Arduino with Solenoid

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
#1

I have the Arduino with the ATmeag328, new learner here.

I've been wanting to have the Arduino board activate a solenoid.

I have the 12 Volts power and won't require a regulator. Just need to figure the way to wire in a relay for it.

I've noticed most the relays I'm looking at have 5 terminals. I can basicly firgure out four of the pins. Not in this particular order. But the 5th or some had 6 pins has me totally lost.

1 - Pin 8 to receive signal from Arduion 2 - 12v 3 - To Solenoid 4 - GND

Does any one have a simple schematic or notes for building a simple relay that will work?

I'm sure there is a resistor etc. just not sure yet so I'm hitting a wall.

When it sends the signal it needs to hold it pulled or pushed until it's released.

Thanks so much. Bob

#2

These are the ones we'll be using. Don't have them in yet, but here is the spec sheet on it.

Open a jaw to grab a CD or the same but push type to push a button. The pull type will be used to hold the disk long enough to move it. maybe 15 - 20 seconds max but we will figure worse case double to 45 seconds.

Coil Resistance (+/-10%) Ohms 36 Size (Length x Diameter) (inch) 1.5 x 1.0 x 0.8 Type Open frame-pull Voltage (VDC) 12 Holding Force (lbs.@200C) 1.1 Power Consumption (W) 4 Shaft Diameter (inch) 0.31 Stroke 0.24 Weight (lbs.) 0.21

Thanks Bob

#3

And here is one of the other ones.

Coil Resistance (+/-10%) Ohms 90 Size (Length x Diameter) (inch) 0.8 x 0.6 x 0.5 Type Open frame-pull Voltage (VDC) 12 Holding Force (lbs.@200C) 0.16 Power Consumption (W) 1.6 Shaft Diameter (inch) 0.2 Stroke 0.24 Weight (lbs.) 0.04

#4

Thank You… This will be great.

Still new at this I must be really over looking something. I don’t see the 2N222 transistor in the diagram.

Thanks.

#5

I suggest that the clamping diode would be more effective mounted right across the coil terminals 1 & 2 of the solenoid. Helps keep the transients off the +5vdc and ground buses.

The shown TIP 120 transistor would be more suitable in my opinion.

Lefty

#6

OK, great. I'll work with this. Thank you both so much. I already have the diagram printed out and made the note. There is so much to learn with this stuff. Good thing I have a lot of time on my hands for a few month's. Thanks. Bob

#7

OK, great. I'll work with this.

Also not shown in that drawing, but there must be a wire connection made between the external power supply ground to the transistor emitter lead and then on to a Arduino ground pin, otherwise the transistor will not be able to turn on.

Lefty

#8

OK, with the emitter side already going to ground just jump to that same spot? and also jump one to the Arduino ground right?

#9

OK, great. 1/4 watt for the resistor will work?

#10

OK, thanks. I'll book mark that.

#11

Rob,

The solenoid you're describing looks pretty much exactly like what I am looking to use in a project I am working on. I did some Googling based on the specs you mentioned, but was unable to find a U.S. source for anything like it. Any chance you could post a link to the source for the solenoids you ended up using?

#12

I got mine at Jameco.com Their part number 262247. These are 12v but are not very big. Maybe 1/2" travel but they had several others.

#13

Thanks much for the quick answer. On order now!

#14