Least expensive solenoids

[techhelpbb]

As I round out my Makerspace test robots I find the last thing I need to collect are some FRC legal pneumatic parts to finish up a pneumatic accessory board to swap back and forth between the: 8 slot cRIO, the 4 slot cRIO and the RoboRIO robot control systems. I have a lot of pneumatic pieces laying about from nonFRC automation projects and some soft robotics work that might work but probably aren't FRC practical. However I've never been the one buying FRC pneumatic parts for FRC11/193. I understand the minimum requirements in the manuals past and present. I grabbed up a compressor, 2 tanks and some fittings from AndyMark's Deal-of-The-Day yesterday.

I am wondering if anyone has any tips for decent cheap solenoid valves? I know AndyMark sells a pretty broad selection but as this is more a demo than anything with actual requirements I just want stuff that would be FRC legal and practical.

[hrench]

Though I haven't used them in competition yet, this year we bought pneumatic solenoid valves from www.automationdirect.com and they were by far a better price than festos from andymark. The five-port AVS-5211-24D (24 volt) is like $22 compared to festo am-0888 at $119. A-d also sent a $30 coupon in the KOP. Note that the a-d valve is significantly larger in size than the festo.

[ZamericaZ]

We've been using the SMC base mount and solenoid valves ( sold here by vex ) the last 3 years and the only problems we've had with them is that the mount's exhaust will leak if a valve is not screwed in all the way but it's an easy fix.

With a single solenoid valve costing $50 and $70 for a double they might be more than you'd be willing to spend since it's just demoing. But if it's something you plan on using for the next few years then I'd say they are definitely worth the price as they hold up really well and don't seem to get affected much by age/usage.

[lynca]

I've ordered solenoids from amazon in the past. Before ordering, verify solenoid specifications meet FRC rules.

[Mike Schreiber]

Agree with hrench, Automation direct is probably the cheapest place to get them. You can get a valve for < $20. which is a bargain compared to Festo or SMC valves. I've never used them though, so I can't speak to how well they work. I've inspected a lot of robots with AD valves and no one seemed to complain about them or have issues.

[techhelpbb]

Thanks everyone for the input.
Looks like I'll be buying some solenoids from Automation Direct.

[Nebster]

Originally Posted by techhelpbb

Thanks everyone for the input.
Looks like I'll be buying some solenoids from Automation Direct.

Keep in mind that the AD solenoids are much bigger than the SMC ones. If that's not a problem for you, they are definitely the cheapest I've found!