hope it all works out
They use those types of valves in HVAC systems for chill water applications and Heating supply water too. Problem is the reaction time. Mostly ran via a automations control. But if you find something 12v you could supply power with a momentary switch. Most valves like that run on 24 ac.
Good Luck
So, I like the idea of using a household lighting fixture dimmer switch as the rheostat to control the electric valve.
Ideally it would be a momentary knob that you push in to engage power and then you can rotate it to adjust the sound and then release when your done honking. With a regular dimmer switch, you’d need to punch it again to shut it off.
But I think I’ll by a dimmer switch and so the question is how to wire it, since the dimmer switch is designed for alternating current…
The positive wire for the valve going to 1 of the hots, and then the negative wire going to that same hot wire on the other side? I can’t help but think that a rheostat designed for AC will not work right with DC.
Hmm, well my idea of using a household lighting dimmer would probably not work very well, as most are ‘TRIAC’ type, not rheostat type.
Another idea would be to find a rheostat with a knob and soldering the wires for the air valve to it, although do you guys know of any inexpensive rheostats that don’t require soldering, wire leads come with it? Radio shack only carries the bare terminal kinds.
How many amps does the 1/2" Shocker XL air valve take?
Problem is that a solenoid valve is either on or off.
The solenoid either has enough power to overcome the return spring - or it doesn’t.
So you would slowly build voltage until it pops on.
Well if it can be half decent, I’m happy. I’d guess the controllability depends on the sensitivity of voltage between when the valve starts to open and when it’s wide open. F=kx Force = K* Distance … a spring takes a linear increase in Force (voltage) to increase distance…
k=spring constant
They might even be detented or have an ‘over center’ action. Just sayin’ - not linear.
I have thought about doing something with a few 1/4" solenoid valves and ball valves. And rig the switches so that the farther you press the more valves open. Finally opening a 1/2" valve. I bet with tuning the ball valves you could get pretty authentic sounding.
any ideas on an electric valve yet???
Ever notice Amtrak trains when operating in reverse?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6EeXWPySFo&t=1m9s
With the amtrak trains running in reverse (with the passenger car in front), how does that car have a variable train horn valve? Either there has to be someone in the last car yanking the lever, or the engineer in the locomotive is controlling the horn with a variable electric pneumatic air valve! I want one of the electric air valves.