>>I do have a snubber diode in the circuit,

>And the diode is rated for at least 2 amps right?

Good question..  I'm using a 1N4004

http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/1N%2F1N4007.pdf

Average Rectivied Forward Current = 1.0A
Non-repetitive Peak Forward Surge Current = 30A

Not sure which one of these is important 

>And the diode is FAST right?

I'm not sure how to tell...

>And you are using a ballasted capacitor also right?
>(Because NO diode is fast enough!)

No caps in the circuit, but I'd love any suggestions for how to make this work better.  Seems like there's a consensus that a MOSFET makes more sense.  I'm about to try it.

I'm using a very basic suggested circuit from the book "Physical Computing" by Igoe & O'Sullivan.

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

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

Yup.  Also the NTE261 that I tried.

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

> Is the CURRENT the same for the smaller solenoid?

I'm sure not, I'll measure it and get back to you.

thanks!

darren



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