resistors to make valves multi speed?

this idea just hit me. wire a valve with full voltage on a switch like normal. and to have a slow mode, would putting some voltage resistors knock it down so it only opens part way to make a slow valve? or would it just make it slower to open but be full open?

Edited: 2/29/2008 9:31:39 PM by greenranger23

i don't think it would work. for one you couldn't make it multi speed a resistor only has one value. i think it would be easier and cheaper to put slow down valves on it

I think hes thinking it would act much like a dimmer switch would act. The more power/ faster you apply power the faster the valve opens.


This wont work because under a certain amperage the valve won't open. Its basically on or of there isn't any middle.

I'm not a guru but i don't think it would work. you need a full 12volts to operate the solenoid. resistors just limit current flow throughout the circuit. less current less voltage.

ohms law
V=I(R)

thats what i thought. have two switches. one could be a slow for when you are rollin kinda low and wanna go barely drag and have some control. and another for normal 1/2" speed. ill have to test this on my valves and see if it works. worth a shot.

Originally posted by standardbyker88



thats what i thought. have two switches. one could be a slow for when you are rollin kinda low and wanna go barely drag and have some control. and another for normal 1/2" speed. ill have to test this on my valves and see if it works. worth a shot.

if you do try it use a potentiometer, that way you could at least change the resistance by turning a knob rather then changing a crap load of resistors

that might be cool. have them at the valves and make asjustments as desired. get it set and forget it.

just put a dump controller on ur dumps and call it a day....like a ball valve, the more you open it, the faster it will dump, the more its closed, the slower it will dump...no need to mess with all that electrical shit...a valve either pulls open or closes under the correct amperage/volts cause its a magnet thats pulling it up. it cant open slightly or halfway....

Originally posted by laydhombre



it cant open slightly or halfway....

actually it can fail neutral

yeah, if the dumps get stuck open....but thats due to an o-ring slipping...to my knowledge...but i could be wrong aaron, which i prolly am