12V Solenoid Valve Controlled by Arduino Uno is Very Slow, How Can I Speed It Up?

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1

Hello everyone!

I’m using an Arduino Uno to control a 12V solenoid valve, but the valve is operating very very slowly. How can I make it open and close faster? What steps can I take to improve its speed?

Components I'm using:

  • Arduino Uno
  • 12V Solenoid Valve
  • 5V Relay Module
  • 12V Power Supply

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

2

As an experiment: If you replace the relay with a switch, is it still slow?
Still slow: Then it's nothing to do with the Arduino or Relay.
Not slow: Then it's something to do with the Arduino or Relay.
This could turn into a textual flowchart for narrowing down the problem, so try the switch option first.
It might help if you posted your code (in code tags)

3

Measure the solenoid voltage, it should be 12V. If less maybe a power supply problem.

1 Like
4

  • DC coils should have a kickback diode placed across the coil.

  • In the Arduino IDE, use Ctrl T or CMD T to format your code then copy the complete sketch.
    Use the < CODE / > icon from the ‘posting menu’ to attach the copied sketch.

5

Since you are using a relay why are you using low rather than high side switching of the solenoid? Next, can you post your code as I am curious why you are using A5 (Analog In) for your switching? I would think since this is On or Off you would be using a digital out from your Arduino.

I would also follow the advice:

Ron

6

It wouldn't be my first choice, not for any particular reason, but it's perfectly okay to use A0..A5 as digital outputs.

7

What exactly is slow?

1 Like
8

I agree but unless there is a reason I was just curious? This is also why I asked to see the code. A0 through A5 can be used as a digital out.

Ron

9

The power supply probably is not. Please post links to the specifications (product pages or data sheet) for the power supply and the valve.

10

If you are running it dry, then you should actually test it with water under pressure in the pipes.

2 Likes
11

You need a driver that implements peak and hold. Try this link for a better explanation. https://assets.nexperia.com/documents/application-note/AN50003.pdf We used custom ICs years ago as injector drivers, I assume they became standard products by now.

12

Hi, @asyaszone

Can you tell us the specification of the power supply?

Do you have a DMM? (Digital MultiMeter)

Tom.. :smiley: :+1: :coffee: :australia: