Solenoid valve electronic Vs. pneumatic comparison?

Deactivated 1 · Thu Oct 05, 2006 11:19 am

I know, pneumatic allows for a much faster air discharge. I was hoping someone could provide some numbers so I can have an idea of exactly what sort of performance to expect. I have a solenoid operated valve, but after seeing my friend's gun in action, I am tempted to replace that valve for a new one (since the valve I have is cracked in one screw mounting post) and modify the valve for pneumatic actuation.

Any numbers on before/after modding muzzle velocity or anything like that would be appreciated.

Thanks.

zeigs spud · Thu Oct 05, 2006 2:39 pm

i don't think you will get much of an answer. i think it depends on the size of he valve,the psi, and the volume of the compression chamber.

COD_FILLETS · Thu Oct 05, 2006 4:41 pm

The pnumatic(ball valve) and electronic (Im guessing sprinkler/inline valve) do the same thing. They both let air out from a pnumatic tank.

Gnobbes · Thu Oct 05, 2006 4:56 pm

I don't have any concrete numbers for you, as I don't really get very technical about measuring performance after completing a cannon.
I just start blastin' stuff.
However, I can tell you that there will be a noticable difference if you trade the switch for a pilot valve.
I'd say I saw, roughly, about a 20%-25% increase in distance and damage between my old solenoid activated cannon and my newer pnu with a modded valve. There were other variables, of course, but like I said, I don't get too scientific about it.
Personally, I think it's worth it to mod.

frankrede · Thu Oct 05, 2006 5:37 pm

COD_FILLETS wrote:The pnumatic(ball valve) and electronic (Im guessing sprinkler/inline valve) do the same thing. They both let air out from a pnumatic tank.

Pneumatic? That dosnt mean ball valve. He means a sprinkler valve that has been modded for pneumatic operation.
He knows what they do but he want to know which performs better.

rna_duelers · Thu Oct 05, 2006 6:28 pm

I'd have to see i saw about a 100%increase in distance and also in the noise it made,from a woosh to a crack its a definite modd.

COD_FILLETS · Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:32 pm

frankrede wrote:Pneumatic? That dosnt mean ball valve. He means a sprinkler valve that has been modded for pneumatic operation.
He knows what they do but he want to know which performs better.

When he said "Pnumatic" i assumed the standard ball valve. My fault

frankrede · Thu Oct 05, 2006 11:13 pm

Its ok.
You are forgiven.

Deactivated 1 · Thu Oct 05, 2006 11:40 pm

Okay, thanks for the comments. Just to make it clear I was not talking about ball valves, only modded/unmodded sprinkler valves. I'll keep an eye out for decent valves to mod.

tntlly · Fri Oct 06, 2006 3:33 am

the mod isn't even hard, just drill a hole in the top, but a blow gun in it, and fill the solenoid hole with glue and you also have yourself a cool handle with a trigger

Check out my YouTube SpudGun Channel! · Fri Oct 06, 2006 4:03 am

he wasnt asking how to mod he was asking whats the performance increase/advantage of modding.

boilingleadbath · Fri Oct 06, 2006 2:14 pm

I would suggest downloading the GGDT (check the spudwiki) and comparing preformance... if I knew what the vent diameter of the stock solenoid valve.

I think I heard .04" somewhere. Is this credible?

rna_duelers · Sat Oct 07, 2006 6:09 am

The venting diamter of my valve(pre mod)was about 2mm.I might whip out the old ruler tomorow and measure it.

Deactivated 1 · Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:26 am

I just thought I'd let you all know that I went and bought a new solenoid valve, two barbs, some compressor hose (rated to 233psi), ball valve and hose clamps.

Originally I couldn't operate my gun past about 200 pumps (I think that's around 60psi, calculated from when I borrowed a pressure gague. My pump is really tiny.) however with pneumatic modification I pumped it up to 300 pumps. I bought the new valve because the old one was damaged.

Old firing speed: 170Km/h
New firing speed: 287Km/h

So there you have it. Pretty good, I think. Now all I need is a decent pump. Any suggestions? I'm in Perth, Western Australia. I want something that will last, with a pressure gague preferably rated up to 200psi.

rna_duelers · Fri Oct 13, 2006 2:43 am

Saw in Big W the other day a 12volt compressor for about $15 at it goes to 250psi i was told about these before but i could never find them before but they are in the car section wiht oils and such.But if this is a standard PVC sprinkler valve i wouldnt take it to 200psi keep it at about 140psi max.