Hey everyone, it is my first post and I'm sure this question is simply, so thank you ahead of time for any responses.

I was a biomedical engineer as an undergrad that had a focus on biology with only minimal exposure to circuits. However, my boss (the field is not engineering related really but he just knows I was an engineering major in college) asked me to come up with a way to power a linear solenoid - something similar to: http://www.newark.com/ledex/195203-234/solenoid-tubular-push-continuous/dp/20M1809.

The caveat is that the solenoid needs to fire for X number of seconds at a time once turned on and automatically turn off at the end of the interval. Also the number of seconds needs to be programmable (I believe he is looking for intervals of 15, 30, 45 seconds, etc to provide a timeframe).

I've been looking for 12V DC power supplies with a time relay, but I am reaching out to see if anyone knows of one that would be a good fit for my needs?

Thanks!
ST

 

Power supplies are power supplies and timers are timers. The most simple solution is two separate items, a small power supply and small a programmable digital timer on ebay. The power supply can be a wall wart if your environment is not to harsh for the lightweight output wires. The timer can be just a pc board assembly with no enclosure. Less than $20 for the pair.

Before you go surfing, make a list of the power supply requirements (input voltage range, output voltage range, max output current required, etc.) and the timer requirements (12 V operating power, minimum time period, maximum time period, adjustability increment, etc.). Also, how are you going to package or assemble this? If you don't want to mess with crimp or solder connections, try to get components that have terminal blocks so things go together with a screwdriver.

ak

 

Thanks AK!

I do know how to solder, although the less assembly the easier it will be on me. The set up will be in an environment that is cleaned frequently, it itself won't be clean, but aerosols and mists (typically alcohol based I believe) will be used in its vicinity. Most of the people operating it are safe and will know to avoid dumping a bunch of water on it. Since it will be turned on/off frequently, and my boss gave me some money to work with, I'm hoping to find something that is prebuilt, requiring only connections. This will also give the added benefit of easier fixing in the future.

I'm looking at 2 different solenoids that I will probably end up using:
1) Linear push solenoid 12.2 V DC, 37.41 ohm, 4 W
2) Linear pull solenoid 23.8 V DC, 149.93 ohm, 4 W

Is it practical to think I can use the office power supply to run the timer and the solenoid, or will I blow something?

Should I be looking for digital timers, automated digital relays, or am I not even in the ball park?

Sorry if these questions are mind-numbingly stupid.

Thanks for all of your help!
ST