Pneumatics Help

FIRST General Forum
1

Vexing pneumatics problem …

Have 5 festo M7 2 way solenoid valves in a gang … all are singles. All are hosed and wired in similar / same manner.

We are having trouble with one of the 5 valves:

  • our code can change the status light from a side (extend) to b side (retract)
  • the manual actuation can physically change the output of the valve from extend to retract
  • when we change state with code through the solenoid breakout, the light changes but the spool does not seem to move
  • we replaced the valve twice with no impact

I’m thinking solenoid breakout, wiring but I cannot explain the light changing state but no apparent or observed movement in the spool.

2

If the coil is wired backwards, then the light will go on, but the coil won’t work.

3

If changing the direction does not work, try connecting the leads directly to a 12v battery (both directions) to make sure it works. There is a chance (very low) that the solenoid coil is fried.

The manual button is not a good indication of whether the solenoid works because, on most valves, it physically moves the solenoid, rather than with electricity.