twinkletoes20355:
I have always heard of AC defined as alternating current. That, in my mind, means that it goes both directions, alternately. That also has something to do with something else I read, that the Arduino only outputs DC. If it turns on and off rapidly, then it is not changing direction. I can't remember all the details that I read, but I remember that I need AC for a coil to produce a constantly changing magnetic flux, so another current can be induced in another coil. I attached a picture in my first post that is along the lines of what I'm curious about. As I noted earlier, that picture shows 12V at the top, but I only need the 5V (or 3.3V) that an Arduino pin puts out. Also, in place of the motor in that circuit, I will have a coil. So it won't be driving a huge load like a motor. If I needed that, I would just go with the 12V that is in that picture.
Correct on the definition of AC. But to induce a current from one coil to another you only need to have a CHANGING current which will cause a change in the magnetic field. That is what induces the current, not a reversal of the current.
Paul