Best solenoids according to redditors

I built an Arduino controlled Modulus with a solenoid dart pusher.

It has three different firing modes: semi-auto, 3-shot burst, and full-auto. The blaster cycles between these with a touch sensor switch mounted on the outside of the magwell. The video above shows the blaster firing in all three modes. It also has a close up shot of the solenoid pusher in action.

The blaster uses an Arduino and 60 amp MOSFET’s to control the Solenoid and two Neo Rhino motors with CC Cyclone flywheels. The onboard Arduino micro detects when the microswitches behind primary trigger and rev trigger are activated. It will then open the solenoid and flywheel MOSFET’s depending on what was pressed and what the current fire mode is.

Interestingly enough the Solenoid is able to cycle about 12-14 times per second but the 18 round magazine I was using could not feed more that 9 darts per second so that is the limiting factor on the fire rate of the blaster. I plan to try again with a worker magazine to see if this will increase maximum fire rate.

I am also currently working to add a dart detecting sensor so the solenoid only fires when the next dart has fully emerged from the magazine. This should eliminate misfires and reduce the risk of jams.

Blaster internals: https://imgur.com/a/03Fxutz

Feedback and advice are greatly appreciated!


edit: Had a request for the code that runs the blaster so I'm linking it through my Github repository.
https://github.com/Sandst0rmX/Nerf/blob/master/NerfModulus/NerfModulus.ino

edit 2: Solenoid link
https://www.amazon.com/Abletop-Solenoid-Electromagnetic-Electric-Automobiles/dp/B07G15X91N/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538929128&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=35mm+12v+solenoid&psc=1

For a solenoid that can push or pull 7 pounds, you will need one rated for any of the following:

• 7 lbs
  
• 112 oz
  
• 3.1 kg
  
• 31.1 Newtons
  
  --------------------------
  
  
• Does the solenoid need to be AC or DC ?
  
• Is the 7 pounds for continuous duty or impulse ?
  
• Do you need a push or pull style solenoid ?
  
• Is there a size requirement ?
  
• Does the piston need to be any particular diameter or configuration ?
  
• What is the required throw distance for the piston ?
  
  Here is one 12V 2.5A 45N Push Style Impulse Solenoid from Amazon that is close. Part Number FJ-Z05
  
  I would take the specs for that solenoid with a grain of salt though. I wouldn't be surprised if the specs were exaggerated. You might need to buy it and try it.

I don't know what cheap means to you but I don't think your time spent plus parts acquired plus experimentation can beat three bucks.

Will these work?

http://www.trossenrobotics.com/p/medium-solenoid.aspx

Edit: These appear to be the exact ones used:

https://www.amazon.com/Uxcell-a14092600ux0438-Actuator-Solenoid-Electromagnet/dp/B013DR655A/ref=zg_bs_306587011_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PGQAWJWVQ5EG7BKSCX0N

Close. I'm talking about affixing the piston head directly to the solenoid arm. As for the solenoid I had in mind, I was looking at one of these just for testing:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07NCRGWKF/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_6?smid=AA4QGIBIUMAYL&psc=1&th=1

It would make more sense to do the whole magnet actuation idea, except it would ne more expensive due to the materials required.

Hey! I just looked at your solenoid pusher tutorial from 3 months ago. I watched the video on thingiverse too and the youtube guide too.

First of all, amazing work. And really good instructions too!

Since the solenoid is basically going to fire based on if there is input current, it should be possible to make this easily semi-automatic by cutting off the signal from the microcontroller, right?

Third, I think you've sold me on using a solenoid! I already am ordering this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Abletop-Solenoid-Electromagnetic-Electric-Automobiles/dp/B07G15X91N/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=generic+35mm+solenoid&qid=1569472290&sr=8-1-fkmr1

Thank you for giving me some sort of direction!

So my plan is to use a sonar instead of the hall sensor to detect open and closed garage door (it has the benefit of being able to be placed far away from the garage door). Originally I was going to hack a remote and short some pins to bypass the button. But now I'm thinking about just physically 'pressing' it via this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075H5WDD1/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

> generally speaking in no case is it worth trying to wind one, correct? no benefits and just a lot of work for nothing...

When you can buy one for under five bucks off Amazon, your time would have to be pretty worthless, and your materials would have to be nearly free, and your build quality would have to be ridiculously good in order for you to even break even. Yeah, not even worth the effort.

Solenoids seem too big and heavy for that purpose, at least even the smallest ones I have found yet. Also, if you constantly alternate it's state at 10hz it will probably quickly overheat, and at that scale it seems quite difficult to me to somehow introduce a cooling mechanism. Do you have something specific in mind I'm not considering?

Uxcell a14010700ux0262 Open Frame Magnet Electromagnet Solenoid, 6V, 2 mm, 35 g, 1 mm, 80 g Force https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019DT39ZG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_s1D.zbYPSXMP1

https://www.amazon.com/a14010300ux0440-Lifting-Electromagnet-Solenoid-Holding/dp/B01ARN8WFO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1500514175&sr=8-2&keywords=uxcell+lift+solenoid

Reversing the polarity changes if it attracts/repels either the N or S side of a magnet

try amazon or ebay for 5v solenoid

If for any reason you didn't want to wind it yourself, a 10-20 W electromagnet only costs around $20 for example: https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Lifting-Solenoid-Electromagnet-Holding/dp/B00ICCXL6S

Would this work?

Here's the link the OP provided elsewhere...

> https://www.amazon.com/Abletop-Solenoid-Electromagnetic-Electric-Automobiles/dp/B07G15X91N/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538929128&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=35mm+12v+solenoid&psc=1

My own Modulus is most curious about this development...

funny, I have been looking for the exact same thing. My best find so far is an 11 lb electromagnet from amazon it only costs $10 so it is cheaper than what you have found, but I don't know if it plays nice with arduino. good luck with finding one, and post your findings here.