hi,
i want to preface this by saying i am a newbie, but i am completing this project for a class, and so the general idea of the project will not be changing.
my project is this:
i am connecting two 12v windshield washer pumps i recently bought to two separate water bottles in order to have them spray water based on input from a photocell. my project is very similar to this instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Squirt/?ALLSTEPS
however, there are some differences. i will have TWO water pumps, and at the ends of the tubing, i will have some nozzle type ends (to create a spray). i will also be using TWO servos to control the direction of the tube ends (left-right in a limited scope, up-down as well). also i will be using a photocell to determine when the pumps will spray and in what direction (probably 'random'ized). i am also maybe considering having an on and off switch so that it doesn't just start spraying willy-nilly when i plug it up.
I am aware that I will need both a Transistor and a Diode. The instructable lists a 1N4004 diode, and my instructor told me I would need a Schottky diode.
My questions are in relation to which type of diode and Transistor I should by (like total voltage, etc). When i looked to buy these items, i saw various versions with different voltage levels (40v, 50, ++++ to like 500v etc) how do i calculate which one i'll need? Will I need multiples of either for my circuit, or just one of each?
Also, I have a question about powering my project. I am aware that I will need at least 12v of power (or will this be more since there are 2 pumps?)
i have the following 12v plug: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006GEPUYA/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
however, this connects to my arduino, but i know that the arduino only uses 5v when it is connected to this. Can this be used to power my project somehow, and if so, how should it be connected?
i also am thinking i will need to do something like this: http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/Tutorials/HighCurrentLoads
but i don't understand how to adapt it for my circuit.
if you could either help me or direct me to helpful guides, i'd appreciate it. i have been searching and still am, but sometimes hearing a reply directly from someone helps me better make sense of what i'm being told. i just don't want to misunderstand and burn out my board etc.
Thanks for the help,