Multiple Solenoid Head MK 2
I decided to change the style of my main solenoid head. The original had a total of 5 outer solenoids and a centre nozzle and even though it worked well I decided to “simplify” the solenoid set up by changing it to 3 adjustable outer solenoids + 1 fixed centre nozzle. My main reason for the change was because I found I was concentrating on the lower fountain designs and then usually added 2-3 drops from above just to complete the image.
I also wanted to try a different method for adjusting the nozzle alignment and decided on a “tribrach” style which utilises 3 spring loaded adjusting screws in a triangular formation which allows very accurate adjustment and 3 solenoids was really as many as I could accomodate in the new design. To assist with a quick initial adjustment these solenoids are also fitted with a ball & socket nozzle. The centre nozzle is fixed so its dropping position is adjusted by using the X/Y adjuster that I mount the solenoid assembly to.
So this new solenoid head with 3 outer + 1 centre should have been enough, but before I have even used it I have decided to “future proof” it with some other options. The metal ball/socket nozzles work great so I decided to design my own, 3D printable versions and they were as easy to use as the metal version, so I thought I would add a single nozzle on the left and right of my 3+1 solenoid head. This will allow me to create a row of drops (left to right) or maybe just add a couple crowns alongside my fountain.
I started to think about my first series of photos I would try and I decided on attempting to create 3 worthington jets that converge together and then I could cap it with a couple drops from the fixed centre nozzle. I have done this sort of waterdrop photo a few years ago (example) and was fortunate enough to get 5 jets to converge – but it was probably the most difficult type of waterdrop I had captured, but hopefully with the “tribrach” adjustment it will help get the required precision again.
So this should have been enough, but as usual, I decided to add one last feature….
I have always used my adjustable nozzles to align and add a different coloured drop from each nozzle. I thought rather than using just 1 drop from the fixed centre nozzle I was going to add another 3 different colours. I couldn’t use my 3 tribrach nozzles because they were going to be angled slightly inwards to create the converging “tripod” of worthington jets. So I added another 3 angled swsivwl nozzles that are nearly touching the centre nozzle. My plan (after I get the lower jets to converge) is to not only get 1 drop from the centre but add a seperate coloured drop from each of the 3 new fixed nozzles. I am hoping that I can get these 4 drops to converge (but not mix) as they fall and hopefully they can all land together on the 3 converging lower worthington jets.
The left image demonstrates how the 7 drops group together. In this particular capture 2 distinct groups of drops have formed – a large and a smaller group. The random light blue drop was because the centre drop was large enough that it was splitting into 2 drops.
The image on right was to demonstrate how the timings can be adjusted to also “stack” three drops, rather than having them all converge simultaneously. I initially started adjusting one drop at a time until I captured it directly above the target position. Once that was achieved I then activated all three drops and converged together at the target. The final step was to then delay the release timings for the white and blue drop fell into a stacked position rather than a “clump”.
Both images were single captures with multiple strobe splashes.