For sale: MIDI Compatible Solenoid Valves

Some years ago I was trying to source solenoid-operated valves
that could be used to automate or MIDI-fy various automated musical
instruments traditionally operated by pneumatically-operated media,
such as perforated music rolls (for pianos and organs), cardboard
book music (band organs and large orchestrions), et cetera.

I wound up purchasing a large number of solenoid valves originally
designed for the automotive industry, where they control the flow
of water for windshield washer-wiper systems, but operation with
air as the medium is a given. Fast-forward to today where my actual
application for these is a distant, unrealized memory, but they might
be a solution for yours.

Here are the basic specifications for these valves:

1. Rated voltage: 12 volts, direct current [12 VDC].

2. Pull-in voltage: 7-8 volts, direct current.

3. Hold-open voltage (once pulled-in): 4 volts direct current.

4. DC coil resistance: 75 ohms (nominal).

5. Current draw at 12 VDC supplied voltage: 200 mA.

6. Current draw at 4 VDC hold-open voltage: 66 mA.

7. Power consumption at rated voltage: 2.4 watts.

8. Duty cycle: Not specified by the vendor, however, experimentally,
12 VDC was applied to the coil of a randomly selected unit for one
hour, resulting in minimum heating of the coil. Since an intelligently
designed circuit will reduce the power consumption to about 1/4-watt
during hold-open, this effectively makes the acceptable duty cycle
equal to 100%.

9. Weight with stock mounting frame: 3 ounces.

10. Ports: three.

Port #1 is connected permanently to atmosphere and has a diameter
of 0.062" through a thin foam particle filter. This filter is
deteriorated in most units but it can be removed and easily replaced
(if desired). Operation of the valve is unaffected by the presence
or absence of this filter.

Port #2 is a rugged plastic nipple 0.187" O.D., 0.098" I.D. When
the valve is "closed" (unactuated), Port #2 is connected to port #1
(atmosphere).

Port #3 is also a rugged plastic nipple 0.187" O.D. by 0.098" I.D.
When the valve is "closed" (unactuated) Port #3 is a closed "dead end".
When the valve is "open" (actuated) port #3 is connected to port #2
with both ports isolated from atmosphere (see photos).

11. Electrical connections to the coil are two male spade lugs
(see photos).

12. Solenoid body diameter: 0.9". The stock mounting bracket can be
cut or modified to suit custom mounting configurations.
 
13. The units are "valves" only, with extremely quiet operation,
and have no "pumping" function. The original automotive design would
have incorporated a separate pumping unit to move the water for the
original purpose.

14. Driver or control circuitry is not included.

15. Pricing: 480 units total are available. 90 units for $200 plus
shipping (about 25 pounds). 100 units for $220 plus shipping (about
30 pounds). All 480 units for $900 plus shipping (about 130 pounds).
A single evaluation unit (one) is $10 plus shipping. Return within
30 days for a $5 refund.

Email or phone for more details.

John Grant
Baltimore, Maryland
tel.: 1-410-952-8168
reddawg@unameit.net.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]

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