Hey! Super beginner here, I’m looking to design a system, that a pir controls 2 push solenoids. im assuming I need a controller or a contactor, for once motion is detected I need solenoid 1 to push out, then once motion is no longer being detected I need solenoid 2 to push out, I’m a electrician so I have a basic concept to circuitry, but I just don’t know the fine print of getting a pir to control 2 solenoids individually, with or without a controller

 

Do you have a picture or part number on the solenoid you want to use? AC or DC? What voltage?
Does the solenoid go out when power is applied and then come back in when there is no power?
What kind of signal comes from the motion detector?

Start out with no motion, both solenoids are in.
Morion detected, 1=out, 2=in.
No motion, 1=?, 2=out. What condition should solenoid 1 be in?
How do you want to reset back to 1=in, 2=in?

 

So I want both solenoid to be in with no motion, once motion I want solenoid 1 to go out then back in, then with motion solenoid 2 to go out then back in.
or if it makes it easier, with motion 1 out, then no motion 1 goes in, 2 goes out and vice versa. I planned on using a 5-6v battery.
further research I may have to use a 2 channel relay with the pir

 

Have the PIR drive a SPDT relay of sufficient rating to drive the solenoids. One solenoid on NC, other on NO, with common connected to whatever voltage source the solenoids require.

 

the only issue with this that I see, is the solenoids are only able to be powered for 1sec. So from what I am seeing, both of them needed me to be closed, then once power is supplied, it needs to solenoid 1 needs to push out, then back in. Then once motion is gone, solenoid 2 gets energized pushes out then back in

 

then once power is supplied, it needs to solenoid 1 needs to push out, then back in.

Does that happen only if the PIR senses motion?

 

that’s what I’m going to need it to do, I’m still planning this project so I haven’t benchtested anything, but I assume, with the no/nc relay, once motion is detected the voltage will stay on that solenoid for extended periods of time with this setup.
But if I added a microcontroller I assume I’d be able to program that controller to send voltage to push solenoid out, then in.
then once motion is gone, send solenoid 2 out to shut it off, then solenoid solenoid return in.

 

that’s what I’m going to need it to do, I’m still planning this project so I haven’t benchtested anything, but I assume, with the no/nc relay, once motion is detected the voltage will stay on that solenoid for extended periods of time with this setup.
But if I added a microcontroller I assume I’d be able to program that controller to send voltage to push solenoid out, then in.
then once motion is gone, send solenoid 2 out to shut it off, then solenoid solenoid return in.

If you are experienced with microcontrollers, this is by far the easiest solution. It also has the advantage that you can adjust the behavior in firmware, should you decide the timing needs to be different. Even if you are not experienced, someone here should be able to get you going with Arduino and a relay shield.

 

If you are experienced with microcontrollers, this is by far the easiest solution. It also has the advantage that you can adjust the behavior in firmware, should you decide the timing needs to be different. Even if you are not experienced, someone here should be able to get you going with Arduino and a relay shield.

Sweet, I’m going to look into buying the components today and get them, should I just keep posting it this or try to go to a arduino forum?

 

Sweet, I’m going to look into buying the components today and get them, should I just keep posting it this or try to go to a arduino forum?

Welcome to AAC.

you can get the help you need here. It would also help to know what the solenoids are doing.

 

I am looking at the CD4538B IC which is a dual multivibrator. One half will make a 1 second pulse on every rising edge while the other half will make a 1 second pulse on the falling edge. (time is set by a resistor & capacitor) This IC will make the two signals you need from the motion detector. I don't have time to work on this today. It is a simple project for those that solder parts together.

 

I am looking at the CD4538B IC which is a dual multivibrator. One half will make a 1 second pulse on every rising edge while the other half will make a 1 second pulse on the falling edge. (time is set by a resistor & capacitor) This IC will make the two signals you need from the motion detector. I don't have time to work on this today. It is a simple project for those that solder parts together.

I’d like to connect at some point via email or text to get more of your idea, I have a slight concept but it’ll be good to get a clear picture

 

Welcome to AAC.

you can get the help you need here. It would also help to know what the solenoids are doing.

They will just be pushing 2 buttons when motion is detected it’ll press 1 button, when no motion it’ll push the other button.

 

What are the solenoids operating, e.g. Nature of the load, I assume these are not pneumatic or hydraulic versions?, But moving some physical actuator?
Do you presently have the solenoids?

 

What are the solenoids operating, e.g. Nature of the load, I assume these are not pneumatic or hydraulic versions?, But moving some physical actuator?
Do you presently have the solenoids?

I do not have them currently, I’m getting a list and going to order today, they are 5v solenoids 0.5ma current. They will just be pressing a button

 

Will the solenoids possibly also have a switch to sense when they are extended? That could make the control scheme simpler, and are you going to want adjustable times for them to stay extended? What sort of output will the PIR sensor have? Will the whole system be battery powered so that minimum power consumption is a goal?

 

Will the solenoids possibly also have a switch to sense when they are extended? That could make the control scheme simpler, and are you going to want adjustable times for them to stay extended? What sort of output will the PIR sensor have? Will the whole system be battery powered so that minimum power consumption is a goal?

I didn’t have anything planned to sense when they are extended, I figured the controller will be able to send out the current whenever the motion is detected or not detected. Yes it will be battery detected, I planned a 9v battery for everything

 

I do not have them currently, I’m getting a list and going to order today, they are 5v solenoids 0.5ma current. They will just be pressing a button

Do they require retention when activated or can they be momentary/maintained?
The former generally only requires one coil.
Have you calculated the force required?

 

They will just be pushing 2 buttons when motion is detected it’ll press 1 button, when no motion it’ll push the other button.

What do the buttons do? Are the purely mechanical?

 

I didn’t have anything planned to sense when they are extended, I figured the controller will be able to send out the current whenever the motion is detected or not detected. Yes it will be battery detected, I planned a 9v battery for everything

The PP3 (9V battery) is a terrible power source, particularly for high current applications like solenoids. I encourage you to consider something else. Even 6 AA cells are much, much better than the 9V. But even better than that is a rechargeable option, like LiPo or other lithium based cells.