Herbert,
        Thanks I think this answers my question.  I'm happy as long as I
can keep my valve and use less power.

I would still like understand the concept behind PWM the valve.
 (I get it's a simple squarewave freq)  But how does the 5V not kill the
1.2V coil?  And how does the coil stay open during low periods of the
squarewave?

BTW, I do have the reverse diode there for protection.  :)  Although I
do have this question.  I normally pick a diode with a large max voltage
valve (say 200V), but how do I pick the max current valve?

Thanks,
Aaron

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