Hi,
is it possible to time how long a solenoid valves takes to opens and closes using basic equipment? I have a logic analyser and multimeter but no oscilloscope.
Not looking for nano second scale, milliseconds would be OK.
Hi,
is it possible to time how long a solenoid valves takes to opens and closes using basic equipment? I have a logic analyser and multimeter but no oscilloscope.
Not looking for nano second scale, milliseconds would be OK.
Don't be ridiculous. Nano seconds and solenoids don't belong in the same sentence.
Wake up. Solenoid turn on times are in the order of milliseconds. Talking about nano seconds is like measuring the difference in seconds of a trip from New York to California.
How do you intend to detect solenoid open/close? Some kind of electrical contract that is made/broken?
The rest is simple. Have your Arduino switch on the solenoid; have it wait for the signal that it's open; calculate the time passed. Likewise for solenoid closing time. The micros() timer and polling the pin is probably good enough for this.
Most solenoid valves open and close in two phases, first the solenoid opens or closes a pilot hole, then the fluid flow
via the pilot acts against the larger plunger/diaphragm to open/close the main part of the valve.
The latter process depends on the pressure head on the valve (and the flow rate if already open).
So you need to clear what time(s) you want to measure. I might consider using a contact microphone, but
that requires an oscilloscope to analyze.
MarkT:
Most solenoid valves open and close in two phases, first the solenoid opens or closes a pilot hole, then the fluid flow
via the pilot acts against the larger plunger/diaphragm to open/close the main part of the valve.The latter process depends on the pressure head on the valve (and the flow rate if already open).
So you need to clear what time(s) you want to measure. I might consider using a contact microphone, but
that requires an oscilloscope to analyze.
I want to measure the open close phase only. Had thought it would require an oscilloscope but also thought I would ask to be sure. Might try a mic and see how I get on.