgoodric@y...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 10:35 AM
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sprinkler Valve Control
> I am working on a project where I need to control a sprinkler valve
> rated at 24VAC .30 amps. BTW this is not a lawn watering project. I
> would rather not have to use a Lawn Sprinkler controller or Lawn
> light controller to provide power to the valve, but rather use the
> power supply that the Stamp would be using. Would it be better to
> have:
>
> 1. (Preferable to me) A DC supply for the Stamp and valve and convert
> the DC to AC for the valve? Would I have to have a 24 VDC supply and
> step it down for the stamp? How would you go about doing all of this?
>
> or
>
> 2.An AC supply to run the valve and step it down and convert it to DC
> for the stamp. How would I do this if this is better than #1?
>
> Thnx Already
>
> Harold Goodrich
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
for the stamp -- it can regulate its own power the rest of the way. Then,
separately, have a transformer bring the 120 down to 12 (AC). Let the stamp
switch a relay on the 120 side, and you'll be switching a very small amount of
current (30 mA plus losses in the transformer).
Clark Hughes
hgoodric wrote:
>
> I am working on a project where I need to control a sprinkler valve
> rated at 24VAC .30 amps. BTW this is not a lawn watering project. I
> would rather not have to use a Lawn Sprinkler controller or Lawn
> light controller to provide power to the valve, but rather use the
> power supply that the Stamp would be using. Would it be better to
> have:
>
> 1. (Preferable to me) A DC supply for the Stamp and valve and convert
> the DC to AC for the valve? Would I have to have a 24 VDC supply and
> step it down for the stamp? How would you go about doing all of this?
>
> or
>
> 2.An AC supply to run the valve and step it down and convert it to DC
> for the stamp. How would I do this if this is better than #1?
>
> Thnx Already
>
> Harold Goodrich
>
is one plug-in to the wall to run the whole system, whether that be a
24VAC wall wart that I have to convert to power the basicstamp or
something else. I apprecite your input though!!
Thnx
Harold Goodrich
--- In basicstamps@y..., "Eric Adams" <hugs102@b...> wrote:
> Hi:
>
> Probably the easiest way is to use the stamp I/O pin to drive a
relay whose
> contacts close the 24VAC through to the solenoid. Make sure the
winding
> resistance is high and the current draw is about 15ma. There are
several of
> these type relays in the Jameco catalog. You also need a reversed
diode
> accross the windings to prevent reverse voltage destroying the
stamp output
> pin. There is another method and that is to drive the relay with a
UNL
> 2803. This IC can sink (supply ground) for 1/2 anp per gate. and
has a
> built in diode protection provided. Again drive the relay and let
the relay
> contacts drive the AC load. If using the UNL2803 simply output a
high on
> that stamp pin.
>
> Good Luck
>
> Eric Adams
>
>
Original Message
> From: "hgoodric" <hgoodric@y...>
> To: <basicstamps@y...>
> Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 10:35 AM
> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sprinkler Valve Control
>
>
> > I am working on a project where I need to control a sprinkler
valve
> > rated at 24VAC .30 amps. BTW this is not a lawn watering project.
I
> > would rather not have to use a Lawn Sprinkler controller or Lawn
> > light controller to provide power to the valve, but rather use the
> > power supply that the Stamp would be using. Would it be better to
> > have:
> >
> > 1. (Preferable to me) A DC supply for the Stamp and valve and
convert
> > the DC to AC for the valve? Would I have to have a 24 VDC supply
and
> > step it down for the stamp? How would you go about doing all of
this?
> >
> > or
> >
> > 2.An AC supply to run the valve and step it down and convert it
to DC
> > for the stamp. How would I do this if this is better than #1?
> >
> > Thnx Already
> >
> > Harold Goodrich
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
Subject and
> Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
The Darlington is a ULN2803, not a UNL2803.
Larry Woods
>
Original Message
> From: hgoodric [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=pnE_x6WMNF12Z6ZVAC6pr7ZcjqisIZV5junT84heeD440uup1WdJuQWsjdHf4qY5eOF2vOJ15d0Ao79U]hgoodric@y...[/url
> Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 8:57 AM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Sprinkler Valve Control
>
>
> Thanks Eric. I realize that i need a relay in the
> system. What I want
> is one plug-in to the wall to run the whole system,
> whether that be a
> 24VAC wall wart that I have to convert to power the
> basicstamp or
> something else. I apprecite your input though!!
>
> Thnx
>
> Harold Goodrich
> --- In basicstamps@y..., "Eric Adams" <hugs102@b...> wrote:
> > Hi:
> >
> > Probably the easiest way is to use the stamp I/O pin
> to drive a
> relay whose
> > contacts close the 24VAC through to the solenoid.
> Make sure the
> winding
> > resistance is high and the current draw is about
> 15ma. There are
> several of
> > these type relays in the Jameco catalog. You also
> need a reversed
> diode
> > accross the windings to prevent reverse voltage
> destroying the
> stamp output
> > pin. There is another method and that is to drive
> the relay with a
> UNL
> > 2803. This IC can sink (supply ground) for 1/2 anp
> per gate. and
> has a
> > built in diode protection provided. Again drive the
> relay and let
> the relay
> > contacts drive the AC load. If using the UNL2803
> simply output a
> high on
> > that stamp pin.
> >
> > Good Luck
> >
> > Eric Adams
> >
> >
Original Message
> > From: "hgoodric" <hgoodric@y...>
> > To: <basicstamps@y...>
> > Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 10:35 AM
> > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sprinkler Valve Control
> >
> >
> > > I am working on a project where I need to control
> a sprinkler
> valve
> > > rated at 24VAC .30 amps. BTW this is not a lawn
> watering project.
> I
> > > would rather not have to use a Lawn Sprinkler
> controller or Lawn
> > > light controller to provide power to the valve,
> but rather use the
> > > power supply that the Stamp would be using. Would
> it be better to
> > > have:
> > >
> > > 1. (Preferable to me) A DC supply for the Stamp
> and valve and
> convert
> > > the DC to AC for the valve? Would I have to have a
> 24 VDC supply
> and
> > > step it down for the stamp? How would you go about
> doing all of
> this?
> > >
> > > or
> > >
> > > 2.An AC supply to run the valve and step it down
> and convert it
> to DC
> > > for the stamp. How would I do this if this is
> better than #1?
> > >
> > > Thnx Already
> > >
> > > Harold Goodrich
> > >
> > >
> > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > > from the same email address that you subscribed.
> Text in the
> Subject and
> > Body of the message will be ignored.
> > >
> > >
> > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > >
> > >
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text
> in the Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
However a Valve specified for 24VDC will not work, without a rectifier,
on 24 VAC. I would use a 7404 inverter with the input pin to the stamp
and it's output to a 2n3055 or similar power transistor to control the
valve. A 2n2222 or a 2n3904 mike also work, but may be pushing the
envelope of it's max. Ic current. A resistor from the inverter's output
would be required from the inverter to the base of the transistor.
HTH,
Leroy
hgoodric wrote:
>
> I am working on a project where I need to control a sprinkler valve
> rated at 24VAC .30 amps. BTW this is not a lawn watering project. I
> would rather not have to use a Lawn Sprinkler controller or Lawn
> light controller to provide power to the valve, but rather use the
> power supply that the Stamp would be using. Would it be better to
> have:
>
> 1. (Preferable to me) A DC supply for the Stamp and valve and convert
> the DC to AC for the valve? Would I have to have a 24 VDC supply and
> step it down for the stamp? How would you go about doing all of this?
>
> or
>
> 2.An AC supply to run the valve and step it down and convert it to DC
> for the stamp. How would I do this if this is better than #1?
>
> Thnx Already
>
> Harold Goodrich
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>A control valve that is rated for 24VAC will work fine on 24 VDC.
>However a Valve specified for 24VDC will not work, without a rectifier,
>on 24 VAC. I would use a 7404 inverter with the input pin to the stamp
>and it's output to a 2n3055 or similar power transistor to control the
>valve. A 2n2222 or a 2n3904 mike also work, but may be pushing the
>envelope of it's max. Ic current. A resistor from the inverter's output
>would be required from the inverter to the base of the transistor.
I'd be *very* concerned that a solenoid meant to operate on AC would
overheat severely if operated using DC. The reactance of the coil is a
fair part of what limits current thru the coil when it is activated. If
you use DC, then you only have the coil resistance to limit current and
excessive current will flow.
Jim H
I am currently controlling 4 valves on one 24Vac power supply rated to
handle all of the valves at the same time. However, I am only letting 3
come on at a time if need be. I am taking the excess supply to run a
Pic16F84A processor and various other electronics.
I used a bridge rectifier and to get the DC then went from their with
other components to get what I needed for the Pic.
Brian G.
writes:
>
It's not a good idea to run AC valves on DC for long periods of time. The
solenoid plunger tends to magnetize and attract ferrous bits that invariably
float through the water, eventually causing the valve to fail -- usually open.
-- Jon Williams
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
richard
Original Message
From: <jonwms@a...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 1:33 PM
Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sprinkler Valve Control
> In a message dated 5/6/02 12:55:32 PM Central Daylight Time,
leroy@f...
> writes:
>
>
> >
>
> It's not a good idea to run AC valves on DC for long periods of time. The
> solenoid plunger tends to magnetize and attract ferrous bits that
invariably
> float through the water, eventually causing the valve to fail -- usually
open.
>
> -- Jon Williams
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
So what bridge rectifier did you use?
Thnx
HG
--- In basicstamps@y..., Brian Gracia <bgracia@b...> wrote:
> Harold,
>
> I am currently controlling 4 valves on one 24Vac power supply rated
to
> handle all of the valves at the same time. However, I am only
letting 3
> come on at a time if need be. I am taking the excess supply to run
a
> Pic16F84A processor and various other electronics.
>
> I used a bridge rectifier and to get the DC then went from their
with
> other components to get what I needed for the Pic.
>
> Brian G.
I do this all the time with HVAC controls.
A bridge, cap, regulator and you are in business. I use Optoisolators that
the stamp can control and the output is a triac that can control the 24ac
for the valve. The isolation is safe.
Kirk Wasson
Original Message
From: J. Clark Hughes [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=nNMIgqsv7BGaIMRRllZ4OroHySo-vJKj2DSI55p6iVU5rGt4QX2YRSNVV__pGLM6DtLYcjNma4aChZB9FEhDEp58]jchughes@a...[/url
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 10:30 AM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sprinkler Valve Control
I strongly suggest you go with the second route. AC/DC adapter or "wall
wart"
for the stamp -- it can regulate its own power the rest of the way. Then,
separately, have a transformer bring the 120 down to 12 (AC). Let the stamp
switch a relay on the 120 side, and you'll be switching a very small amount
of
current (30 mA plus losses in the transformer).
Clark Hughes
hgoodric wrote:
>
> I am working on a project where I need to control a sprinkler valve
> rated at 24VAC .30 amps. BTW this is not a lawn watering project. I
> would rather not have to use a Lawn Sprinkler controller or Lawn
> light controller to provide power to the valve, but rather use the
> power supply that the Stamp would be using. Would it be better to
> have:
>
> 1. (Preferable to me) A DC supply for the Stamp and valve and convert
> the DC to AC for the valve? Would I have to have a 24 VDC supply and
> step it down for the stamp? How would you go about doing all of this?
>
> or
>
> 2.An AC supply to run the valve and step it down and convert it to DC
> for the stamp. How would I do this if this is better than #1?
>
> Thnx Already
>
> Harold Goodrich
>
To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
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I am going to place an order from digikey soon and I would like to
get the nec. parts. hgoodric@y...
Thnx very much!!!
HG
--- In basicstamps@y..., "WASSON, KIRK D" <kwasson@e...> wrote:
> There is nothing wrong with powering the Stamp off of the 24ac
transformer.
> I do this all the time with HVAC controls.
> A bridge, cap, regulator and you are in business. I use
Optoisolators that
> the stamp can control and the output is a triac that can control
the 24ac
> for the valve. The isolation is safe.
>
> Kirk Wasson
>
>
Original Message
> From: J. Clark Hughes [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:jchughes@a...]
> Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 10:30 AM
> To: basicstamps@y...
> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sprinkler Valve Control
>
>
> I strongly suggest you go with the second route. AC/DC adapter
or "wall
> wart"
> for the stamp -- it can regulate its own power the rest of the
way. Then,
> separately, have a transformer bring the 120 down to 12 (AC). Let
the stamp
> switch a relay on the 120 side, and you'll be switching a very
small amount
> of
> current (30 mA plus losses in the transformer).
>
> Clark Hughes
>
> hgoodric wrote:
> >
> > I am working on a project where I need to control a sprinkler
valve
> > rated at 24VAC .30 amps. BTW this is not a lawn watering project.
I
> > would rather not have to use a Lawn Sprinkler controller or Lawn
> > light controller to provide power to the valve, but rather use the
> > power supply that the Stamp would be using. Would it be better to
> > have:
> >
> > 1. (Preferable to me) A DC supply for the Stamp and valve and
convert
> > the DC to AC for the valve? Would I have to have a 24 VDC supply
and
> > step it down for the stamp? How would you go about doing all of
this?
> >
> > or
> >
> > 2.An AC supply to run the valve and step it down and convert it
to DC
> > for the stamp. How would I do this if this is better than #1?
> >
> > Thnx Already
> >
> > Harold Goodrich
> >
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
Subject and
> Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
transformer for the valve switched via Radio Shack 275-310 solid
state relay. Drive the SSR through a current limiting resistor and
you're done. Let the Stamp SLEEP most of the time to extend battery
life.
Regards,
Steve
hgoodric wrote:
> I am working on a project where I need to control a sprinkler valve
> rated at 24VAC .30 amps...
Original Message
From: "Larry Woods" <larry@l...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 1:49 PM
Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Sprinkler Valve Control
> FYI,
>
> The Darlington is a ULN2803, not a UNL2803.
>
> Larry Woods
>
> >
Original Message
> > From: hgoodric [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=KdLmwMF4lPgb038WcgY-Ytr56wSDAGMG_ztF6rqsT5UirzKLEsR0CmUCGCx0S2VhSsGrUFWlKpS9wg]hgoodric@y...[/url
> > Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 8:57 AM
> > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Sprinkler Valve Control
> >
> >
> > Thanks Eric. I realize that i need a relay in the
> > system. What I want
> > is one plug-in to the wall to run the whole system,
> > whether that be a
> > 24VAC wall wart that I have to convert to power the
> > basicstamp or
> > something else. I apprecite your input though!!
> >
> > Thnx
> >
> > Harold Goodrich
> > --- In basicstamps@y..., "Eric Adams" <hugs102@b...> wrote:
> > > Hi:
> > >
> > > Probably the easiest way is to use the stamp I/O pin
> > to drive a
> > relay whose
> > > contacts close the 24VAC through to the solenoid.
> > Make sure the
> > winding
> > > resistance is high and the current draw is about
> > 15ma. There are
> > several of
> > > these type relays in the Jameco catalog. You also
> > need a reversed
> > diode
> > > accross the windings to prevent reverse voltage
> > destroying the
> > stamp output
> > > pin. There is another method and that is to drive
> > the relay with a
> > UNL
> > > 2803. This IC can sink (supply ground) for 1/2 anp
> > per gate. and
> > has a
> > > built in diode protection provided. Again drive the
> > relay and let
> > the relay
> > > contacts drive the AC load. If using the UNL2803
> > simply output a
> > high on
> > > that stamp pin.
> > >
> > > Good Luck
> > >
> > > Eric Adams
> > >
> > >
Original Message
> > > From: "hgoodric" <hgoodric@y...>
> > > To: <basicstamps@y...>
> > > Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 10:35 AM
> > > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sprinkler Valve Control
> > >
> > >
> > > > I am working on a project where I need to control
> > a sprinkler
> > valve
> > > > rated at 24VAC .30 amps. BTW this is not a lawn
> > watering project.
> > I
> > > > would rather not have to use a Lawn Sprinkler
> > controller or Lawn
> > > > light controller to provide power to the valve,
> > but rather use the
> > > > power supply that the Stamp would be using. Would
> > it be better to
> > > > have:
> > > >
> > > > 1. (Preferable to me) A DC supply for the Stamp
> > and valve and
> > convert
> > > > the DC to AC for the valve? Would I have to have a
> > 24 VDC supply
> > and
> > > > step it down for the stamp? How would you go about
> > doing all of
> > this?
> > > >
> > > > or
> > > >
> > > > 2.An AC supply to run the valve and step it down
> > and convert it
> > to DC
> > > > for the stamp. How would I do this if this is
> > better than #1?
> > > >
> > > > Thnx Already
> > > >
> > > > Harold Goodrich
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > > > from the same email address that you subscribed.
> > Text in the
> > Subject and
> > > Body of the message will be ignored.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > > >
> > > >
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text
> > in the Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
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(or a mechanical one) to isolate the AC from the DC.
You can use the same 24 VAC transformer to run the DC 5 volt regulator power
supply to the Stamp.
I use this method in the Flame Cutting Machines I rebuild. I use lots of ASCO
Valves 24 and 120 VAC types. I have run 24 of them from 1 Stamp without a
failure (going on 4 years now).
When I get back to the office (in a few weeks) I can send you a pdf file of
the schematic I use for this type of solenoid control. I use the valves to
control Air, Acetylene Gas, Oxygen, Water and Nitrogen. The ASCO valves are
about $100 each, but they are worth it when figuring in the damage a
failed/leaky solenoid can cause.
Thanks,
Alan Bradford
Plasma Technologies