DIY Valve Actuator? or Automated 3-way valve?

driftin

driftin

New member
Has anybody made either their own valve actuator, or an automated 3-way valve before? I'd love to buy THIS VALVE for use on a closed loop, but the actuator (HERE) that is sold separately is too expensive for my budget.

Anybody done something like this before? All I want to do is cycle flow between two ports. I'd do an Oceans Motion, but I would really love the flexibility of adjusting the cycle time...
 
It has been done before and I'm sure links will be posted soon. I don't recall the web site :( It's a bit expensive, requires a lot of machining, it's an elaborate build, but it's REAL impressive looking.

I just tried to find the link again and no luck. Someone will post it :)
 
You might consider weatherson's alternative...
http://www.cvreefers.org/showthread.php?t=248

I have one of the Hayward 3-way valves and actuator... scored it off ebay for $30 a while ago. Still havent used it for anything... brand new though. The valve is very strong, and makes a loud 'whir' and 'pop.click' every time it rotates 90/180 degrees. So unless you have a basement sump-room or dedicated 'fish room' where noise isnt an issue, it may not be for you anyways. A continuous 1rpm motor like weatherson's design will be much quieter.
 
Thanks for the feedback on that valve. Noise will be a concern in this one, that's good to know.

That was one hell of a build you linked. Way beyond my abilities! I am going to give this some thought though and see if I can incorporate some of his ideas into something easier to fabricate.
 
Looks like you need access to a full machine shop to get anywhere near building Weathersons "device" . Looks mighty expensive too. Acrylic tubing ain't cheap. Ditto on the oceans motion.
 
Well, the only heavy machining that weatherson does is with the threaded blocks for the pipe connections. You dont need to do that though... there are simpler ways. The actual magnet/actuator/etc is just the volute/magnetic transfer system from an iwaki pump. So with the exception of a few parts that weatherson 'overdid' to make oh-so-slick, the unit would be pretty easy to build.
 
I've been wondering it something like this could be replicated with PVC, which would be a LOT easier for most people to work with. I think it's do-able... but I'd need to read that thread a few more times and do some serious looking around on USPlastic etc... Did do a little searching and found the motors on both ebay and at a manufacturer - Autotrol.
 
Had a brainstorm last night and started buying some of the stuff today. I really think this is a do-able project. Will probably take a few weeks before I have all the parts, and the time, to put something together and test it. Whether it works or not, I'll post my results back up here.
 
That is a JANDY valve actuator and can be bolted directly to a 3 (or more) way hayward pool valve. Noisy, but certainly an option. They can be had on ebay for less than $100.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11126376#post11126376 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal
That is a JANDY valve actuator and can be bolted directly to a 3 (or more) way hayward pool valve. Noisy, but certainly an option. They can be had on ebay for less than $100.
Click to expand...

Bean, are those actuators reliable. Would you trust one to shut down my return when the power went out.

Thanks
Don
 
They are fiarly stout gear motors with built in (adjustable) limit switches. I am not sure they would be "reliable" when compared to a hayward proces valve, but they are used on pools and spas every day. I would think they would be very reliable in a low duty cycle environment.
 
They are VERY reliable valves. Any Jandy product is a good product. Jandy is owned by Hayward by the way :)

We own a pool business and have been doing business with both companies for a long time.

It has to be possible to wire this things up on a timer to automate itself into rotation, I've been thinking of the same thing. It shouldn't be too hard at all...there are 3 wires, one turns it one way, the other the other way and I don't know what the other wire is for yet, I'll do some messing around and let you know.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11127014#post11127014 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JaredWaites
They are VERY reliable valves. Any Jandy product is a good product. Jandy is owned by Hayward by the way :)

We own a pool business and have been doing business with both companies for a long time.

It has to be possible to wire this things up on a timer to automate itself into rotation, I've been thinking of the same thing. It shouldn't be too hard at all...there are 3 wires, one turns it one way, the other the other way and I don't know what the other wire is for yet, I'll do some messing around and let you know.
Click to expand...

Being 24vdc I would imagine one is 24vdc+ and the other two are just ground CW and CCW.
Are these jandy never lube valves positive closing valve or are they just diverter valves?

Don
 
Well you can always take a regular 3 way jandy valve and automate it by taking the screws out of the top and positioning the actuator on the top.

Don I also think you may be right about how they work with the ground CW and CCW.
 
I figured out a way to build a 4 to 8 port oceans motions like device out of common PVC parts, a magnet and a motor, but once I added up all of the parts, it was more than the OM 4 port.

This is a case where I dont think you can beat the off-the-shelf item unless you have a mill & lathe at your disposal.

Stu
 
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