30 replies to this topic

[zany]

They sound really nice....i can imagine they sound even better with the tv in place!

[maestro300]

Thanks!  I ended up moving the solenoids around since the wood conducted sound more than I wanted.   I moved the back three to the bottom-middle-back and the flippers I elevated just under the playfield TV in the correct flipper location.   That really helped with the realism!   Unfortunately not as pretty and organized as it once was-- but functionality is better.

 

Thanks again for the 12v solenoid idea!   I'm experimenting with different sounds now (having the solenoid hit other objects..etc)

[ckovanda]

I got a couple 24v contactor and 6 12v solenoids, will I need to get two seperate power supplies, a 24v and a 12v to run them?  I have an extra computer PSU sitting around which I'm not sure how to convert to be able to power the solenoids.

 

will I be able to use both at the same time through the sainsmart board?

[mjr]

I got a couple 24v contactor and 6 12v solenoids, will I need to get two seperate power supplies, a 24v and a 12v to run them?  I have an extra computer PSU sitting around which I'm not sure how to convert to be able to power the solenoids.

 

will I be able to use both at the same time through the sainsmart board?

 

There are two possibilities for the 24V source.  One is to search eBay for "24V power supply" -  you can find something there for about $20.  You'll probably want something in the 3-5A range.  The other is to look for "DC-to-DC step-up converter".  You feed these 12V from the PC PSU on the input side and get a higher voltage out.  Many have adjustable output voltages, some have fixed outputs.  These tend to be a bit cheaper and smaller than the stand-alone power supplies, but it'll take a little more work to find one with the right parameters.  I personally use one of the stand-alone 24V supplies for my contactors, and one of the variable step-up converters for my knocker coil (those need higher voltages, in the 30-50V range, where it's hard to find a cheap stand-alone supply).

 

You should have no problem running any number of voltages through different sainsmart channels.  That uses relays, so each circuit is electrically isolated - each can have its own independent voltage level and ground.

Edited by mjr, 30 January 2015 - 08:08 PM.

[ckovanda]

 

I got a couple 24v contactor and 6 12v solenoids, will I need to get two seperate power supplies, a 24v and a 12v to run them?  I have an extra computer PSU sitting around which I'm not sure how to convert to be able to power the solenoids.

 

will I be able to use both at the same time through the sainsmart board?

 

There are two possibilities for the 24V source.  One is to search eBay for "24V power supply" -  you can find something there for about $20.  You'll probably want something in the 3-5A range.  The other is to look for "DC-to-DC step-up converter".  You feed these 12V from the PC PSU on the input side and get a higher voltage out.  Many have adjustable output voltages, some have fixed outputs.  These tend to be a bit cheaper and smaller than the stand-alone power supplies, but it'll take a little more work to find one with the right parameters.  I personally use one of the stand-alone 24V supplies for my contactors, and one of the variable step-up converters for my knocker coil (those need higher voltages, in the 30-50V range, where it's hard to find a cheap stand-alone supply).

 

You should have no problem running any number of voltages through different sainsmart channels.  That uses relays, so each circuit is electrically isolated - each can have its own independent voltage level and ground.

 

 

thank you for the clarification, hopefully I can get it up and running!

[ckovanda]

so i just got my switching power supply in and I guess didn't pay attention, it's a 24V 5amp AC power supply.  will AC work, or do I need a DC one? 

 

also, it doesn't have anywhere to plug it in.  did I need to buy a seperate socket to go with it?

[zebulon]

If you have DC coils on the contactors you'll want a DC power supply.  

[mjr]

so i just got my switching power supply in and I guess didn't pay attention, it's a 24V 5amp AC power supply.  will AC work, or do I need a DC one? 

 

As Zeb said, you'll need 24V DC if that's what your contactor say they need (most are DC).  But are you absolutely sure that your power supply is 24V AC on the *output*?  The AC might just be on the input side - it's unusual for those eBay switching power supplies to have AC outputs.  If you're not sure, post a picture showing a clear close-up of all of the labels on the device and someone here should be able to tell you for sure.

 

 

also, it doesn't have anywhere to plug it in.  did I need to buy a seperate socket to go with it?

 

Yes - those eBay power supplies usually just have screw terminals for the inputs and outputs, so you'll need to do your own wiring for the input side.  If you have an old computer power cable or just an old extension cord laying around, you can use that by cutting off the end and stripping the insulation off the wires.  Be sure you have all of the bare wire and screw terminals thoroughly covered up when you get it installed so that you don't accidentally jolt yourself (or your motherboard) with the mains voltage.

[ckovanda]

 

so i just got my switching power supply in and I guess didn't pay attention, it's a 24V 5amp AC power supply.  will AC work, or do I need a DC one? 

 

As Zeb said, you'll need 24V DC if that's what your contactor say they need (most are DC).  But are you absolutely sure that your power supply is 24V AC on the *output*?  The AC might just be on the input side - it's unusual for those eBay switching power supplies to have AC outputs.  If you're not sure, post a picture showing a clear close-up of all of the labels on the device and someone here should be able to tell you for sure.

 

 

also, it doesn't have anywhere to plug it in.  did I need to buy a seperate socket to go with it?

 

Yes - those eBay power supplies usually just have screw terminals for the inputs and outputs, so you'll need to do your own wiring for the input side.  If you have an old computer power cable or just an old extension cord laying around, you can use that by cutting off the end and stripping the insulation off the wires.  Be sure you have all of the bare wire and screw terminals thoroughly covered up when you get it installed so that you don't accidentally jolt yourself (or your motherboard) with the mains voltage.

 

 

Ok, you're right, it was AC input, DC output...

 

thanks for the clarifiation!

[benben26]

I placed the three together since the pop bumpers are usually in a three cluster anyways.   As soon as I get home- going to put a board across the width and just rotate the board so they span across the middle.   There is another post that has my photos of the wood block that it is mounted on (used a router to make the back side hollow) which amplified the sound.   Doesn't really need it though as they are loud.

 

The solenoids were ordered from China but arrived in the U.S. in just (3) days!!   It was the USPS part that took awhile.   However it just took 6 days from order to arriving at my house.   You can start with the Sainsmart and wiring during that wait time.

 

Suggested parts - of course you can build however you like:

 

-8 port Sainsmart USB controller-- like $30 from Amazon

http://www.amazon.co...l sainsmart usb

 

-8 solenoids from whatever source (I used eBay) and was $63 shipped I think.

http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1497.l2649

 

-8 diodes to go across the + / - on the solenoids (seen on the video) or you'll get randomly fired solenoids.   Radio shack has a 25pk for $3.49 and I used the 1N4001 diodes from       it.   They are good for 50v and 1A which is perfect.

http://www.radioshac...oductId=2062589

 

-2 terminal blocks

http://www.radioshac...oductId=2103229

 

-2 terminal block jumpers

http://www.radioshac...oductId=2103227

 

-2 packages of 20 gauge wire (you can probably find cheaper in bulk)  I only used Black for grounds and Red for power.   

http://www.radioshac...oductId=2049743

 

 

Nice work mate, iv watched your youtube videos a few times and I have decided to go for this same method, I have purchased the same parts that you used and will set up once they arrive in the post.

[breikers]

Looks really interesting. Few questions though. Why do you need the USB controller (thought you needed the ledwiz for this) And how do you control the solenoids with Visual Pinball ?