hi, I'm just getting started on this project, I have hydrosys basically working so I'm starting on the actual irrigation layout.
I'm baffled with solenoid valves and hoping someone can help.
I'm on my third type, all purchased from Bunnings, and all have the same problem. I'm using the 25mm 24VAC non-latching type, I tried Holman, K-Rain and now Pope and they all have the same problem – when de-powered they won't block water flow.
Am I doing something wrong? These things are pretty simple I thought – apply 24VAC to open, power off to close. I connected them to my water pipe: power off, turn on the water and no water flow – great, as expected. Power up - water flow, great, as expected again. Power off again and still water flow, it won't block or turn off!
The Pope is the worst, you wouldnt even know its off, K-Rain was better it blocked maybe 90% of water, Holman in between.
I tried reducing the water pressure at the tap as well, no change.
Before I resort to the latching type (which I understand aren't supported here?) I'm hoping someone can tell me I'm doing something wrong. Is there an extra step I'm missing?
Thanks for any advice,
Will.
Let me better explain, the system can provide, in one GPIO that we called (B), both the pulse to open the valve and the pulse to close the valve. Setting MIN and MAX will define the length of the START pulse and the END pulse (minimum 1 second), there will be just two pulses. Between those pulses there should be the activation of the GPIO (A) which controls the polarity and its deactivation after END pulse. The activation of the GPIO A should be synchronized manually with the GPIO (B). By manually I mean using the "wateringPlan" setting.
For example assuming you set relay of GPIO (B) with MIN=MAX=1:
1) Set GPIO (B) to start at 15:00 and duration 3 minutes on watering plan
2) Set GPIO (A) to start at 15:02 and duration 2 minutes on watering plan
will have this effect:
at 15:00 GPIO (B) will pulse for 1 sec (opening the valve)
at 15:02 GPIO (A) will be activated inverting the polarity
at 15:03 GPIO (B) will pulse for one second (closing the valve)
at 15:04 GPIO (A) is deactivated bringing the polarity back.
At least this was my understanding of your idea.