-----Original Message-----
From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf Of
Darren Gibbs
Sent: Friday, May 26, 2006 11:00 AM
To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
Subject: Re: [EE] solenoids and power transistors

I do have a snubber diode in the circuit,

And the diode is rated for at least 2 amps right?
And the diode is FAST right?
And you are using a ballasted capacitor also right?
(Because NO diode is fast enough!)

 and when the TIP120s are in  
parallel, they don't burn up...

O.K. But you said they latch, is that still true?

 they work fine when I switch back to  
using the smaller solenoid.

Is the CURRENT the same for the smaller solenoid?

Be assured, this is something I do all the time at LOTS larger currents.
It is do-able, but you have to pay attention to the details!

Tom

  *
  |  __O    Thomas C. Sefranek  tcs@cmcorp.com
  |_-\<,_   Amateur Radio Operator: WA1RHP
  (*)/ (*)  Bicycle mobile on 145.41MHz PL74.4
 
ARRL Instructor, Technical Specialist, VE Contact.
http://hamradio.cmcorp.com/inventory/Inventory.html
http://www.harvardrepeater.org


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