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Unread 13-01-2014, 13:40
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FRC #0358 (Robotic Eagles)
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Re: Creating the Lightest Pneumatic System

Quote:
Originally Posted by ebarker View Post
There are the double and single solenoid types, very economical. Can someone explain the advantage of double versus single solenoid.
They both perform the same actions as far as extending/retracting a cylinder.
The difference is that a single solenoid has a home position that it always returns to when the robot is Disabled, while the double solenoid always remains in the last position it was set to.

A single solenoid is preferred when you have a mechanism that must always be stowed in a home position, or a mechanism that you want to activate at the very end of a match no matter what. It can be a little less safe, because the mechanism will activate whenever the robot is Disabled.
An example from last season might be a low bar hanger that would retract automatically when the match ended giving you 10 pts as long as the robot was in position.

A double solenoid is a good choice when you want a mechanism to remain in the last position you chose. Especially when there is no particular home position, like a gripper. It's a little safer because the mechanism doesn't suddenly move whenever the robot is disabled.
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