9 replies to this topic

[z80]

I'm starting work on a pneumatic long range weapon, and I have two questions.
1. Is This a good valve for a homemade. (toro 3/4 inch sprinkler valve) Also, does it have a lever for the manual bleed, or a screw?
2. Are pvc threads the same as the threads on a sprinkler valve?
Thank you experts in advance!

Edited by z80, 01 May 2006 - 05:08 PM.

[Ragornocks]

1. Most likely; I know the Rainbird ones do.

2. Yes.

[davidbowie]

I'd advise against that particular valve. It's got fairly low flow. Go for a larger valve, such as a 3/4" female orbit watermaster.

The valve you posted has a bleed screw, and an orbit watermaster has a lever, but why do you care? You should at least use batteries and a switch to fire it.

Sprinkler valves use NPT threads just like PVC fittings do.

[z80]

Well batteries would be less reliable and more expensive. Thanks for the advise though.

[m15399]

It is much better to modify the valve than to use batteries. The valve will open much faster that way and you won't have to buy batteries.

[davidbowie]

Indeed, but if he wants to use the bleed, I figure he might not want to get into valve modding quite yet. It isn't that hard to do. Check it out:http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=305

The first thing you should do, though, is use a better valve, such as a 3/4" Orbit watermaster. The one you posted is just dinky.

[z80]

Oh yeah, you're right, that looks kinda annoying. I think I'll use the batteries, I've got two 9.6 volt batteries I got at radioshack on sale, and take out a cell. Should last pretty long without recharging. Maybe I could build a small crank charger just in case...

[z80]

Sorry for the double post, but I have another question. I was at homedepot, and they didnt have the valve you showed me, so I got another one. But I didn't realize that it had to have 24 volts (ouch). I was wondering if it would be ok with 27 volts? (IE 3 9 volt batteries)

[davidbowie]

Pretty much all sprinkler valves are made to run off of 24 VAC. 27 VDC seems to work fine, though.

Mod it if you can, though.

[z80]

I thought most were 18 volts. Whatever. Thanks for the help, I'll try to get some in progress pics up soon.