After a lot of research, I decided to try using a solenoid to activate the valve in the XS-60C. Here's the testing rig: The long rod is 1 foot of 0.75 inch diameter polycarbonate. The solenoid I currently have is not strong enough. It pushes the rod into the valve but it's not enough to "crack" it. I forcefully pushed the solenoid core with my hand and it was enough to make the valve "crack". This is the solenoid I'm currently using:Ebay Item number 35093112309342N, 0.45AThis is the solenoid I'm considering:Ebay item number 32152334412287N, 2.5ADo you guys think that will be enough? It's probably the strongest solenoid I could find with a reasonable throw length.
Either could work. Though the second one looks better. It will depend on how it's driven. Since the duty cycle is so low in this type of application, you can run them at much higher voltages then indicated.And you can increase the capacitance to give it a bigger jolt.Are you using the polycarbonate rod to open the valve? Much better to have the plunger hit the valve directly. Use it in place of the hammer. newbielink:http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=96617.0 [nonactive]
I hav to ask QVTom:What do these capacitors and diodes do?Would think this is just a on/off thing?
I made the mistake of reading the posts in this thread and now I've got a head full of ideas that need testing. I think I'll order another Vigilante and see if a custom designed compact solenoid can be wound to replace the hammer. This will be a challenge in design and materials that would be very enjoyable.Just what I need - another project. Well, I can call it part of the Vigilante hack!