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What cd drive, I’ve always gotten mine from my computer’s cup holder

Datasheet says, with 100% duty cycle (basically straight DC), you can supply 1.2W continuous. Using P=IV… I=P/V = 1.2W/5V = 0.24A, or 240mA.

Now, the part number, according to the data sheet, means this is a 5V, push-type, 4.5ohm solenoid

Assuming no reactance and only resistance (fair using DC without PWM)… V=IR I = V/R = 5/4.5 = ~1.11A or ~1110mA

This is higher than the 240mA max continuous rating. So I’m not sure what to do :p

That would give (1.11A * 5V) = ~5.5W. According to the datasheet, this should then be powered using PWM with less than 25% duty cycle @5V or use full 5V (100% duty cycle, essentially no PWM) for no more than 15 seconds at a time without sufficient cooling (@20 degrees C or 68F).

You could also put a resistor in front, so you can use for continuous use. I recommend 20ohm, 2W resistor, or higher resistance with a 1W resistor. You can make a 24ohm, 1.25W resistor by placing 5 of 120ohm resistors in parallel. Then it’s a simple matter of placing that in series with the solenoid as if it was one resistor :)

Someone please check my work. I am no expert, and the information above may be flawed!

These do make nice vibrate units, that’s exactly why I got mine B-). The 20ms works great, and if you want the most vibration out of these make sure the plunger that pushes out hits the wall of the enclosure to really add some vibration force.

Also a side note, a bi directional motor driver does not work, if you reverse the polarity on these it does not cause the plunger to go the opposite direction like you might think. If you apply current any direction, the solenoid pushes out. I was surprised and originally tested this with my h-bridge IC. If you want the plunger to return, you must leave the spring in place. Luckily the spring is soft and just strong enough to push the arm back and doesn’t seem to effect the vibration much.

Solenoid rail gun….. I like the way you think :–)

Assuming the datasheet is correct, the “s” indicates this is the “push” model – and the shaft pops out the end opposite the spring and retaining clip. Thus the end where the wires attach is also the action end.

could Sparkfun please clarify if they carry both the PUSH and PULL versions? I would be interested in carrying both, though I figure it would also be trivial to modify one form to another.

When powered, the side opposite the spring (same side as wire leads) pops out. When not powered, the spring causes the end to slide back into the solenoid. I just spend two hours playing with these things, so fun B-)

The model number goes: ZHO-0420[push/pull]–[voltage]A[resistance] Sparkfun claims this is a ZHO-0420S-05A4.5, meaning push-type, 5V, 4.5ohm.

Unfortunately, the throw is only 8mm. Unless your hamster is the size of an ant, he won’t notice much elevation.

Yes, that is generally how I’ve seen them used. Note that the push part is the opposite side from the spring; it’s the little pin. (or at least that’s how the ones I have work)