Curious where would be the best place to buy a multiple port solenoid manifold from? (I know Vex sells them but is there anywhere else that would be a good idea to check for this?)
I have seen them on multiple robots and think it would keep the robot a lot cleaner in the end when routing the tubing and keep wiring distance to a minimum.
We’ve used the SMC style VEX sells since 2014.
For those interested, they can be found here: https://www.vexrobotics.com/solenoids-and-manifolds.html
We typically only use single acting solenoids, in order to maximize PCM slots.
Best,
-Mike
If you’re using 5/32" (aka 4mm) tubing, instead of the 1/4" tubing that comes in the kit of parts, the smc manifold also comes in a version with a 5/32" push to connect outputs that’s a drop in replacement for the smc manifolds vexpro sells:
6 station (lead times can be as much as a month and a half): https://www.airlinehyd.com/Product.aspx?item_code=SMC+SS5Y3-41-06-C4
8 station (looks to be in stock): https://www.airlinehyd.com/Product.aspx?item_code=SMC+SS5Y3-41-08-C4
Edit: both the vexpro and smc manifolds listed above work with either the vexpro solenoids ($60 for single acting or $80 for double acting) or these much cheaper single acting solenoids from aliexpress that don’t come with a solenoid wire. If you buy these make sure to:
SY3140-5LOZ (comes in about a month) (~$25): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32319540990.html
SY3240-5LZ (haven’t ordered before) ($54): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32495126619.html
Festo has some options for what you’re looking for as well.
The manifold has to match the valve you are using. I don’t think there is an industry standard for this. We have been using Automation Direct valves and manifolds. We are very happy with them. AD has free 2nd day shipping when you spend more than $50. Easy to do when you are ordering valves.
There is an ISO standard for solenoid valves and manifolds… but all the ones I’ve seen (at work, at least) are too big for efficient FRC use (space and weight). Example being the SMC VS7 Series (ISO sizes 1 and 2):
https://www.smcpneumatics.com/pdfs/VS7_6_8.pdf
Obviously there are smaller options, but AFAIK they’re not made to an industry standard. They do work well (the SMC ones Vex sells IIRC are the same as ones we have on fastener feeders at work), but once you settle on a brand and series, you’re more or less stuck with that platform (but any good platform will have plenty of OEM options, well more than one would need in typical FRC usage).
Some platforms (Like the SMC SV series) are even modular to the point of not using external wiring; the manifold also doubles as a electrical distribution system, resulting in one cable that carries a common solenoid power along with the individual solenoid command wires. Some of the fancier options (mainly for use in large automated manufacturing cells) will use some sort of communication interface with user I/O available for sensors… but due to wiring rules, communication protocol incompatibilities, and BOM limits, I don’t foresee those in FRC any time soon (it would be cool, though, makes for very clean and simple wiring!). For the hardwired versions, the bigger versions like i use at work (VQC4000 series, etc) are not BOM friendly (the manifold pieces are under 400, but the total cost would be a big sink); I don’t know the pricing on “FRC-sized” versions. Again, makes for cleaner wiring and fewer connections (read: failure points).
Options, options, options… The joys of working in industrial automation.
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