solinoid problem
 

hey I have an extremely basic question

when we activate our pistons (we're using three position) how do I get the solinoids to retract the pistons, then turn off? in the configuration i have it now the solinoids stay on (in the correct position) when no buttons are pressed.

to sum up my question how do I get the solinoids to turn on and then after a delay, turn off, after I release the buttons?

its mostly the timing I can't figure out...

And yes, I am using LabView

Re: solinoid problem
 

This bit of code ought to do what you want. It's untested, and I might have gotten something backwards, so don't trust it until you understand it.

The feedback node remembers the last time the input boolean was true. The constant "500" is in milliseconds. When the program begins, the output boolean is false. When the input boolean goes true, the difference between the current time and the remembered time becomes zero and the output goes true. When the input boolean goes false, the difference starts increasing. The output remains true until the elapsed time reaches the constant value, then stays false until the next time the input goes true.

Re: solinoid problem
 

Often, a solenoid is simply left "on" in the last commanded position. Unless you have a reason to release the cylinder, there is no harm in leaving the solenoid powered on.

(You did mention a 3-position setup; that could be a valid case for switching the solenoid completely off)