If you go with a microcontroller (uC) solution, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Yes, a microcontroller is a chip you write a program to. You can change the program on the fly and use the same uC. You can also put the program onto as many chips as you desire, so if you burn one up, you can easily replace it.
Microchip and Atmel are two of the biggest manufacturers of uC's. There are three languages you can write code in - assembly, BASIC, and C. Assembly is free, but it is the hardest to understand and will require a lot more writing of code than the other two. C is easier, but in my opinion, still has a fairly steep learning curve for a beginner. BASIC is the easiest to start with, so I suggest using it for your project.
That said, using BASIC will limit our choices somewhat. There are still several options and I'll attempt to list a few out quickly.
Microchip PIC - For BASIC, you can purchase PicBasic from melabs.com for $50 to $270. While this is a great project, the price is a bit high for a one-time project. If you plan to really get into uC's, then this might be an option.
Parallax - uses a Microchip PIC with interpreted BASIC. Think of needing to do a job, but instead of you doing it, you need to explain it to a translator who then explains it to someone who speaks a different language than you do. The job gets done, just not as fast. The software is free, but the chips run $40 or more.
PICAXE - like Parallax, the software is free and it uses interpreted BASIC, but the chips start around $2. Because of the slower speed, we have to get clever and add some hardware solutions, but I think this is the best bet for your project without breaking the bank.
I think you meant macromatic.com. Yes, those relays could work, but you're right, they would be pricey. You can program the uC to do the timing and then just trip a simply relay to turn on each solenoid.
What are the solenoids' ratings? You mentioned 12VDC, is this correct? What is the current rating of each solenoid? If it is under 10A each, you can use this relay board with a microcontroller to control the relays.
IF the ON and OFF time of each and every solenoid will be the same, you could use a thumbwheel switch to easily set the ON and OFF times. This assumes all the ON times are the same as well as the OFF times. If ever solenoid 1, for example, will be ON or OFF for a different time than solenoid 2, then this will not work.
Another option is to use some buttons and an LCD display - this would allow you to program the ON and OFF time of each solenoid independent of each other on the fly. This would be similar to a programmable thermostat for your house. You could also easily set or even change the sequence through the interface instead of reprogramming the uC. This will be more work, but it will pay off in the long run if you need this functionality.
I've thrown together a drawing of a couple of possibilities. Right off the top, I'd guess this project will cost you $100-200 depending on how clever we get once you factor in parts, shipping, enclosure, etc.
Yes, a microcontroller is a chip you write a program to. You can change the program on the fly and use the same uC. You can also put the program onto as many chips as you desire, so if you burn one up, you can easily replace it.
Microchip and Atmel are two of the biggest manufacturers of uC's. There are three languages you can write code in - assembly, BASIC, and C. Assembly is free, but it is the hardest to understand and will require a lot more writing of code than the other two. C is easier, but in my opinion, still has a fairly steep learning curve for a beginner. BASIC is the easiest to start with, so I suggest using it for your project.
That said, using BASIC will limit our choices somewhat. There are still several options and I'll attempt to list a few out quickly.
Microchip PIC - For BASIC, you can purchase PicBasic from melabs.com for $50 to $270. While this is a great project, the price is a bit high for a one-time project. If you plan to really get into uC's, then this might be an option.
Parallax - uses a Microchip PIC with interpreted BASIC. Think of needing to do a job, but instead of you doing it, you need to explain it to a translator who then explains it to someone who speaks a different language than you do. The job gets done, just not as fast. The software is free, but the chips run $40 or more.
PICAXE - like Parallax, the software is free and it uses interpreted BASIC, but the chips start around $2. Because of the slower speed, we have to get clever and add some hardware solutions, but I think this is the best bet for your project without breaking the bank.
I think you meant macromatic.com. Yes, those relays could work, but you're right, they would be pricey. You can program the uC to do the timing and then just trip a simply relay to turn on each solenoid.
What are the solenoids' ratings? You mentioned 12VDC, is this correct? What is the current rating of each solenoid? If it is under 10A each, you can use this relay board with a microcontroller to control the relays.
IF the ON and OFF time of each and every solenoid will be the same, you could use a thumbwheel switch to easily set the ON and OFF times. This assumes all the ON times are the same as well as the OFF times. If ever solenoid 1, for example, will be ON or OFF for a different time than solenoid 2, then this will not work.
Another option is to use some buttons and an LCD display - this would allow you to program the ON and OFF time of each solenoid independent of each other on the fly. This would be similar to a programmable thermostat for your house. You could also easily set or even change the sequence through the interface instead of reprogramming the uC. This will be more work, but it will pay off in the long run if you need this functionality.
I've thrown together a drawing of a couple of possibilities. Right off the top, I'd guess this project will cost you $100-200 depending on how clever we get once you factor in parts, shipping, enclosure, etc.
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