So this year I made a remote control unit for turning on/off the soap injector . Was really easy to "build" and plumb/wire in.
These units sell for around $275.00,..but you can make your own for around $100.00-$125.00 with the same solenoid and all. And you can design it as you please.
I used a Dema 481P Solenoid and an RD101 12v remote from ebay. All connections soldered and dielectric grease
In my testing,.. distance isn't going to be an issue at all,..I know I was at least 300 ft. away and through obstacles with this remote. I put lights on the trailer so I can see that the unit is on/off. Used it a couple times just to try it out,..and what a time saver and hassle saver it's gonna be. And am actually getting ready to build a spare,..cause now I can't see being without it,Ha,Ha.
*Reason for posting was to simply inform others who may be contemplating doing this that it is really easy. Some may have been contemplating buying one,..and you can if you want to support the business who sells it,..and that's a fair point,..but some would rather build their own.
Jeff
Art O said
Mar 5, 2016
Thanks Jeff, Every time I think I'm done with my build another toy shows up to add to it.
Jeff can I move this post to on the side?
Jeff Wible said
Mar 5, 2016
Sure Art.
Jeff
Art O said
Mar 5, 2016
Jeff Wible wrote:
Sure Art.
Jeff
Thanks Jeff it moved, just can't see lining some manufacturers pockets with information they find here.
Jeff Wible said
Mar 6, 2016
If I didn't already have (2) of the Dema 481P solenoids,..I would be trying this one,..(And I still might) EDIT: Actually just bought one.
The Dema is supposed to be a good solenoid and am glad to have them,..but,..this valve here has a plastic body and a VITON seal,..Even the the Dema only comes with EPDM,..not a terrible thing,..especially if they last 6 months. A Viton plunger is available for the Dema 481P. Kleenrite has them for $26.00
But for an $11.00 solenoid and a $20.00 RS101 remote,..you can have a remote system for about $40.00 when you figure in "rigging" And,..$40.00 is way better than $275.00.
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Sunday 6th of March 2016 10:18:51 AM
Diamond Roof Cleaning said
Mar 6, 2016
Jeff did you have to attach an antenna?
Jeff Wible said
Mar 6, 2016
Hey Mike,..no,..the antenna comes on the remote receiver as a simple 9" blue wire. And it seems to be very adequate in my testing as mentioned above.
In fact,..my antenna is even enclosed inside the box I built,..figured I'd put it through a hole if it was gonna be an issue,..but as stated,..I get at least 300' with obstacles,..and there isn't any hit and miss,..it works everytime.
*But I did wire in some green L.E.D. lights as an indicator. Just put them inline with the solenoid,..when the lights are on,..the soap is on.
**I bought a heavy plastic bag thingy for keeping the remote inside and clipped to my waistband. Also gonna put silica gel packs in with the remote,..and a few inside the transmitter/Solenoid box.
Solder and dielectric grease every electrical connection.
Jeff
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Sunday 6th of March 2016 10:17:40 AM
Art O said
Mar 6, 2016
I like the idea of it, I'm going to look into this. Couple of less trips to the tuck has to work out at the end of the day
Jeff Wible said
Mar 6, 2016
Art I can see the benefit of this,..just thinking about my "Every Year" jobs,..I am wanting to get out and try it. Shutting soap on and off remotely makes so much sense. And is why I'm putting another unit together for a spare,..I can see not wanting to be without it.
I also plumbed another swivel and ball valve into the other side of the reel(Electric) SO,..when I want to run full flow I can,..and not have to remove the injector. Just turn the valve.
I figured $275.00 was a bit much for some to want to spend on "Trying it",..but heck,..$40.00 puts one in place for anyone who wants one.
Jeff
Jeff Wible said
Mar 15, 2016
I'm gonna put together a backup remote system. I got the new solenoid and remote unit. I'm gonna get another small 12v battery like I use in the hand held sprayer and use it in combination with the remote and solenoid to make a self contained remote DS unit that will simply need attached to soap injector. I'm gonna put everything inside one of those little plastic ammo cans. If my main remote goes down it will be easy enough to "plug" into the soap injector and get me by. These solenoids don't draw much power and,.. are only drawing power when open,..so the little battery will be plenty of reserve power when you consider all the longer you're throwing soap.
*Would also be an option for the guys running small machines with no battery for electric start. It will have a charging jack in place just like the hand held.
Jeff
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Tuesday 15th of March 2016 04:56:21 AM
Jeff Wible said
Mar 22, 2016
Heres a picture of my backup remote. Testing it was flawless,..worked everytime behind my own house at about 150',..BUT,,.that is all the further I went,..it's the same remote as the other that reaches 300' through houses without issue,...so I didn't feel it needed to be tested at a longer range at this point. It will be my backup,..I may also tie in the plug for the lights,..but in reality,..once I get comfortable with it coming on,..the lights won't be as "necessary". But that initial confirmation will be nice I think.
This is a standalone unit,..just plug in line of DS pickup and you're ready. This is one of the cheap solenoids $12.00. It is plastic with a Viton plunger,..Will be fine for a backup,..but I will also be using it off and on to see how it holds up in MY environment.
Total Cost: $56.00. And with pieces and tools laid out,..took about 15 minutes. Not bad to get your feet wet and see if you'd like a remote. And will also work with a pull start washer.
*I did forget to add the fuse,..not a big deal though,..I will put one inline. Will also be keeping the battery unhooked while not in use. **Ok,..I also see that it looks like a bomb.
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Tuesday 22nd of March 2016 05:58:54 PM
So,.I've had a chance to use the remote system,..and I will never be without one again. As of now I have (3) units,..I put a third one together that sits right next to the primary one,..in fact primary unit has now taken a back set to the new one. The new one is made with a remote that beeps when contact has been made,..no "need" for the lights,..but,..when you're close to the machine running,..you can't hear the beeps,..but you can see the lights,....but when I'm "down back" of a house, I can hear the beep,..so it works out either way. This new remote was $154.00 to the door,..BUT,..it doesn't work any better than the $18.00 ebay remote.
Just wanted to update,..and after using it now several times,..I REALLY like it,..no,..I mean LOVE it. This should be standard equipment on everyone's rig.
*I also plumbed my hose reel in both sides,..so I never have to remove the injector to run full flow,...I just turn the valve on the other side,..and it's now full flow for running a surface cleaner. And that is working very well. In fact I think the flow is increased out the end of the hose with the dual feed going into the reel. Not sure though.
Jeff
BlueRidge said
Apr 20, 2016
So good to see this post back so I didn't have to search. We were just talking about a remote yesterday.
Jeff Wible said
Apr 20, 2016
Brett,..these things are VERY easy to put together. And can be done really cheap. around $50.00 The new one is also installed inside one of the plastic ammo boxes and sits on the trailer,..right next to my hose reel and can be removed very easily if need be.
*The one shown in this thread is the stand alone I made,..it has it's own power source. And would be considered third in the lineup.
Jeff
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Wednesday 20th of April 2016 05:42:04 AM
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Wednesday 20th of April 2016 05:42:42 AM
Pinky said
May 31, 2016
Just bought them. Thanks for the info.
Liberty SoftWash said
May 31, 2016
Jeff Wible wrote:
Brett,..these things are VERY easy to put together. And can be done really cheap. around $50.00 The new one is also installed inside one of the plastic ammo boxes and sits on the trailer,..right next to my hose reel and can be removed very easily if need be.
*The one shown in this thread is the stand alone I made,..it has it's own power source. And would be considered third in the lineup.
Jeff
Pic would be nice. LOL
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Wednesday 20th of April 2016 05:42:04 AM
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Wednesday 20th of April 2016 05:42:42 AM
Jeff Wible said
Jun 1, 2016
Hey Eric,..There is a picture of the portable unit,.in a post above,..which is actually the same as the main unit,..the only difference is,.the main unit is attached to the trailer,..and is also wired in from the PW battery. The portable has it's own battery,..and isn't attached.
I'm a big fan of soldering and dielectric grease,..and inside the the box I also put in those little silica packs to help with any moisture,..these plastic ammo cans are pretty waterproof as far as I can see.
These things are so easy to make that there is no reason for anyone who DS's not to have one.
*Just a note,.I no longer have the barbs sticking out the box,..I have the solenoid totally inside,..I'm not concerned about it leaking,..even though it may at some point,..I'm not concerned about it.
Jeff
All Kleen Softwash Systems said
Jun 4, 2016
I need to wire the lights on mine also. That's a great idea.
Jeff Wible said
Jun 4, 2016
Anita,..the unit you will be receiving from me already has auxiliary connectors that I added and were meant to be plugged into my lights. All you need to do is get some lights and wire them into those existing connectors.
Jeff
All Kleen Softwash Systems said
Jun 4, 2016
Awesome, , you are the man
Jeff Wible said
Jul 7, 2016
Jeff Wible wrote:
If I didn't already have (2) of the Dema 481P solenoids,..I would be trying this one,..(And I still might) EDIT: Actually just bought one.
The Dema is supposed to be a good solenoid and am glad to have them,..but,..this valve here has a plastic body and a VITON seal,..Even the the Dema only comes with EPDM,..not a terrible thing,..especially if they last 6 months. A Viton plunger is available for the Dema 481P. Kleenrite has them for $26.00
But for an $11.00 solenoid and a $20.00 RS101 remote,..you can have a remote system for about $40.00 when you figure in "rigging" And,..$40.00 is way better than $275.00.
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Sunday 6th of March 2016 10:18:51 AM
Well,.these $11.00 solenoids are now $43.00. That's a huge price hike. Glad I bought (4) when I did. Wonder why they jumped the price that way? Maybe a mistake?
Jeff
Pinky said
Aug 12, 2016
Jeff Wible wrote:
If I didn't already have (2) of the Dema 481P solenoids,..I would be trying this one,..(And I still might) EDIT: Actually just bought one.
The Dema is supposed to be a good solenoid and am glad to have them,..but,..this valve here has a plastic body and a VITON seal,..Even the the Dema only comes with EPDM,..not a terrible thing,..especially if they last 6 months. A Viton plunger is available for the Dema 481P. Kleenrite has them for $26.00
But for an $11.00 solenoid and a $20.00 RS101 remote,..you can have a remote system for about $40.00 when you figure in "rigging" And,..$40.00 is way better than $275.00.
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Sunday 6th of March 2016 10:18:51 AM
I bought the same thing. What is the knob for on the solenoid?
Jeff Wible said
Aug 12, 2016
Not sure what you mean by "knob",..but the only thing I can see as a "knob" is the tightening nut that fastens the whole thing together??
Jeff
Art O said
Aug 12, 2016
Just ordered the remote. Will any 12V Battery work?
Pinky said
Aug 13, 2016
That's it. Was afraid to turn it thinking it was some kind of adjustment. Thanks.
Jeff Wible said
Aug 13, 2016
Yea Art,..these units use very little juice.
Here's the battery I use for the remote and even the 12V hand held sprayer and it is plenty of juice. I think if you can get an even smaller 12V battery it would work.
You can also wire it into any other 12V battery you have on board already. I run my remote off the PW starting battery.
Jeff
Jeff Wible said
Aug 13, 2016
Also,.On these cheap solenoids I've been using,..I get about a month out of one,..but compared to the Dema 481P that I got 1 1/2" months it's a way better deal to stick with the cheap ones. Although they did raise the price on these cheap ones to $46.00,..I inquired as to why and the response was they are low on stock and the price will be coming back down. But I am currently using another cheapy. And so far after a couple weeks is still working fine. http://www.ebay.com/itm/290909115114?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I connect the remote to the plug using corresponding ,.. (2) pin plug connectors. Makes changing easier. I simply solder the connector to to spare solenoid and have it ready. Can be changed then in 2-3 minutes. In reality,..considering these last a month,..simply twisting the wires and black tape would likely suffice,.although I'm not condoning that, Ha,Ha,..
The main thing thing I wanted to do with these remotes is show anyone interested how simple they are to put together,..you can mix and match whatever components you like after you see how simple they are.
Jeff
Pinky said
Aug 13, 2016
Do they start leaking or do they just stop working?
Jeff Wible said
Aug 13, 2016
No,..they don't leak in the sense of leaking outside of the solenoid,..What happens is,.the plunger begins to "leak" and allow the mix to be pulled,.even when it is shut off.. The couple I've changed were just barely letting the mix come through.
*When the Dema went, the plunger tore and it was easy to tell it wasn't working. It has a different type plunger.
**I've said it before,..and I'll say it again,...I will never be without a DS remote again,..completely changed the game as they say.
Jeff
Pinky said
Sep 5, 2016
Finally put it together and used it today. Loved it! Did 3 sides of the house and then it wouldn't close. I could hear it click so I know it was working. Can't believe it wore out just like that. WOW!
So this year I made a remote control unit for turning on/off the soap injector . Was really easy to "build" and plumb/wire in.
These units sell for around $275.00,..but you can make your own for around $100.00-$125.00 with the same solenoid and all. And you can design it as you please.
I used a Dema 481P Solenoid and an RD101 12v remote from ebay. All connections soldered and dielectric grease
In my testing,.. distance isn't going to be an issue at all,..I know I was at least 300 ft. away and through obstacles with this remote. I put lights on the trailer so I can see that the unit is on/off. Used it a couple times just to try it out,..and what a time saver and hassle saver it's gonna be. And am actually getting ready to build a spare,..cause now I can't see being without it,Ha,Ha.
*Reason for posting was to simply inform others who may be contemplating doing this that it is really easy. Some may have been contemplating buying one,..and you can if you want to support the business who sells it,..and that's a fair point,..but some would rather build their own.
Jeff
Jeff can I move this post to on the side?
Jeff
Thanks Jeff it moved, just can't see lining some manufacturers pockets with information they find here.
If I didn't already have (2) of the Dema 481P solenoids,..I would be trying this one,..(And I still might) EDIT: Actually just bought one.
The Dema is supposed to be a good solenoid and am glad to have them,..but,..this valve here has a plastic body and a VITON seal,..Even the the Dema only comes with EPDM,..not a terrible thing,..especially if they last 6 months. A Viton plunger is available for the Dema 481P. Kleenrite has them for $26.00
But for an $11.00 solenoid and a $20.00 RS101 remote,..you can have a remote system for about $40.00 when you figure in "rigging" And,..$40.00 is way better than $275.00.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-BSPP-Electric-Plastic-Solenoid-Air-Water-Valve-NC-12V-DC-Pneumatic-/281802931698?hash=item419cc37df2:g:tCMAAOSwKIpV-zPs
And here is the remote I bought: (Many choices of 12v Remotes though.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400634781759?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Jeff
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Sunday 6th of March 2016 10:18:51 AM
Hey Mike,..no,..the antenna comes on the remote receiver as a simple 9" blue wire. And it seems to be very adequate in my testing as mentioned above.
In fact,..my antenna is even enclosed inside the box I built,..figured I'd put it through a hole if it was gonna be an issue,..but as stated,..I get at least 300' with obstacles,..and there isn't any hit and miss,..it works everytime.
*But I did wire in some green L.E.D. lights as an indicator. Just put them inline with the solenoid,..when the lights are on,..the soap is on.
**I bought a heavy plastic bag thingy for keeping the remote inside and clipped to my waistband. Also gonna put silica gel packs in with the remote,..and a few inside the transmitter/Solenoid box.
Solder and dielectric grease every electrical connection.
Jeff
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Sunday 6th of March 2016 10:17:40 AM
I also plumbed another swivel and ball valve into the other side of the reel(Electric) SO,..when I want to run full flow I can,..and not have to remove the injector. Just turn the valve.
I figured $275.00 was a bit much for some to want to spend on "Trying it",..but heck,..$40.00 puts one in place for anyone who wants one.
Jeff
I'm gonna put together a backup remote system. I got the new solenoid and remote unit. I'm gonna get another small 12v battery like I use in the hand held sprayer and use it in combination with the remote and solenoid to make a self contained remote DS unit that will simply need attached to soap injector. I'm gonna put everything inside one of those little plastic ammo cans. If my main remote goes down it will be easy enough to "plug" into the soap injector and get me by. These solenoids don't draw much power and,.. are only drawing power when open,..so the little battery will be plenty of reserve power when you consider all the longer you're throwing soap.
*Would also be an option for the guys running small machines with no battery for electric start. It will have a charging jack in place just like the hand held.
Jeff
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Tuesday 15th of March 2016 04:56:21 AM
Heres a picture of my backup remote. Testing it was flawless,..worked everytime behind my own house at about 150',..BUT,,.that is all the further I went,..it's the same remote as the other that reaches 300' through houses without issue,...so I didn't feel it needed to be tested at a longer range at this point. It will be my backup,..I may also tie in the plug for the lights,..but in reality,..once I get comfortable with it coming on,..the lights won't be as "necessary". But that initial confirmation will be nice I think.
This is a standalone unit,..just plug in line of DS pickup and you're ready. This is one of the cheap solenoids $12.00. It is plastic with a Viton plunger,..Will be fine for a backup,..but I will also be using it off and on to see how it holds up in MY environment.
Total: $19.00 Remote
$12.00 Solenoid
$13.00 Battery
$6.00 Box
$6.00 Fittings/Hose/Misc. Electrical
Total Cost: $56.00. And with pieces and tools laid out,..took about 15 minutes. Not bad to get your feet wet and see if you'd like a remote. And will also work with a pull start washer.
*I did forget to add the fuse,..not a big deal though,..I will put one inline. Will also be keeping the battery unhooked while not in use.
**Ok,..I also see that it looks like a bomb.
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Tuesday 22nd of March 2016 05:58:54 PM
Just wanted to update,..and after using it now several times,..I REALLY like it,..no,..I mean LOVE it. This should be standard equipment on everyone's rig.
*I also plumbed my hose reel in both sides,..so I never have to remove the injector to run full flow,...I just turn the valve on the other side,..and it's now full flow for running a surface cleaner. And that is working very well. In fact I think the flow is increased out the end of the hose with the dual feed going into the reel. Not sure though.
Jeff
So good to see this post back so I didn't have to search. We were just talking about a remote yesterday.
Brett,..these things are VERY easy to put together. And can be done really cheap. around $50.00 The new one is also installed inside one of the plastic ammo boxes and sits on the trailer,..right next to my hose reel and can be removed very easily if need be.
*The one shown in this thread is the stand alone I made,..it has it's own power source. And would be considered third in the lineup.
Jeff
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Wednesday 20th of April 2016 05:42:04 AM
-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Wednesday 20th of April 2016 05:42:42 AM
Just bought them. Thanks for the info.
I'm a big fan of soldering and dielectric grease,..and inside the the box I also put in those little silica packs to help with any moisture,..these plastic ammo cans are pretty waterproof as far as I can see.
These things are so easy to make that there is no reason for anyone who DS's not to have one.
*Just a note,.I no longer have the barbs sticking out the box,..I have the solenoid totally inside,..I'm not concerned about it leaking,..even though it may at some point,..I'm not concerned about it.
Jeff
Jeff
Well,.these $11.00 solenoids are now $43.00. That's a huge price hike. Glad I bought (4) when I did. Wonder why they jumped the price that way? Maybe a mistake?
Jeff
I bought the same thing. What is the knob for on the solenoid?
Jeff
Yea Art,..these units use very little juice.
Here's the battery I use for the remote and even the 12V hand held sprayer and it is plenty of juice. I think if you can get an even smaller 12V battery it would work.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DL9IBC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You can also wire it into any other 12V battery you have on board already. I run my remote off the PW starting battery.
Jeff
Also,.On these cheap solenoids I've been using,..I get about a month out of one,..but compared to the Dema 481P that I got 1 1/2" months it's a way better deal to stick with the cheap ones. Although they did raise the price on these cheap ones to $46.00,..I inquired as to why and the response was they are low on stock and the price will be coming back down. But I am currently using another cheapy. And so far after a couple weeks is still working fine.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290909115114?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I connect the remote to the plug using corresponding ,.. (2) pin plug connectors. Makes changing easier. I simply solder the connector to to spare solenoid and have it ready. Can be changed then in 2-3 minutes. In reality,..considering these last a month,..simply twisting the wires and black tape would likely suffice,.although I'm not condoning that, Ha,Ha,..
The main thing thing I wanted to do with these remotes is show anyone interested how simple they are to put together,..you can mix and match whatever components you like after you see how simple they are.
Jeff
*When the Dema went, the plunger tore and it was easy to tell it wasn't working. It has a different type plunger.
**I've said it before,..and I'll say it again,...I will never be without a DS remote again,..completely changed the game as they say.
Jeff
Finally put it together and used it today. Loved it! Did 3 sides of the house and then it wouldn't close. I could hear it click so I know it was working. Can't believe it wore out just like that. WOW!