110 VAC to 12 VDC transformer?

[Bjornbrewer]

He should also think about putting some reversed biased diodes across the solenoid coils so a back emf pulse does not do damage to the power supply when the solenoids disengage. Some 1N4007's should do the trick. It is just good design.

I totally agree with this part.

 

[Brewmoor]

It is tuff when you buy stuff from china or ebay but, Try and find out who makes the valve. Contact them. I have a servo valve on my rig and it only draws a few hundred milliamps. 1.4amps seems like a huge number. I am only using around 1.2amps to power PID, Valve, and PWM circuit. Unless the solenoid mechanism is a much greedier device I can not see it drawing that much current.

 

[Bjornbrewer]

that servo valve has a motor...relatively low current draw. The solenoid is more like a relay which must overcome a spring and react quickly...higher current draw.

 

[Brewmoor]

Ah I see. I was wondering about that.

Well then disregard my last post.......In that case I would second the idea of using an old PC power supply. You should be able to get the amperage you need and the flexibility of voltages.

 

[Fingers]

Yup, I like the idea of the old PC supply. In that case, I would agree about the protective diodes and eliminate the capacitor on the output. The power supply will already have some.

All in favor, say aye.

 

[splobucket]

Aye, And I already have one laying around... I checked my laptop chargers and cellphone chargers... they're not the correct voltage.