Control Over 3-Way Electrically Actuated Ball Valve?

[Kengar]

I am considering these for build I'm planning. They appear, however, to run off of DC voltage, not AC. If anyone has used these, how have you gone about controlling actuation of them? FYI, I'm planning to run a reverse under-gravel arrangement where every so often I divert return flow to a pipe running down under the substrate to raise detritus from the substrate, so this is something I would want to turn on for, say, fifteen minutes twice a day. But if they take DC voltage, it doesn't seem like something you can connect to an Apex or similar controlled power outlet. Rather, it seems like you would need to have an AC-voltage-controlled relay that delivers DC voltage when actuated. Is something like that made? Thoughts? Suggestions? Something simpler that would work?

Thanks.

 

[figuerres]

I am considering these for build I'm planning. They appear, however, to run off of DC voltage, not AC. If anyone has used these, how have you gone about controlling actuation of them? FYI, I'm planning to run a reverse under-gravel arrangement where every so often I divert return flow to a pipe running down under the substrate to raise detritus from the substrate, so this is something I would want to turn on for, say, fifteen minutes twice a day. But if they take DC voltage, it doesn't seem like something you can connect to an Apex or similar controlled power outlet. Rather, it seems like you would need to have an AC-voltage-controlled relay that delivers DC voltage when actuated. Is something like that made? Thoughts? Suggestions? Something simpler that would work?

Thanks.

I am sure it can be done, just a question of what parts you need, the 10 volt dc from the apex will be the control source, now we need specs for that valve, is it driven by a stepper motor or just analog voltage to hold it open or closed?
And what dc voltage does it need?

When you know that you can start to figure out what you need.

For example there is a company that makes light dimmer controls, they will use a 10v dc to control a 24v dc light system if. Your valve uses 24 and does not draw more amps than the circuit can handle then it will work, get a power supply and that. Circuit....

That's one example.
Also there are dc relays that you can use just get the right one for the voltage of the valve, depending on the parts you might need some other parts to limit the power or step it up or down to match the needs.

 

[Kengar]

First misconception I had was that Apex controllers did not put out a DC signal, just AC via the sockets. Now if I could just find the valve I had found last night online to get the spec's. . . . . .

I do see, however, that some companies put out valves with either DC or AC control inputs, so the question may be moot. Or if I get a unit with DC control, I now see there are power converters available.

 

[Misled]

an AC-voltage-controlled relay that delivers DC voltage when actuated. Is something like that made?

Thanks.

A DPST relay with a AC coil will work. The AC just controls on and off. The contacts in the relay control DC from a different source.

EDIT: If the valve requires power to be applied to be on and power to be applied when off, a DPDT relay is needed.

Someone wanted me to say doorbell transformer. Oh the irony. :lol:

:wave:

 

[Kengar]

Touche

 

[figuerres]

First misconception I had was that Apex controllers did not put out a DC signal, just AC via the sockets. Now if I could just find the valve I had found last night online to get the spec's. . . . . .

I do see, however, that some companies put out valves with either DC or AC control inputs, so the question may be moot. Or if I get a unit with DC control, I now see there are power converters available.

the tunze pump control option and the led dimmer / control are both 10 v dc signals.

 

[Kengar]

I might be able to find something on my cousin's oldsmobile or cbr 600 that I could use. . .