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Easiest way to send a control pulse to a latching solenoid, for esp32/arduino

laurentopia

Jul 26, 2018
2
Joined
Jul 26, 2018
Messages
2
I am trying to replace the controller of the melnor quad valve timer with a wifi enabled thing.
It uses a lathing solenoid that received 2 short pulses of 16V.
What's the easiest way to produce such pulse and have the delivery controlled by the esp32?
Thank you.
 

Alec_t

Jul 7, 2015
3,587
Joined
Jul 7, 2015
Messages
3,587
Welcome to EP!
How much current does the solenoid draw?
How long is the 'short' pulse duration?
What now provides the 16V?
Are both pulses applied to the same input terminal of the solenoid?
Does 'quad' mean there are 4 solenoids?
 

laurentopia

Jul 26, 2018
2
Joined
Jul 26, 2018
Messages
2
How much current does the solenoid draw?
I don't know, couldn't get a read on the amp meter, you can find the disassembly of the control unit here:
https://hackaday.io/project/159915-...150045-peering-inside-the-melnor-control-unit
How long is the 'short' pulse duration?
the pulse is 30ms or so, it couldn't fit on the cheapo oscillo at 5ms
Are both pulses applied to the same input terminal of the solenoid?
I don't know, there is a ground wire to a solenoid terminal and the active wire to the other one
Does 'quad' mean there are 4 solenoids?
yes, the melnor has 5 wires, 4 active and a ground to control them, oh and each solenoid can be activated at a separate time, I'm really looking for the easiest way for me, easiest to solder, absolutely least number components etc... because that's the first project I'm making and I'd like to make also the PCB.
 
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