Solenoid and inverter

Projects General Guidance
1

Im a newbie but i was wondering if this works, if i took an inverter from a disposable camera that goes up to 330v and connected it to a 36v solenoid would i be able to get a strong push from the solenoid to kick a golf ball?

2

would i be able to get a strong push from the solenoid to kick a golf ball?

Depends what's powering the inverter. Likely, no. The 330V is pretty low amperage. Guess what solenoids need.

3

ahhh dam. there goes my "great idea". LOLS.

what would be the best way to get the most kick out of my solenoid for something portable?

4

what would be the best way to get the most kick out of my solenoid for something portable?

A 36V battery that can provide the current needed. Or, get a smaller solenoid.

5

ahhh ok. thanks soo much =D =D

6

one more question. would i get more power of out the solenoid if i joined batteries in series or parallel?

=S

7

If you want to kick a gold ball then I'd suggest that rather than trying to generate the impulse at the time of the kick, you use a lower power winding mechanism to pull something back against a spring, and then release it. If it takes your interest, you could even style the mechanism to look like one of the old siege weapons.

8

PaulS:

would i be able to get a strong push from the solenoid to kick a golf ball?

Depends what's powering the inverter. Likely, no. The 330V is pretty low amperage. Guess what solenoids need.

The power supply by itself is puny, its the capacitor it charges that does the work (flash tubes take very high currents for a few hundred microseconds). Add more high-voltage electrolytic capacitors to increase the kick it can give.

The high voltage enables the current to rise quickly in the solenoid's coil, BTW, so that the force builds up fast (so it can accelerate fast). I wouldn't give up on the project but watch out for the solenoid failing (it won't be designed for 330V and insulation may not hold out)

Also with a big capacitor that voltage is most definitely lethal, so you need to take appropriate precautions...

9

ohhh ok. THANKS SO MUCH. i got a better understanding now.