Quote Originally Posted by bogdan View Post
what is the model # of your solenoid valve ?
bogdan,
Our PIC microcontroller must control a latching valve solenoid, Model L 1/180 1/4"x1/4" as described at http://www.giplindia.com/pdf/water-valve-catalogue.pdf . Here is a description from this document and why we think it is the right choice for use with a microcontroller and battery operation. BTW, why do you ask?
"Brief Design Guide:
􀀹 Life of battery (1.5 V DC X 4 Nos. alkaline) is about 250 000 cycles (only valve
operations).
􀀹 Latching valve operates upto 5 V DC, 60 mS pulse. Hence cicuit should have cut off
voltage or battery low / replace battery indication sutabley.
􀀹 It is prefered to mount latching valve in coil up right position.
􀀹 As supply voltage goes higher pulse width decreases.
􀀹 40 mS pulse is optimum pulse width for valve operation from CLOSE to OPEN
position. For OPEN to CLOSE pisition, pulse width of 20 mS may be kept. This will
maximize battery life.
􀀹 Circuit employed in operation of valve should be of high quality and should have
minimum current consumption in stand by mode to maximise battery life.
􀀹 Test figures mentioned in this document is based on 6 V DC obtained using 1.5 V X 4
Nos. alkaline batteries."