We have just got our hands on the IQ Pneumatics kit. There are 2 solonoids(control unit) in the kit but the compressor only has one power link connection. I am wondering if it is possible to use both solonoids on one robot to power multiple pistons. The documentation on the VEX site only shows one configuration with one compressor and one solonoid. Am I missing something or is the second one just a spare part?
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Sure, you can use as many air cylinders as you want on your robot. Typically you use one solenoid for each air cylinder, but if you have two air cylinders that you wish to operate together, you could use one solenoid with t fittings to control multiple air cylinders, and all the air cylinders connected to the solenoid will operate at the same time.
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Hi kmmohn. Thanks for the response. I get that you can connect multiple pistons with T junctions. What I don’t get is how to power two solenoids if the compressor only has one power cable out.
That’s power into the compressor, connect to one of the solenoids.
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jpearman - thanks for the clafification - I think I get it now the power goes the other way. from solonoid to compressor. I guess solonoids get power via brain link cable. Makes sense now thanks. (the vex instructions need more detail)
If you want to, I’d recommend watching Ben Lipper or Caution Tape Robotics’s YT videos on it.
yes, only the brain has a battery, power is sent to the solenoid, we then can control power (ie. turn it on and off) to the compressor.
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The controls and power to the solenoids come from the brain via the smart capable. The extra thin port is for the compressor/pump. Because the compressor doesn’t have a direct connection to the brain, it gets its power and commands through the connected solenoid through the same port. I hope that clarifies things. Cheers.
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