Non Vex pneumatics update!

VEX V5 General Discussion General Forum
1

Alright, I have been working really hard to gather parts so heres what I have.

I have the hoses to connect the solenoid valve to the cylinder and all the connectors. I have an air tank which is an old c02 tank and many connectors and some 1/8in hosing that could be used for something. Tomorrow I am going to buy the pressure regulator and the rest of the of the parts to assemble this. The final design will have many features such as a pressure gauge on the tank, a regulator, a drain valve for safety, an onboard compressor and much more. When I get my parts I will post again.





2

very nice! and i am guessing this is cheaper than the vexlabs pneumatics? (not to put vexlabs down, just a fact)

3

if its what was on the previous thread, its cheaper and stronger.

4

Alright heres some more, today I got a mini air compressor, the regulator, piping, gauge, and a drain valve.

Many things that I put on this are not necessary like the pressure gauge but I am also making this as a school project to show the invention of pneumatics so I want it to look good.

The air tank is an old paintball c02 tank, I sanded the threads until I could twist in a 3/8in to 1/4in bushing tightly then I put teflon on it and 60 second epoxy and when that set I put more epoxy on the bushing and tank.

This whole thing is about $100 If you don’t add a regulator, Just a tank solenoid valve and cylinder. But keep in mind this is MUCH more powerful than vex so the price is much more realistic.
This design is also very easy to change say cylinder sizes or tank size ect… What I made requires about $100 to build the air unit with no solenoid valve or cylinder but you can run up to four cylinders off of it and each extra set is only $60 to add on.

Here are some new pictures.





5

Alright, the air system is now complete, the only thing I am waiting on now is the solenoid valve and air cylinder which will arrive on Wednesday. I have tested this system up to 175 psi and it seems to be holding up very well. I had to fix a few air leaks with some teflon tape but I eventually got it to work very well.

The regulator works very well allowing for precise adjustments, the drain valve is also working very well allowing easy venting of the tank air.

I currently have three ways to pump it up, with my modified 12v compressor, with a bike pump (The fill valves will come on Wednesday), or with a compressor .

Keep in mind this was made to drive a 3/4in cylinder so the unit is large but if you want the vex size factor you would have to make this with 1/8in valves and hosing to save space. I used 1/4in everything and a very large tank so the only way to fit this on a square bot would be to mount it on top.

Here are some pictures…