Controlling two solenoid valves + a motorized ball valve.

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi, I am building a machine to make my life easier, not really much of a coder, Arduino or circuit guy so I am really struggling with this.

Can anyone help me with the circuit and code for controlling two solenoid valves and a motorized ball valve to my Arduino and it's motor shield?

I would like to have the following happen:

  1. Have the water solenoid valve turn on
  2. Have the water solenoid valve turn off.
  3. Have the pneumatic solenoid valve open to extending the arm at the same time as
  4. Have the electric ball valve open.
  5. have the electric ball valve close after 4 seconds
  6. Have the pneumatic solenoid turn back "off" retracting the arm.

Repeat 1-6 with the press of a button.

2,3 and 4 can happen at the same time.
5 and 6 can also happen at the same time.

I believe my motor shield can only control two motors - not sure about solenoids, but since some steps can be done simultaneously, perhaps there is a way?
If not, what do I need to control all three of these items?

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2

Hi,More information needed:

Voltage, Current types of valves, same for motorized valve.

How often does this action happen?

What are you trying to accomplish?

This PAGE may be helpful..

3

Voltage, Current types of valves, same for motorized valve.

They're all 12v solenoids and motors.

How often does this action happen?
The button to initiate the sequence will probably be pressed 400 times within an hour at most.

What are you trying to accomplish?
I am trying to build this machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6QmMHo_HWc -- this is where the pneumatic cylinder/pneumatic solenoid is used.

But it will also have a water volumetric water dispenser; the solenoid valve will fill a vessel, and the motorized ball valve will empty that vessel. I choose the motorized & solenoid because of their working PSI; the solenoid will work fine for the water source but not the drain, as it only works effectively if the difference is above 3 PSI.

4

"the solenoid will work fine for the water source but not the drain, as it only works effectively if the difference is above 3 PSI. ".

That is only true of piloted solenoids. Regular ones don't care about pressure.

Paul

5

Hi,
How much current do the solenoids etc. draw?

DISCLAIMER: Mentioning stuff from my own shop... but these are widely available.

Maybe easiest approach is to use relays like THESE

Make sure solenoids have reverse diodes to absorb spikes.

6

I know this thread has been dormant for awhile, but for new viewers, you need to consider the time it takes to actuate the ball valve if you are operating it 400 times per hour and it is open for 4 seconds. This equates to 9 seconds per cycle. The solenoid valves won't have any issue, but the ball valve might. 9 second per cycle, minus 4 seconds of open, leaves 2.5 seconds for the open and 2.5 seconds for the close with no safety factor. Ensure your ball valve can meet this. This electric ball valve example takes 16 seconds to open/close. I'm sure there's quicker ones, but keep it in mind.