Hi everyone,
I am using Solenoid pinch valves (http://www.clarksol.com/html/prodspecsPK_Valve.cfm) to control the flow of fluid in a device I am making. I have 6 of these valves and I need a way to turn on/off each valve via a LabView program.
Each solenoid valve runs off 12VDC and takes roughly 1A of current (10-13W power). I have a single 12VDC, 5A power supply that will be used to power the valves.
I have been looking at these two relay controllers. One is much cheaper than the other, and I am not sure why. The more expensive one looks higher quality, with more capabilities (which I don't really need). Here are the links:
http://hobbykits4u.net/rs232-serial-relay-control-board-p-28.html
http://www.easydaq.biz/PagesUSB/USB8PRSRFRAME.htm
One question I have is about snubber circuits, or protection from solenoid back EMF. According to one of the manufacturers (hobbykits4u), I would need some sort of back EMF protection. I don't really know too much about this, and I have no one to ask at work. Some of the techs I asked said they have never needed to use snubber circuits, or protection for their solenoid valves. At first I thought it was because they were using manual switches, which I assume would not need any protection. But they told me they have used relays as well.
Could someone please explain if I need back EMF protection and why? If someone could also suggest which relay controller is better, I would appreciate it. To be honest, I think the one from hobbykits4u suits my needs perfectly and is a good price. But I am a bit skeptical of the quality compared to the more expensive one. Thank you for any help you can give me!
Thanks,
Philip
I am using Solenoid pinch valves (http://www.clarksol.com/html/prodspecsPK_Valve.cfm) to control the flow of fluid in a device I am making. I have 6 of these valves and I need a way to turn on/off each valve via a LabView program.
Each solenoid valve runs off 12VDC and takes roughly 1A of current (10-13W power). I have a single 12VDC, 5A power supply that will be used to power the valves.
I have been looking at these two relay controllers. One is much cheaper than the other, and I am not sure why. The more expensive one looks higher quality, with more capabilities (which I don't really need). Here are the links:
http://hobbykits4u.net/rs232-serial-relay-control-board-p-28.html
http://www.easydaq.biz/PagesUSB/USB8PRSRFRAME.htm
One question I have is about snubber circuits, or protection from solenoid back EMF. According to one of the manufacturers (hobbykits4u), I would need some sort of back EMF protection. I don't really know too much about this, and I have no one to ask at work. Some of the techs I asked said they have never needed to use snubber circuits, or protection for their solenoid valves. At first I thought it was because they were using manual switches, which I assume would not need any protection. But they told me they have used relays as well.
Could someone please explain if I need back EMF protection and why? If someone could also suggest which relay controller is better, I would appreciate it. To be honest, I think the one from hobbykits4u suits my needs perfectly and is a good price. But I am a bit skeptical of the quality compared to the more expensive one. Thank you for any help you can give me!
Thanks,
Philip