Quick Solenoid question to clear up inconsistencies.

[Arkamond]

Details:
CRIO: NI FRC-cRIO II (4 slot) (Connected to VC 24v mainboard power)
Analog Breakout Board Connected to 20-amp Snap-Back
Digital Breakout Board
Pneumatic Breakout Board Connected to 20-amp Snap-Back

24V Solenoid (Dual connected to Pneumatic Breakout Board)
*120 PSI stored, 58 going out to Solenoid actively.

We just got our new cRIO today (as our old one was 5 years old.)
and we wired everything up to that, although wiring from the original cRIO was so that the 24v mainboard that now goes directly to the cRIO, also went to the pneumatic boards power. But now each Breakout Board has their own 20-amp Snap-Action breaker.
The issue is, the Solenoids light up like how they did on the old cRIO, but they don't move any air anymore. The lights correctly correspond to button clicks, but no air is moved at all, not a budge.


I've heard this is a common problem, but haven't seen any ways to provide a clean fix.

Thanks :)

[Trent B]

I may be interpreting you wrong but if you are using a 24volt solenoid you need to power the breakout from the 24 volt connector on the power distribution board. It won't fire if you are just giving it 12 volts via a 20amp breaker.

At least this is how it was one in prior years.

[Arkamond]

But wouldn't that take power from the cRIO? There's only 1 24v slot.

[Cecil]

If I remember correctly, the connector for the 24 volt area on the power distribution board goes V, C, NC, C (I don't have it next to me, I believe that's how it goes.) Hook your cRIO into the V and the C as you normally would, but then use the NC and remaining C to power your solenoid breakout. The cRIO will operate at a minimum of 9 volts (assuming you have the FRC cRIO II), but I wouldn't worry about the power draw against it.

[Trent B]

On this page they reference supplying it with 24 volts:

http://wpilib.screenstepslive.com/s/3120/m/8559/l/90113-2013-frc-control-system-hardware-overview

Oddly, despite having FIRST choice options for 24V solenoids as well as having them in the rookie kit, they do not have a diagram for how to wire for 24V solenoids.

Here is the diagram from 2012: (http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FRC/Game_and_Season__Info/2012_Assets/Robot%20Power%20Distribution%20Diagram%20%2824V%20 Solenoid%29.pdf)

I would suggest submitting a Q&A question about it to confirm that this is the proper procedure.