Hi,
How can I make a solenoid that with the first pulse, it pulls in a rod and then shuts off but the rod stays in. Then on the second pulse, it pushes the rod out, shuts off, and the rod stays out. And so on. Thanks.

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<ckd>
"Chance favors the prepared mind."--Louis Pasteur (1822 - 1895)

 

A 'solenoid' can't do that, because it can only PULL - as it uses a soft iron core. If you replaced the soft iron core with a magnet, you could then PULL and PUSH.

To use a normal solenoid you have a return spring, that PUSHES the core back out when you remove power to it. To hold the core IN, you have to keep the coil powered, although you can do so with much less current than it's pull-in current - known as it's 'holding current'.

A great deal depends on what you are trying to do, and if holding current is available - if not you will need some mechanical method of holding it in!.

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You need two solenoids, one for right, one for left.

Attached Images

dualsolenoid.gif (1.7 KB, 293 views)

 

Sounds like you need a linear actuator otherwise known as a electric car door lock..

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gerty

 

Thanks a gawdawful bunch for the tips, guys! Problem solved.

__________________
<ckd>
"Chance favors the prepared mind."--Louis Pasteur (1822 - 1895)