writing program to activate 5/3 way solonoid valve

[slaw1991]

I'm new to raspberry pi and to programming, I want to be able to control a pneumatic cylinder using a 5/3 solenoid valve and a python program on my raspberry pi. I need to be able to extend and retract the cylinder for any given number of seconds and also have it stationary for any given number of seconds, it is going to be used for reaction time (sport) bad description I know, sorry.
If anyone can point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated

[BMS Doug]

I'm new to raspberry pi and to programming, I want to be able to control a pneumatic cylinder using a 5/3 solenoid valve and a python program on my raspberry pi. I need to be able to extend and retract the cylinder for any given number of seconds and also have it stationary for any given number of seconds, it is going to be used for reaction time (sport) bad description I know, sorry.
If anyone can point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated

Step 1 get the hardware working.

Step 2 tweak the software setting until you are happy with them.


Step 1: Drive a solenoid valve:
Details of solenoid Valve? Voltage, current etc? Datasheet?

Overview:
use some kind of Transistor to drive the solenoid valve, FET, MOSFET, details depend on the solenoid valve. A smaller transistor may be required to drive the power transistor.

End.