Electronic nerd needs help at a very basic level please.
I have a sprinkler system which uses a programmable timer OR illuminated manual switch to turn things on and off at the right time.This system operated perfectly for years using a 24V DC power source with diodes throughout the line to stop current feed back. The 24VDC programmable timers became unavailable here (Australia) and I was forced to change the system over to 24VAC.I have 12 different station solenoids which are controlled by either timer or manual switch.Each station must also turn on the master pump switch to pressurise the system.My problem stems from the master pump switch feeding back current to all the solenoids when just one is activated. In DC this was overcome by having a diode in each line to prevent this.I have looked at relays but the quantity needed becomes too high. As I see it each station would require 5 relays to overcome the problem.
1 relay to operate Station Solenoid by timer
1 relay to operate a warning light to indicate station is on timer.
1 relay to operate the main pump start via Timer.
1 relay to operate the Station Solnoid via manual switch.
1 relay the main pump start via Manual switch.
If there was a component which did the same thing with 24VAC as a diode does with 24VDC I am sure it would solve my problem.
I would appreciate any help or advice I could get.
If you are kind enough to reply I would ask you keep it understandable for a real amateur
Thanks
I have a sprinkler system which uses a programmable timer OR illuminated manual switch to turn things on and off at the right time.This system operated perfectly for years using a 24V DC power source with diodes throughout the line to stop current feed back. The 24VDC programmable timers became unavailable here (Australia) and I was forced to change the system over to 24VAC.I have 12 different station solenoids which are controlled by either timer or manual switch.Each station must also turn on the master pump switch to pressurise the system.My problem stems from the master pump switch feeding back current to all the solenoids when just one is activated. In DC this was overcome by having a diode in each line to prevent this.I have looked at relays but the quantity needed becomes too high. As I see it each station would require 5 relays to overcome the problem.
1 relay to operate Station Solenoid by timer
1 relay to operate a warning light to indicate station is on timer.
1 relay to operate the main pump start via Timer.
1 relay to operate the Station Solnoid via manual switch.
1 relay the main pump start via Manual switch.
If there was a component which did the same thing with 24VAC as a diode does with 24VDC I am sure it would solve my problem.
I would appreciate any help or advice I could get.
If you are kind enough to reply I would ask you keep it understandable for a real amateur
Thanks