Thing I made

Designer · Dec 4, 2016

My humidifier has an electric solenoid that usually gets stopped up with lime deposits. I need to "exercise" the solenoid with some penetrating oil inside, and for that I need some way to apply power in a pulsing pattern. I cobbled together this test panel with a push-button, transformer, and a holder for the solenoid.

Science Channel; eat your heart out!

Ron Evers · Dec 8, 2016

Looks like a fun project.

jcdeboever · Dec 8, 2016

Cool

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Designer · Dec 9, 2016

Ron Evers said:
Looks like a fun project.

It was fun! And it works!

Designer · Dec 9, 2016

jcdeboever said:
Cool

Thank you!

smoke665 · Dec 9, 2016

Rube Goldberg eat your heart out!! LOL

tirediron · Dec 9, 2016

Now, for extra credit, build a Mk II which incorporates a random sequencing IC so that you don't even have to push the button!

Designer · Dec 9, 2016

tirediron said:
Now, for extra credit, build a Mk II which incorporates a random sequencing IC so that you don't even have to push the button!

Hey! Not a bad idea!

I worked the "spare" unit, then shaped them out. I the put the clogged one on my test board and dripped in some CLR into the top. I hit the button a dozen times or more, but it simply doesn't click at all. Soaking the clogged unit.

These things are expensive, (around $85 plus shipping) so I hope I can get them working with my test setup.

Desert Rose · Dec 9, 2016

I'd use an arduino to do the button for a set number of runs or even a raspberry pi

Arduino - Home
Raspberry Pi - Teach, Learn, and Make with Raspberry Pi

To avoid the problem in the future, use an inline calcium filter.
https://www.amazon.com/MOUNTAIN-Sed...qid=1481313402&sr=8-5&keywords=calcium+filter
or similar.

Desert Rose · Dec 9, 2016

Actually, the method you are using will likely result in excess spring wear and actually shorten the life of the solonoid by causing un needed actuations.
You will be better off opening it up and cleaning the deposits by hand or with CLR and reassembling it. Then put a filter inline before it to help increase it's life.
Your solonoid is different than this one, but inside they all work the same way, just with different sizes. You can also inspect the springs to see if one is broken and the diaphragm to see if it is still intact and not cut or split.
Good luck.

solonoid repair - - Yahoo Video Search Results