SMC Solenoids
 

Where do you other Michiganders buy SMC solenoids? We're looking for SY3140-6H and SY3240-6H and can't find any.

Re: SMC Solenoids
 

We buy our SMC's from VEX PRO...

http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/al...manifolds.html

We're _very happy_ with cost and service.

--Michael Blake

Re: SMC Solenoids
 

Vex Pro has SY6240's. Do you really need hard-wired (H)? Vex offers them connectorized (L). We have found the hard-wired solenoids to be susceptible to the wire breaking at the solenoid (there is no strain relief) which leaves the solenoid unusable. Connectorized solenoids can be easily installed, moved, swapped, reused, or replaced without bothering with the wires.

Re: SMC Solenoids
 

We could of course live with the L ones, however we have had issues with similar connectors not working on our festo valves. I'll talk to our pneumatics guy about it (I'm just looking for a seller).

Re: SMC Solenoids
 

Jeff,

You mean 3240's right?

I agree with Jeff, the L connector is a much better option. We've had a few of the H style break off and were non repairable.

-RC

Re: SMC Solenoids
 

So, to be clear, the SMC ones which can be mounted on the manifold are pretty much the best solenoids out there?

By the way, does anyone have the P/N for the single solenoid that would fit on the Vex Pro manifold?

MAC valves
 

http://macvalves.com/ is in your neighborhood on wixom road. we have used for FIRST and have always been happy with their performance.

Re: SMC Solenoids
 

I would agree that they are the best. It is so much cleaner to have all the solenoid wires and tubes go to one place.

Re: SMC Solenoids
 

This might be useful. http://www.pneuaire.com/syseriesvalves.html

I think you'd be looking for the SY3120-6LZ if I built the part number correctly (SY3000 + 120 + 6 + L + Z from the options).

The Cv might be too high, but I'd have to reference the rules.

Re: SMC Solenoids
 

With the 2015 control system, the manifolds will be even better. The Pneumatic Control Module can be placed right next to the manifold. No need to extend solenoid wires. You just need 2 CAN wires going back to the cRIO (or something else in the CAN chain).

Re: SMC Solenoids
 

Here's a picture for reference (middle, top):

Re: SMC Solenoids
 

We do this now by using extending the db25 connection from the module to bumper with a ribbon cable. Very handy.

Re: SMC Solenoids
 

Yes each manufacturer has their own connector. SMC and Festo are not interchangeable.

Whoops.

Many would argue whether SMC are the "best" solenoid valves. There are many industrial brands and all claim superiority, and all have their own loyal users. Many brands have similar manifold mounting. SMC is certainly a common, well regarded brand. They are familiar to many FRC teams because they were included in the KOP a few times in the past, and now are sold by Vex. SMC's main advantage for FRC is that the SY3000 series is recognized by everyone to be legal (Cv) and well known by inspectors, so they usually don't require documentation proof that they are legal. The same is true for the Festo valves more recently in the KOP. Some might say the body-ported style of the Festo in the KOP reduces weight, parts, and volume over a manifold style. Both these brands and others offer body-ported and manifold systems, and there are many dozens of valve choices that would be legal for FRC. These are just two examples that are familiar from being the KOP.

SY3140-XX-XX is a single sol. that would fit on the Vex Pro manifold. The next two digits are voltage (5=24v, 6=12v) and connection style (G,H=hard wired, L,M= connectors.)

Re: SMC Solenoids
 

To elaborate a bit more on "best". They were in the KOP, and the are pretty close in CV to what FIRST allows. They were in the kit, so older teams have them, which made them popular. Other teams used them after seeing how clean they are on the manifold.

Almost every manufacturer has a similar manifold mount solenoid in the size we need, but the fact that we already so many SMC valves makes changing not desirable. In summary, not "best", but convenient and certainly plenty good enough.