[Chris Fultz]

We have used a significant number of pneumatics for several years, with very few problems, but this year we have replaced several of the SMC double solenoids. (we also failed a regulator last year.)

The SMC valves seemed to leak around the seals (between the top and bottom) and also 2 had some sort of internal issue where one exhaust port stayed in a venting mode and let the system pressure drop. We replaced 2 valves before shipping the robot, and at least one at each competition so far.

The replacement valves SMC sold us seem to be less reliable than the ones in the kit. the kit part numbers were sold out everywhere - this is a slightly better valve, but has not performed as good as the less expensive ones in the KOP.

As far as the overal system, you should be able to get all connections such that you lose less than 5 or 10 psi in 30 minutes.