What can you make with the pneumatic parts?
**The pneumatics kit is capable of making a large array of mechanism types. Pneumatic cylinders are 2 position actuators, which exert a linear force. This kit provides a means to create simple linear motion, for use in many applications. Anything that requires a linear force, where 2 positions (in/out) provides adequate variability would be ideal for a pneumatic.
VexLABS engineers have used pneumatic parts on 2 of the robots they’ve built. The Ribbon-Cutter Robot http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-ribbon-cutter.shtml** used pneumatics to actuate the scissors for cutting the ribbon. The original Bottle-Bot also used a pneumatic cylinder for it’s bottle-opener. [http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-bottlebot.shtml
The VexLABs pneumatics kit is also ideal as an educational tool. The parts provided in the kit represent a Vex-scaled pneumatic system. Anyone wishing to learn more about how pneumatics work, should investigate this kit. It provides an easy way to build a pneumatics trainer, using the Vex kit, and would be great for the classroom.](http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-bottlebot.shtml )
Can you program it with the programming kit?
You do not program the Pneumatics Kit but you must program the Vex Controller to control the pneumatics. The pneumatics kit contains a Solenoid Driver, which controls the pneumatic solenoid using a Digital Output from the Vex Controller. This means you can program it just like you would any other digital output. A “High” signal would cause the pneumatic to actuate in one direction, while an “Low” signal would cause it to move in the other.
Is the single-acting or double-acting kit better?
**The major difference between these two kits is the cylinder used:
A double acting cylinder pushes out with air, and pulls back with air.
A single acting cylinder pushes out with air, but pulls back with a spring.
Neither is “better”, they just have different uses. Depending on your application, one may be better than another. Determine what needs your design has, and go from there.**
Is there a way to make the pneumatic kit slowly extend and slowly retract?
Yes, with a flow control. We do not carry these items but you can check with SMC Corporation of America.
What additional hardware, if any, is needed to add the Vex Pneumatics Kit 2 to a project using the Vex Microcontroller for control of the solenoids? Are the solenoids plug & play out of the box?
No Additional hardware is needed. The drive cables can connect to any of the Digital/Analog I/O pins. You must change the code to define the pins you are using as outputs and add code to control the pneumatics. You will also need a pump to add air to the pneumatics system. The valve is a standard tire fitting.
I’m having problems with air leaking out of my pneumatic system. What can you do to help me?
**Unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do to help debug your problem. The most likely cause of air leaks is a poor connection between a pneumatic component, and the pneumatic tube somewhere in the system.
When cutting pneumatic tube, ensure a straight cut, to get the best connection. Then ensure the tubing is inserted firmly, all the way into each pneumatic component. Also, you can use soapy water at each connection to try to find leaks. The leaking air can cause the soapy water to bubble.
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What is the purpose of the pnumatic T-fittings?
The t-fitting is provided as a way to split the air flow among 2 different paths. This is useful when driving multiple solenoids off the same pressure source, or when driving multiple cylinders off the same solenoid.