We recently acquired a couple of these solenoids http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Pneumatic_Components/Pneumatic_Valves_-a-Accessories/General_Purpose_Solenoid_Directional_Control_Air_Valves/3-port(3-way),_2-pos.,Body_Ported(AVS-3_Series)/AVS-3221-24D and have been having issues getting them to work. When we try to fire either side, the green indicator LED on the solenoid turns on and we hear a click but no air is let through. Our PCM is outputting 24V when it should and we have verified the rest of the pneumatic system works (everything works when we use a FESTO solenoid).
Does anyone who has used these solenoids before have an idea what we are doing wrong?
I expect they are pilot operated valve. The solenoid is basically a little valve that operates the spool. If you do not have pressure on the pressure port, they will not work.
Thanks for all the help! I think we have a solid theoretical understanding of what we did wrong. Unfortunately we won’t have a chance to mess around with it for a while with finals and winter break coming up. If we continue to run into issues later on we will be sure to check back.
If you have enough of them, as quick workaround, you can use two of the 32 series valves to simulate one 52 series valve. Cross the wires between the two valves so that when one is pressurized, the other is venting, and use one for each half of the cylinder(s).