Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

Proper way to trigger a solenoid at high frequencies

Discussion in 'Controller Boards' started by Marcsallent, Aug 6, 2021.

Tags:
  1. Marcsallent

    Builder

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2015
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    4
    Hi!

    I'm using the Blackbox controller and I want to trigger a solenoid at a quite high frequency, 4-8 times per second (as much as possible actually).

    I am exploring the following g-codes:

    Code:
        # Use Flooding on/of and connect it to the solenoid
        M8
        G4 P0.02
        M9
        # or use the 0-10v Analog Output
        M3 S1000
        G4 P0.02
        M3 S0
        # ... continue
    
    Can any of them be electrically or electronically specially taxing to the controller?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,753
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    You shouldn't use the analog 0-10v to run solenoids directly, that would cause damage to the BlackBox. The 0-10v analog signal is just a signal (couple milliamps, meant to be fed into a VFD or similar spindle controller) - it's also not really suited to your case even with additional control circuitry - as its a linear scale, not an on/off.

    The coolant output should handle it fine, it's what it was designed for: docs:blackbox:connect-coolant [OpenBuilds Documentation] - use a 24v solenoid, try keeping it under 1000mA (Most standard solenoids are around 200-300mA)
     
    Marcsallent likes this.
  3. Marcsallent

    Builder

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2015
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    4
    Thanks Pete

    I saw the info about the coolant valve / solenoid but I was worried that the frequency of my intended use (4-8Hz) might be an issue for the controller

    thanks!
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  4. David the swarfer

    David the swarfer OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2013
    Messages:
    3,239
    Likes Received:
    1,815
    Not an issue for the controller, but will certainly kill the solenoid in a relatively short time, they do have a limited life span.
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice