Thread: Single Cylinder - 2port, 3port, or 4port S

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I have a single acting cylinder prop. It is controlled by a monster guts "nerve center" . All I want it to do is pop up and hold in the position for about 5 seconds and then lay back down.

My question is I have a 5 port/ 4-way air valve/solenoid. I don't know much about these things but the only way I get the thing to work is to close off one of the ports, while the other port sends air to the prop. This seems to work ok but the Solenoid gets VERY HOT. Is it ok to close off a port like this? What kind of air valve is best for a single cylinder prop? I'm trying to get this done by this weekend! ha..loosing time!

Thanks!
Ross

It's ok to close off the always open port like you did. A 3 way port would be all you'll need to get the cylinder to work and by closing off the port that's what you just created.

Your 5 way is for a double acting cylinder with one port always open and one port closed. When activated the always open port closes and the other port opens to allow air to push up your cylinder.
The 3 ports on the bottom is for air in and a exhaust port for the two ports on the front side (always open & close)

Hope I didn't confuse you even more

If all you want from this prop is to stay up a few seconds once it's activated and then reset...a cheap motion detector will do the same as the monsterguts nerve center and you could use the nerve center for another prop. A motion detector set on test mode will usually stay activated between 5 & 7 seconds.


(edit)
here's a picture where I used a 5 port the same way you did

Is your single acting cylinder a spring return? if it is, you simply need a 3 way solenoid because the spring does the work to return the piston to the detant position. I have a 3-way solenoid and 2 5-way solenoids which are VERY tricky to wire if you don't know what you are doing. A 5-way solenoid needs wiring for both the N.O. AND the N.C. circuits or the piston will only do the one way movement. If you need help, write me. I have wired my coffin sit up prop to bang the lit for a minute or so then, the lid swings open and a few seconds later, Bucky sits up, stays up for a few seconds more (while uttering a scream) then lays slowly back down and the lid shuts slowly ready for the next activation......