The relay was very noisy and took up extra space.
I have switched each valve to NPN transistor and Suppressor Diode, just like the pump but just using digital On/Off instead of PWM mode.
Works better with the transistors wired with Emitter to Ground.
====>>> Watch the Video
Replaced car battery with 12 volt supply ($29) and added a plug ($5) between controller and pump/valves.
Used a piece of pine board to mount arduino, bread board, and cable ends.
Not a minute too soon, I needed to dump the water that had the 2x4 fountain nozzle support soaking in it.
Have a plastic holder now.
The remote cannot be read while the "delay()" function is running so I wrote "my_delay()" which checks for remote commands every 10ms for the desired delay time.
The remote doesn't work from very far without adding an antena wire.
Youtube video link.
Also the replacement valve is leaking internally and dripping out the back.
I cut out the bad valve (was afraid I would break things trying to pull the tubes off). Desoldered and resoldered the leads to the replacement. Somehow the valve that wouldn't close has started working!
I was also able to verify the 12volt PWM was actually working but the little pump wouldn't run while the signal is pulsing. I assume the pulse isn't long enough for the little DC motor to rotate to the next fixed magnet.
Investigating configuring the arduino timers to lengthen the pulse cycle, or alternativley programatically pulsing the motor to adjust the water output.
Need to replace 2 valves but better than nothing.
Need to get the PWM pump control working still.
#4 and #2 work.
#3 doesn't closes entirely.
#1 just doesn't open.
Have a spare valve to replace for #1.
Need to check maibox for my second spare.
I guess it is to be expected with surplus parts.
Looks like just valves #4 is opening and closing fully. #2 opens and closes but lower volume.
#1 and #3 don't close, even though I hear them clicking.
Still.... kind of fun...
