Master solenoid

[Kitfox Pilot]

Can a master solenoid be mounted flat on a plate or does it have to be vertical for a reason?

I asked this question earlier but can't find were it went on as so if this is a double post please delete . Thanks

[Dave S]

Harlan,


Needs to be mounted vertically; and, a good idea to go to the solenoid manufacturers documentation - depending on the manufacturer, orientation may be cap up or cap down.

If mounted sideways, the contactor operation may be intermittent as there is very little travel before the solenoid hits the stop inside.

Do a search on "relay failure" there is a contribution by three of us on the subject plus some photos of the guts of these things and why the orientation is important.

[Kitfox Pilot]

Thanks Dave. I searched before I asked but didn't find anything. Glad I asked because I had decided it would be ok laying down. I made a bracket to put it vertical, thanks for the info to keep me on the right track!

[Kitfox Pilot]

Dave, everything I read says to put a diode on the master and start solenoids but I can't find any supplied. I know very little about this other than where they go. Are these 5 watt diodes ok to use for that?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264792376746?epid=18039507244&hash=item3da6db05aa:g:9ZsAAOSwkrRfCVJy

[Av8r_Sed]

Dave, everything I read says to put a diode on the master and start solenoids but I can't find any supplied. I know very little about this other than where they go. Are these 5 watt diodes ok to use for that?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264792376746?epid=18039507244&hash=item3da6db05aa:g:9ZsAAOSwkrRfCVJy


Hi Harlan,

Weighing in here: the 12 V Zener you provided a link for would not be a good choice for the flyback diode on the solenoid. It would affect your electrical system and possibly burn out. Try something like a 1N4004 (instead of the 1N4148) in the diagram below.

https://i.stack.imgur.com/IUn5v.png

[jrevens]

The very common White-Rodgers type 70 or 71 should be mounted vertically with the”cap” down. There are other types/brands that may not have that recommendation or requirement.

[jrevens]

The diode is recommended to protect the contacts on the switch that is used to control the solenoid. When the coil is de-energized & the magnetic field collapses, a high voltage “spike” can be induced that causes arcing at the switch contacts. An inductive load, like a relay coil, should ideally have a diode to protect the controlling switch contacts. Some solenoid relays will have one built in. A simple silicon diode of the proper voltage rating is what’s needed. The 4000 series are a good choice.

[Kitfox Pilot]

Thanks again for all your help guys!

[Kitfox Pilot]

Thank you very much!






Hi Harlan,

Weighing in here: the 12 V Zener you provided a link for would not be a good choice for the flyback diode on the solenoid. It would affect your electrical system and possibly burn out. Try something like a 1N4004 (instead of the 1N4148) in the diagram below.

https://i.stack.imgur.com/IUn5v.png

[Shadowrider]

Harlan they should of came with your vertical power.

[Kitfox Pilot]

Harlan they should of came with your vertical power.

I will check that out. I could have sworn I had seen some but couldn't find them in any kitfox boxes, I didn't look in the v power box. I will for sure. Thanks!

[Shadowrider]

If I recall they are in sealed electrically protected packaging and vertical power also shows online, I think, the installation of them.

[Russell320]

Here’s a good YouTube link.


https://youtu.be/bvDuyM2e4gw

[Kitfox Pilot]

If I recall they are in sealed electrically protected packaging and vertical power also shows online, I think, the installation of them.




I went to the vertical power box and they were there, I knew I had seen them somewhere. I even had the instructions printed out from back when I got the v power.. Brain overload at times on this wiring.

[jiott]

FYI, Van's Aircraft parts catalog sell these diodes for the master and starter solenoids all ready to install with terminals attached and shrink tubed-no soldering or crimping required.

[Delta Whisky]

Speaking of master solenoids: after beta testing, I just converted to a unit that B&C might start selling soon. It is a quarter pound lighter, draws only 329 mA, and has a built-in diode.

[Eric Page]

I just converted to a unit that [...] is a quarter pound lighter, draws only 329 mA, and has a built-in diode.
Do you have a manufacturer and part number for it?

[Delta Whisky]

Eric - I might; won't be able to check until maybe tomorrow - starting its first condition inspection - and will get back to you.

[Eric Page]

Great, thanks!

[Delta Whisky]

Eric - better late than never; so saith he that has schedule control challenges. BTW - it does take a special but readily available connector. Recommend that if you do buy one of these, have the supplier source the connector too.

28325

[Eric Page]

Thanks for the photo. For anyone else who's following along, more info below.

Here's the Picker data sheet (https://pickercomponents.com/pdf/Relays/PC776.pdf). A quick search shows they're available at Waytek Wire (https://www.waytekwire.com/item/77612/Picker-PC776-1X-12C-R-X-Power-Relay/) -and- Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0897XYLP7).

It appears to be a copy of the TE Connectivity / Potter & Brumfield 2-1414939-2 (https://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=srchrtrv&DocNm=V23132-X0000-A001&DocType=DS&DocLang=English) relay.

The mating connector for coil control is the TE Connectivity / AMP SuperSeal 1.5 (https://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=srchrtrv&DocNm=282080&DocType=Customer+Drawing&DocLang=English). Here's the two-position housing at Digi-Key (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/te-connectivity-amp-connectors/282080-1/1860704).

The crimp contacts for that connector are available for 15-18 AWG (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/te-connectivity-amp-connectors/183025-1/2054255) or for 20-22 AWG (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/te-connectivity-amp-connectors/282403-1/2329175).

The connector also requires wire seals (https://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=srchrtrv&DocNm=281934&DocType=Customer+Drawing&DocLang=English) to maintain its environmental rating. Those come it three sizes, for wire insulation diameters of 1.2-1.6mm (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/te-connectivity-amp-connectors/281934-4/2054302), 1.7-2.4mm (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/te-connectivity-amp-connectors/281934-2/2054300) or 2.5-3.3mm (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/te-connectivity-amp-connectors/281934-3/2054301).