Hello, and thanks for taking time to read this thread and possibly helping out. This is my first time posting on here! Anyways i need help with a project im doing. So what i am making is a remote controlled solenoid that will press a button when i send the RF signal. I have already taken apart a cheap RC car and am using the trasmitter and receiver from it to supply the voltage and ground. The solenoid i got is 12v and has 2.1kg force. To power this i am using 2 9v batteries wired in series with a 12v regulator. The issue: the solenoid is not strong enough to push the button. The button does have a detent but is not very hard to push. Minimal effort is required. The button is the size of a quarter. what can i use to get more force from the solenoid. Do i need bigger batteries with more amperage? Or do i need a bigger solenoid? Or both?I was contemplating trying a door lock actuator for a car next. Plugging this device in a wall is not an option i need it wireless and not terribly large.Any ideas are much appreciated.

 

Welcome.
Your two 9V batteries in series with a 12V regulator smells bad. Use a 12V source capable of pulling the solenoid by itself when connected directly, then work on the driver circuit.

Perhaps using a servo motion from the receiver to push the switch will be better than using the solenoid.

 

A pack of 4 AAs might get you more current and work better than the 2 9-volts. See what the voltage is when it's "trying". The load of the solenoid is probably drawing the voltage way down.

 

Welcome.
Your two 9V batteries in series with a 12V regulator smells bad. Use a 12V source capable of pulling the solenoid by itself when connected directly, then work on the driver circuit.

Perhaps using a servo motion from the receiver to push the switch will be better than using the solenoid.

Thanks for the response! I need the device to be able to be activated without being by the button so i don't think it so i don't think a servo will work for this purpose since i won't be able to see the actual position. I will try a direct wired 12V source to see if the solenoid will have enough force then to push the button. Then suppose ill try to find a good power source.

 

A door lock actuator motor might work for you: https://jet.com/search?term=CS-610s1 There are multiple wiring schemes. When unpowered, the actuator is free to move including some with built in switches.

In general, you reverse the leads to change the direction. Two relays wired right, can give you a depress/unpress signal. If you just need one way, then add a spring return.

Measuring the force is another option and select accordingly.

With a standard solenoid, force is proportional to displacement. F=kx

 

A door lock actuator motor might work for you: https://jet.com/search?term=CS-610s1 There are multiple wiring schemes. When unpowered, the actuator is free to move including some with built in switches.

In general, you reverse the leads to change the direction. Two relays wired right, can give you a depress/unpress signal. If you just need one way, then add a spring return.

Measuring the force is another option and select accordingly.

With a standard solenoid, force is proportional to displacement. F=kx

 

I will be trying a door lock actuator tomorrow i will update the thread. Im thinking/ hoping it works. The rc car i took apart actually has the ability to switch the polarity already. The thing I'm worried about is the voltage/ amperage supply. I do not think 4 AA will have enough voltage for the 12V actuator. Thanks for the replies!

 

I do not think 4 AA will have enough voltage for the 12V actuator.

Care to wager on that? If you don't want to use them, don't bother testing it. But if it would be an acceptable solution if it works, I suggest you give it a try.

 

4AA = 6V

 

Is the button, an electrical switch?
If so, replace the button and switch with a relay,
That'll take a lot less power.

 

4AA = 6V

Right, and I'm betting a 12V solenoid will trigger with a low impedance 6V supply better than it did with two 9Vs in series. Strongly enough to depress the button? Hard to say. A very easy experiment.

 

Okay so I tried direct wiring the solenoid to a 12 volt source it still did not have enough Force to press the button I needed to. I've been using a lock actuator from a car to act as the solenoid. This does have enough Force to press the button however i have had to use a battery from an electric drill for this actuator to work properly. So mission accomplished somewhat. It's a little bulkier than I had intended since this device needs to be portable and work on buttons at different locations, however i think i can improve on the design.

 

since this device needs to be portable and work on buttons at different locations

Okay, I have to ask.
What does these buttons do that you have to remotely actuate them at different locations?