[SML] Solenoids

[Jon Lagerquist]

Matt,

The range of options are large. My first advice is to not have the load 
on the actual solenoid shaft but to connect a piece that can be support 
to take the side load. This could be a piece of steel, cable, plastic or 
combination of more than one. This can be supported on both sides of the 
load, and the supports can make sure the string gets pulled off the 
shaft. I like a small shaft on a length of cable that is sized so the 
shaft pulls clear of the near side support when retracted, which pretty 
much eliminates the snag and not falling but when is it going to fall 
issue. The cable also means you can isolate the solenoid into a sound 
enclosure.

Cable also provides the option to route the pull around things and back 
on itself when doing drops with multiple points. And it allows you to 
stack multiple control lines quite closely.

Given the option I prefer to use an air cylinder as my source of power, 
they can develop a fair amount of force and getting a 3" stroke is easy. 
And they can be very quite.

However it is controlled it is possible to have operators tap the switch 
and release it faster than the unit can activate. I have used various 
relays to ensure an appropriate activation time. But the best is to 
teach the operator to "push the button all the way down and hold it."


On 9/27/2016 11:43 AM, Matthew Whiten via Stagecraft wrote:
> All,
>
>       I'm venturing into the world of solenoids for the first time. I'm
> looking to use them to drop objects from the grid. So probably an 8-16
> oz. load applied at 90 degrees to the shaft movement. Basically a loop
> of sting holding the object slides off the end of the shaft, object
> drops to ground.
>
>       Does anyone have any advice/pitfalls to avoid? Are there quiet
> solenoids out there, or do they all have that snap/click when they get
> powered.
>
> Any wisdom is much appreciated.
>
> Thanks
>
> Matt
>
>
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-- 
Jon Lagerquist
--