Vex Robotics - Pneumatics Controls

To perform their function, pneumatic cylinders impart a force by converting the potential energy of compressed gas into kinetic energy. This is achieved by the compressed gas being able to expand, without external energy input, which itself occurs due to the pressure gradient established by the compressed gas being at a greater pressure than the atmospheric pressure. This air expansion forces the piston to move in the desired direction.

The pneumatic cylinders have 2 states. The Single Acting cylinder uses air to push in one of the states and a spring for return in the second state. The Double Acting cylinder uses air in both states; push and return.

You can connect the 3 pin connector of the Solenoid Driver to any of the ANALOG/DIGITAL Ports on the Vex Controller. The Black wire should be closest to the outside edge of the Vex Controller. Likewise, the White wire should be closest to the Keyed Slot even though there is no key tab on the Solenoid Driver Cable. You can control the two states of the pneumatics by controlling the two states of a Digital Output. By sending a High (1) or Low (0) to the defined Digital Output that you have the Solenoid Driver connected to, you will be controlling the corresponding pneumatic cylinder. To change the state of a Digital Output of the Vex Controller, you must have a Programming Kit.

Use the diagrams below to assemble your pneumatic system. You must use an external pump (standard tire fitting) to pressurize the pneumatic system before use.

Kit 1 is a complete pneumatics add-on for the Vex Robotics system. The cylinders are Single Acting, meaning they use air pressure to extend the piston, and an internal spring to allow the piston to retract. See Part List for kit contents.

VEX Robotics - Pneumatics Parts List

Function	Description	Kit 1	Kit 1A	Kit 2	Kit 2A
Solenoid Driver	Cable w/Driver, Connects one VEX I/O Port to one Solenoid	2	1	2	1
Tire Pump Fitting	Shraeder Valve With 4mm Tube Fittings	1		1
Reservoir	Reservoir, 1-1/2" X 4", w 1/8"NPT & M5 port	1		1
On/Off Switch	Finger Valve			1
Pressure Regulator	Mini Regulator w/ 4mm Fittings	1		1
"T" Fitting	"T" Fitting for Valves	1	1	1	1
Cylinder, Bi-directional	Dbl Acting Cylinder 10mm Bore			2	1
Solenoid, Fwd, Reverse	5/2 Single Solenoid Valve, 5VDC			2	1
Cylinder, Air Push, Spring Return	Single Acting Spring Return Cylinder 10mm Bore	2	1
Solenoid, On/Off	3/2 Solenoid Valve, 5VDC	2	1
Flow Meter	M5 elbow meter out flow control 4mm tubing			2	1
Fitting for Valves	Fitting 4mm Tubing x M3 Thread	4	2	6	3
Fitting for Reservoir	1/8 X 4mm Male Connector To Reservoir	2		2
Fitting for Cylinders	M5 Male Connector for Cylinders	2	1	2	1
Tubing	4mm X 1696mm Length Tubing	1	1	1	1
Plug for Reservoir	5/32" Fitting Plug	1		1
Cylinder Mount	Mount for Cylinder	2	1	2	1
Cylinder Nut	Nut for the Cylinder Mount			2	1
Cylinder Rod Pivot	Pivot for the Cylinder Rod	2	1	2	1