What's the 1K resistor there for? Can someone more experienced than I explain why it would be needed?
I could be wrong.....probably am (so someone please verify?)....but if the Arduino is putting 5V @ 20-30mA through a 1000 Ohm resistor.....wouldn't that limit current to the transistor to only like a half a mA?
Personally, I'd try it without the resistor. But, I'm a bit of a risk-taker. Maybe try a smaller resistor?
Anyone else have an opinion on this?