I combed through the manuals on pneumatics, and I couldn’t find any mention of this, but I probably just missed it.
We need to have 4 linear actuators go off at once, in addition to other pneumatics parts on our robot. We only have 4 double solenoids available (the SMC ones) so my question is, can we hook up a T fitting after the solenoid to allow multiple actuators going through one solenoid? I know we can hook multiple solenoids up to a spike, so that isn’t the problem.
Yes, you can connect multiple Bimba cylinders to a single solenoid via T connections. However, you mentioned “linear actuators” which is the industry buzzword for specialized devices which are not allowed on a 2007 FIRST robot. The only “actuators” you are allowed are the Bimba cylinders listed on the last page of the 2007 Pneumatics Manual.
Ah sorry, I mean the Bimba cylinders. Thanks for the info!
Just remember that you are dividing the air between the cylinders hooked up to the same solenoid kind of like dividing the current in a parallel circuit. It’s also a good idea to use the flow control fittings so you can balance the speed of the cylinders.
You can also purchase more solenoids if you need to.