[OCCRA]: Setting Up a Double Action Solenoid

[iwanttodunk]

How do we set up a Double Action Solenoid with the Cortex system & spikes? We are trying to do it with one jumper (in digital 11) and the default code right now. The Solenoid will fire if we use the buttons on the physical solenoid but will not when we try and do it through the Cortex. We plug in the pwm from the spike to the cortex & it automatically turns red, without any buttons being pressed on the controllers. We have tried plugging the pwm into every slot on the Cortex, weve gone through multiple spikes and all of them do the same thing: instantly (the spike) turns red (sending a reverse signal to fire the piston) When we hook a motor to the spike the motor instantly turns on and spins in the reverse direction. Anybody have a clue what is happening?

[Mike Martus]

Official Answer: Mike Martus

Several teams had this issue last year and solved it using two steps.

Step 1: Make sure that the spike you are using is a new spike from IFI. It will say "VEX Spike Pro". Sold at Innovation First. I have a few from last year you may have some. Most teams that used Pneumatics had to use these spikes for their valves to work.

Step 2: It sounds like you may have a programming issue. The default code will NOT operate the pneumatics valves. It will also require some code insertion to get the valves to work.

Sorry I am not a programming wizzard. This is a Mark Center question. Post this question in the OCCRA Programming section so he can respond.