I know this is probably a very newbie question, but I want to control a dc motor with the circuit shown here- http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/Tutorials/HighCurrentLoads
And I'm wondering what type of diode I need... if there is a difference. At my neighborhood radio shack, they have a couple types: signal, barrel, switching, micro and recitifier...
I just haven't ever used diodes before and I'd like to know.
Thanks
Schematic calls out a 1N4004, which is a general purpose rectifier. You could also use a 1N4001, 1N4002, etc.
I don't know what Radio Shack carries but this is a very common part family.
By the way the diode is there as an "inductive catch", here is a non-technical description 4QD-TEC Electronics Archive (a relay, motor or solenoid all behave the same way).
ok, thanks!