Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!ames!ncar!boulder!sunybcs!kitty!larry
From: larry@kitty.UUCP (Larry Lippman)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Finding an electrically-controlled valve?
Summary: Try a washing machine or dishwasher "replacement part".
Keywords: valves, plumbing, motorized valves
Message-ID: <2925@kitty.UUCP>
Date: 13 Jan 89 01:57:07 GMT
References: <1404@accelerator.eng.ohio-state.edu>
Organization: Recognition Research Corp., Clarence, NY
Lines: 34

In article <1404@accelerator.eng.ohio-state.edu>, borgstrm@icarus.eng.ohio-state.edu (Tom Borgstrom) writes:
> I'm trying to find a source of motorized valves for use in an residential
> water system. The valves would be used to control hot and cold water to a
> faucet or shower and thus can't be the solenoid type. I would like an
> inexpensive model that runs off 24 VDC or less and possibly has a built-in
> valve-position encoder.

	Try an appliance parts store, usually listed in the Yellow Pages as
"Appliances - Household - Major, Parts and Supplies".  Consider getting
a hot/cold water control valve for a washing machine or dishwasher.  Be
prepared for the counterperson to ask you for the make and model number
of the "machine you are trying to repair"; if you persevere, however, you
can probably talk them into finding you a suitable part.

	This type of valve will invariably be 120 VAC; operating this
walve using an SCR or triac - optically isolated if required - should
not be a problem.  With some care, you can often operate a 120 VAC
solenoid valve from 12 to 24 volts DC; be sure to try this empirically
to make certain that the valve does not overheat, and that it does in
fact operate reliably.

	W. W. Grainger also stocks these valves at a decent price; however,
they are wholesale only and usually refuse to sell to an individual without
an established account.  So, find a friend with a compny who does business
with them.

	Since the above are all solenoid valves, a position encoder is
not required.  However, if you wish to make the valve memory non-volatile
in case of power failure, you will need a rotary valve. :-) 

<>  Larry Lippman @ Recognition Research Corp., Clarence, New York
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