[Frank(Aflak)]

we tried without the diodes, no dice.

We cant afford to grab more spikes, so diodes it is.

W/o diodes we could shift each valve in only one direction, the problem being that without diodes when you activate the spike you pulse both solenoids, so whichever one wins (usually the same one all the time) will shift it or stop it from shifting, meaning that you can't do anything with it. So its either two spikes or two diodes.

By the way, diodes will be REALLY easy, you can just splice it in and wrap it with electrical tape, no problem.

But pneumatics rock, specially with you get them working.

[edit] - I failed to understand what you were saying the first time I read your post. Yes, that would probably work, but we've already sent someone to get diodes.

wait . . . .. no, maybe not, I'm not sure, but does the spike require a circuit for it to work? it might, I can't remember. Your idea will work if it doesn't.