Relay timer for solenoid.

[moto52000]

Hi all, First post in this forum I usually hang out in the Benchtop mill. Anyway here is what I have, hope one of you can send me in the right direction.

I need to build a system with a relay timer (digital with display) that I can set for say 5 minutes that will turn on a solenoid then after the 5 minutes turn off and start a buzzer. Looking at several timers on line this looks like it should be simple but the manuals do not explain the connections well enough for me to be confident it will work and be safe.

Couple design parameters:
Trying to stay under $250 but not critical. Reliability and safety more important and company is paying.

Must be able to start and/or reset timer with manual switch.

There is 120v AC available so it would be nice to just tap off that but I can add a DC power supply if needed.

Solenoid will just turn on/off ~18psi air that actuates a small pneumatic cylinder. Will need to be a 3 way solenoid to drive up/down.

Specific question:
Is there a timer available that has a built in solenoid? If not any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Al_The_Man]

It sounds like the cheapest way, off the shelf would be a Smart Relay, these are not expensive and can be had cheaper on ebay 220896492585.
You don't need any software to program it and it most likely has way more features than you may need.
They have internal timers and even set to a real time clock if you need that feature.
They are relabeled by a few manuf., Idec, Seimens, Square D, Omron etc.
They come in AC supply or L.V. supply models.
Al.

[underthetire]

I agree with al. I use the seimens logo stuff. The new v7 is quite powerful, probably way more than you need. I buy from our local seimens rep the start up kits, comes with a logo, screwdriver, USB cable, software, a bunch of manuals (don't think ive ever read one) and a really nice plastic tool box. They are around 150 bucks, and you can program what ever text you want to display. They have a ton of add on modules, like a panel mounted text display unit with programable buttons, contactors, additional I/o modules etc. I've used the idec stuff before, I just find the seimens software much easier to use.

[moto52000]

That looks like it would work but unfortunately It needs to be panel mounted. Would one like this work?
Koyo Timer Relays (KT Series) Overview

Seems to me I would need a DC power supply with the one above.

Thanks for you reply, I'm going to look and see if I can make the one you recommended work. Looks too complicated to program though.

[underthetire]

It may look complicated at first, but it's all drop and drag. No instructions other than the little help menu I figured it out in an hour, and I'm no Plc guru like al is.

[Al_The_Man]

There is a text display panel add-on. LOGO! Text Display - Programmable logic controllers from Siemens
Also the Koyo will not give you anywhere near the flexibility you may need for your application?
Al.

[underthetire]

You can go to the seimens site and download a demo of the software. With the software you can simulate your circuit and see if it works before you do anything. There is even sample programs for lighting, traffic lights, heating and cooling, etc that are fun to play with. These modules are so versatile I keep at least 3 on hand at all times, with at least 2 text displays and add on I/o modules. They have saved our bacon more times than I can count, from hydro forms to old cnc lubrication systems. I use them for interlock checks, timers, and some other very cool stuff.

[moto52000]

Thanks for the input. I was looking for the product you mentioned from Siemens and did find some documentation but it was very basic and did not include any examples of I/O connections. Any chance you have a link to the site I can download the software?

Thanks again for the help.

[underthetire]

Here
http://www.automation.siemens.com/mc...s/Default.aspx

[underthetire]

I'll try and find the examples. Once you get the software installed, you simply open the demo programs, I'm on my iPad so it's tough navigating. I'll try to fire up the pc in a bit.

[moto52000]

Thanks again. I downloaded the software and will play with it shortly. I also found a site with training videos so that will help as well. This looks like too much fun to call work....
First glance it seems to me like I would want to get the basic version without the display and add the remote display so I can panel mount it.
Once I get a better look at it I'll likely still have some questions on wiring I/O.

[underthetire]

There is only a few bucks difference between display/no display. I have cut holes in the enclosures and put the logo on stand off din rails before, so the display portion is visible. They really are fun to play with. A guy at work wants me to program a couple for his ride on train to control crossing gates and signal lights. I still have yet to really dig in to the math functions available. I really only use the 12/24rc logos, as I try to keep all I/o low voltage, and that one has dry contact relays for the output, I think up to 10 amp. They will also take analog input from sensors. Other models have analog/digital outputs as well.