Re: Rotating Solenoids

From: Larry Brasfield (donotspam_larry_brasfield_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 12/30/04 

Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 04:53:56 -0800

"Sravan" <sravanmx@gmail.com> wrote in message news:1104402854.580602.182740@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> Hey guys, I picked up two rotating solenoids at a surplus store
> recently and I haven't the slightest clue on what voltage to use. I
> googled the Serial Numbers but these solenoids seem to not be very
> common. Should I just try random voltages , do I run the risk of
> damaging the solenoid?

I would advise a slowly increasing voltage, starting from 0.
The solenoid should operate at about 2/3 of its normal
driving voltage. It may be rated only for momentary
actuation, so you should used a pushbutton to keep
from apply continuous current. As long as the device
is not getting too hot to hold in your fingers, you are
not likely to be hurting it.

> Also how can i get a power supply that has variable voltage?

That is often called a lab supply. You buy or build it.
If you have a variac, a bridge and a thumb-sized electrolytic
capacitor of 24V rating, you could lash up something to
apply a variable near-DC voltage to your solenoids, so
long as you take care not to electrocute yourself or blow
up the cap. 

-- 
--Larry Brasfield
email: donotspam_larry_brasfield@hotmail.com
Above views may belong only to me.