Trouble shooting help (rely triggers, but solenoid does not)

Using Arduino Project Guidance
1

Hey everyone..

Long story short, I have a project (that I posted here to clear up the correct way to wire up the relay/solenoids..etc)

Everything was working, but the ATX/PSU had some issues, (not enough current for the servo/jittery voltage reads..etc). After swapping it out with a different ATX/PSU.. the issue was no longer a problem. I proceeded to put the ATX/PSU into the project.. ran some more test, and I noticed now, that the relays 'are' triggering correctly... but the I am not hearing the solenoids 'click'.

I have been so focused on just the relay clicking as expected, I dont recall when I no longer heard the solenoid portion. Its late, and I'm a bit fried...

I dot know if I accidentally pulled a wire somewhere? (I looked but didnt see anything out of place. but its is a huge spaghetti mess) :slight_smile:

  • stepper, servo, relay..all working as expected.. actually 'everything' is working as expected, except I am not hearing the solenoids click now?

  • no connections on the relay board were touched either. (including the diodes..etc).. only things changed/touched were on the Arduino board itself. (and the relay board is triggering as designed)

Q: Where do I begin trouble shooting here? (suggestions?)

Thanks

2

You know the drill.

Show us a good schematic of your proposed circuit.
Show us a good image of your ‘actual’ wiring.
Give links to components.

3

Actual wiring would be worthless, you wont be able to see/follow anything.

Things were already working, I'm just tired, and having a brain fart on where to start looking for issues.

Everything was already done in a previous post, working. All parts/specs are legit (fine).. :slight_smile:

I feel like I am just overlooking something very simple that happened during the new PSU install..

12v/GND connected to relay board still..
+5v from Arduino connected still (as mentioned relay is still working properly)

  • no GND from Arduino connected

+12v has to be working (everything comes from the same +12v terminal).. and the stepper motor is working fine.

just thought someone could throw out an idea to check up on.

Thanks!

4

Power off everything.

Use DMM to check continuity for all GNDs.

Power back on, measure all voltages to confirm.

5

ALL GND seem connected.

DMM says +12v from PSU is legit..
DMM says +12v on the jc-vcc pin on relay board
DMM says +5v on vcc pin..

relay triggers fine. (leds are correct, hearing clicks)

DMM shows +12v on the terminal posts on relay board as well
DMM shows +12v on the center terminal post (when I check during a 'toggle test'

GND terminal from +12v PSU,, shows continuity to the relay terminal(s) as well (constant on 3rd post... and toggles on center post during toggle testing)

I am currently just running a sketch that toggles relay, waits.. toggles back.. waits...etc

I doubt it was my code.. as nothing has changed, but I just wanted to give it a test in some minimal code..

6

Without seeing your wiring and schematic, it will be difficult to help any more.

Do the solenoids work if you direct connect ?

If using Dupont connectors double check continuity/crimping.

7

The current wiring is a lot and tucked away...etc

I will try to disconnect one solenoid, and connect it to my benchtop PSU @ +12v to see if it triggers? (am I understanding correctly?)

If the relay terminals -are- getting the +12v.. I am just confused as to why the solenoids wont trigger any more?

8

Use the same power supply you are using where they do not currently work.

1 Like
9

Just try a jumper across the NC to NO relay contacts.

10

Hi,

What are the solenoids mechanically actuating?
Can you post data/specs of the relay, where purchased?

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

11

Sounds as if that is the thing that needs urgent attention. :+1:

Trust it is being attended to as I write ...

12

Thanks everyone! (@LarryD as well)

New day... everything is working again.

The issue: I'm just a moron! Completely all my fault for not noticing a broken jumper wire/connection. Was still in place, looking connected still.. but the connector/pin end was broken. :frowning: Kept glazing over it.

Sorry for the waste of time.. in the end just an old, tired clown who was in too deep to see the issue.

Thanks for the ideas and the walk through (settled me down and led me to the error)

:slight_smile:

13

Hi, @xl97
Yup, been there done that, the jumpers are good, but not all that durable.
I keep purchasing handfuls of them when I can so I have enough in stock.

We have the proper crimper tool at work, but too lazy to make my own.. lol.

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

1 Like
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