Solenoid update

A brief test today proved that both the spring and E-clip samples provided by Century Spring will not work for me; the spring (although tiny) provides too much resistance, and the E-clip (the smallest size they supply) is too big. I think these tiny solenoids aren't going to work.

However, another contender has appeared. These solenoid valves might work for me, although they might have a problem with throughput if the connections are too small. I'll see what I can do.

Progress so far

Design progress

Things that are finished:

1. the programming (base function)
• command-line-based at the moment
• takes a MIDI file as an argument
• sends SPI signal coded for 8x8 output array
2. the control modules
• 8x chained 8-out modules
• individually replaceable
• hopefully sufficiently isolated in case of failure
3. the air horn designs
• 1/2 inch
• 3/4 inch
• 1 inch
• 1 1/2 inch
• 2 inch
4. the initial valve concept
• solenoid-controlled flapper valve

Things that are not done:

1. converting the python script to function-based operation
2. confirming solenoid spring return viability (pending delivery of sample spring/E-clip)
3. drafting the valve design
4. determining horn size crossover points (aspect-ratio-based?)
5. layout of the physical format (pending sample measurements of horn sizes)
6. designing the interface (hardware only? software + display?)

Build progress:

Things that are finished:

1. 3x version 1 control modules
• fully functional, planned version 2 has corrected silkscreen and is slightly smaller
2. a few test horns
• 1/2 inch design is an overwhelming success
• 1 inch is effective, improvements can probably still be made
• the 2 inch horn is problematic at the moment

Things that are not done:

1. full scale construction of all horns
2. testing and final construction of valves
3. completion of control modules and interface
4. construction/final assembly

Success!