Originally Posted by veloce
I was going to start a new thread about this, but I guess I haven’t made enough posts over the years to qualify, so I’ll post this here.
After mulling it over for quite a while, and being inspired by the above OPs thread utilizing a Velleman VM-188, I’ve built a DIY vacuum pulse controller for my Vacu-Tech VT-9000 that for a first effort, I’m pretty happy with. (See photos).Parts used:
1 x Hammond 1591D project box
1 x Velleman VM-188 Pulse/Pause timer
4 x Adhesive PCB standoffs
2 x 5K panel mount linear taper pots with knobs
1 x Clippard MNK-2V 5-turn panel mount needle valve plus 2 x 3/16 10-32 UNF hose barb fittings
1 x Replacement solenoid valve for Keurig coffee maker
1 x 12VDC power supply with matching DC power socket jack
1 x Miniature toggle switch
2 x 3/16" hose barb panel mount CNC quick connectors
1 x 3/16 T fitting
1 x Loom clamp from hardware store to mount solenoid valve
4 x small rubber washers to make a shock mount for solenoid valve
Description:
A 12VDC wall adapter powers the timer board, which in turn controls the solenoid valve. On/Off to the board is controlled by a miniature toggle switch.
The VT-9000 (or any pump) is connected to the left side hose connector to a T-fitting which is connected to one of the solenoid ports and also to the needle valve, then from there out to the cylinder. When the solenoid is not energized, vacuum is supplied directly from the pump to the cylinder, with the rise of vacuum controlled by the needle valve. When the solenoid energizes, vacuum is vented out the solenoid to the atmosphere, with the fall of vacuum also controlled by the needle valve.
Notes:
I already had the Hammond box on hand from an older project and it had some previous holes in it which I tried to reuse, creating some challenges getting everything squeezed in. If I’d used a new box, I might have better optimized component layout.
The timer board came with trim pots which I removed and replaced with the panel mount pots.
The loom clamp is held on by a 10-32 flat head screw up from up from the bottom and held in place with a nut to create a post. The rubber washers on both sides of the loom clamp create a shock mount to help quiet the solenoid inside the box.
The controls on the top are a) power switch, b) pulse time in sec, c) pause time in sec, and d) flow rate.
The timer board is configured with jumpers to a) continuously loop, and b) use a timer range of 1-60 seconds.
Improvements I’d like to make:
Add some labels to the controls.
Add a miniature vacuum gauge the cylinder side. Even though the VT-9000 has a gauge, that’s on the supply side and only shows the maximum before the needle valve. It’d be safer to actually see what’s going on in the cylinder.
A power status LED.
A pulse status LED.
Future possibility:
Since the solenoid valve was designed to work with liquids, it should be possible to modify the hose connections and turn this into a wet pumping controller, similar to a Mr. Fantastic device.
Cost:
Probably around $85-95.
The price kept going up as I kept thinking of enhancements, but the timer board, solenoid valve, and needle valve were the most expensive parts. The rest was small stuff.
Hello guys. I registered on this forum to reply to this post, and hopefully contribute moving forward. A few months ago I bought a CTC DP-4000 to do pulsed pumping. I have tried everything to get it to work and at this point I’m resigning it as a failure.
In response, I’d like to try my hand at replicating the excellent job that’s been done here to take a custom approach. I’m an absolute novice at electronics but I’m prepared to do independent research and learning to make it work. Fact is, there just isn’t an off the shelf device that does what I’m looking for.
I don’t mind if I’m asked to create a new thread when I’m able to do that, but I’d like to detail my research and knowledge here and the project as it proceeds over the coming months. The post given is a great starting point. If anyone would be interested in helping me to achieve this, I plan on making a detailed "for dummies" construction guide if I get far enough down this road that other people can use.