The most common haunt application for a solenoid is to activate an air valve, controlling a pneumatic animated prop. But even by themselves, solenoids can be quite useful.
This is a large "pull" solenoid.
When energized, it pulls in the bar.
You can also get solenoids that push the bar when energized.
Note that the bar has a slot cut into the end to attach it to whatever needs pulling.
This is a slightly smaller solenoid.
When energized, the bar pulls in.
When the power is removed, the external spring pushes the bar back out.
This is a "rotary" solenoid.
When energized, the black tab on the top rotates approximately 45 degrees.
This page from the
All Electronics
catalog (#203, Spring 2003) shows some different types of solenoids.
This indicates how much voltage (and what kind, AC or DC) must be applied to activate the relay.
Make sure that the coil voltage matches the signal you feed into it! If you feed high voltage into a low-voltage relay, the relay will burn out.
Most solenoids pull when power is applied; a few push. Look for one that goes in the right direction to do what you want.
Find out how strong the solenoid must pull (or push) for your project to work.
If you can't find exactly what you want, you can use a solenoid that develops more force than you need.
Look in stores that cater to electronic experimenters, such as:
Thank you for visiting. Your comments are welcome.
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