First off, Chris, I really wish you would include the various parts needed for the gripper (the solenoid and such) in the manual in the bill of materials / parts section like you do with the actual gripper... I didn't even think to look to see if there was anything else needed when I ordered all the parts, so now I need to put in more purchase orders to get the rest...
Second- what are you guys using for a Pneumatic source? I know that the FRC teams use a small 12V air pump, pressure regulator, control board (to know when to pump more air) and something like .5L storage tanks. Is this something we could add (and standardize) so as to make it a common setup? It would automatically pump up pressure at startup, get it into the storage tank and then turn off the pump and only come back on as it is needed (as the gripper gets used). How much pressure do we need for the gripper to function??
Here's the info on what they use for FRC: https://firstfrc.blob.core.windows.net/frc2017/pneumatics-manual.pdf
Builders of the AR2 or AR3 robot are free to use any gripper of their choosing. Initially I did not include the SMC gripper I was using in the BOM but added it by request. I can add a solenoid valve to the BOM if that helps but there are many options people may choose for a solenoid valve. Please also see chapter 5 on options for a gripper. The SMC gripper has an operating range of 22 to 102 psi - the pressure you choose will depend on what you need for your application. I am running mine at 80 psi. Most automation equipment systems supply regulators are set between 80 and 90 psi. I am using a $50 3 gallon compressor from harbor freight tools. https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools-compressors/air-compressors-tanks/portable-compressors/1-3-hp-3-gallon-100-psi-oilless-air-compressor-97080.html. This air compressor is a bit loud though... Another option I was thinking of looking into was an 18v cordless compressor similar to this one but I have not researched all the options - this is just one possibility. https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Volt-ONE-Cordless-1-Gal-Portable-Air-Compressor-Tool-Only-P739/305269932.