Questions about operation of pneumatic valves

[adciv]

SMC solenoids will not be damaged by being continuously powered during the match. We routinely run these (and all our double solenoids) powered in the desired direction (simplifies coding).

Recommend you double check your wiring for any potential short circuits, especially right around the PCM.

[feverittm]

I would agree with the other posters. In your configuration (double solenoids) you will only have 4 energized at a time (the other 4 are in the other direction). So the power would be less. We have routinely left our solenoids energized to force a mechanism into the hold position with not adverse effects.

A few ideas:
Is this repeatable on you home practice defenses? If so then you have a place to experiment...
What is the orientation of the solenoid valve relative to the shock induced by the field? Can you change this orientation and does it change the behavior?
Can you 'shock mount' the solenoid (cable tie it to a hunk of foam to dampen the shock).
If you leave the solenoid energized in the direction that hold the latch closed, does it change the behavior?

Have Fun!

[FrankJ]

We always use single solenoids unless we need the bi state feature. But yes, as you found out, bouncing a dual solenoid valve just right can cause it to shift. As others suggested, leaving the solenoid energized will stop that behavior. I have solenoids in the plant the stay energized for years without damage.

[GeeTwo]

Most solenoid valves, including the VexPro ones you are using, have a small button to manually switch the state. Is it possible that in the banging around some part pushed that button?

[Abrakadabra]

Thanks for all the replies! This is an issue that has just recently appeared, so it could very well be a wiring issue, but now that we know it's safe to keep the solenoids powered, we'll try that as a first approach. And knowing that mechanical shock can indeed be an issue, we will try the shock mounting remedy as well.