You got the waterproof box part right. But my boxes don’t use cheap remotes or valves. I can turn mine off and on a half mile away. This makes sure I know it’s doing it’s thing at 200 foot through a house.
Cheap valves produce heat, use lots of battery power and don’t last.
Yeah this remote is more or less line of sight, doesn’t care for obstacles. I’m sure a car audio shop could hook me up with something more powerful but it’s what I could afford.
This ball valve shuts off when energized, unlike the electro valve I had in there before. My enclosed trailer wasn’t the best environment for it.
Why not use a 1/4" valve?
I wasn’t trying to be rude to ya @dcbrock, I just know you haven’t perfected your box yet, I’ve been following your progress though, nice job man. The new valve is a nice addition 
Oh I know, it’s all good. The box is definitely a work in progress!
Some of the cheap valves produce heat but not all. If you only get the two wire ball valves they continue to produce heat when open. If you get the 3 or 5 wire there is no power consumption or energized at all once open or closed and produce no heat at all. You just have to wire them a certain way. You just can’t wire it for auto return. The 2 and 5 wire look similar so you have to be careful which one you buy. I know they aren’t anywhere near the quality of valves as what Chris uses but just an alternative.
Yeah, it’s basically like the one @dcbrock made. Last year I had purchased the solenoids not knowing about the heat and they’re garbage. At some point @Harold and I spoke about them and he mentioned the US Solid ball valve. I think Brodie is using the same brand although not sure on exact valve.
The two wire ball valve that produces heat isn’t much different than a solenoid valve. Energize it and it stays open. De-energize and it closes. It’s the constant power that keeps it open. Although, the 2 wire ball valve still didn’t produce quite as much heat as the solenoid valve.
The 3 or 5 wire works similar to say a thermostat controlling a damper motor or valve in an hvac system. You have your + and - for power and then a 3rd wire (normally yellow or at least on thermostat) that sends a signal and tells the valve to open or close. Once in position the valve then de-energizes. When you push the button to close it again sends a signal. Once closed it de-energizes.
They’re cheap valves and likely not worth rebuilding if they even have parts. Your setup is the far superior option.
@marinegrunt well I asked you for your address awhile back for a reason! Like I said I need to send you a thank you gift for the commercial job you sent my way! I’ll be building more boxes at some point and one has your name on it!
That is extremely thoughtful of you but you don’t have to do that. Very, very nice of you to offer though. It’s all good.
In some cultures it’s offensive to refuse gifts. I’d accept it if I was you.
I’m more concerned that he might actually be sending me that cat of his. I know the Schertz Box is awesome. Heck, I’d probably even cut my big toe off for one. What I will not do is risk opening the box and having that mummified looking creature jump out at me.
I’m sure your box is better built I figured for 100 bucks why not try I dont have half a mile of hose but mine works 300 yards away we tested it at the firehouse in the building out of the building around the building worked every time. It may not last but has been good so far
Ok can someone explain why a 2 wire valve would get hot
With a two wire it stays in the open position by 12 volt power constantly being applied. They call it “auto return”. So, while open that power is creating heat. Once closed power is no longer being applied.
The 3 or 5 wire doesn’t use power to keep it in the open position.
Because it had to use electricity to keep the valve open. A 3 wire just uses a little current to determine where it should be. Then uses a reverse gear to send it back to off.
2 wire has to “keep the motor running” to keep that valve open.
So your saying you won’t cat sit for me?
lol…Actually I would just so I could use it to scare the crap out of my daughter. Heck, my dog would probably even run!
