Im not so good at reading the datasheets yet, Im pretty new to all this. Im sure they look more intimidating than they really are, but I start going crosseyed before I figure anything out.
FET's aren't as wonderful as people seem to think, to switch them fast you have to inject considerable current in the gate - to charge and discharge the gate capacitance. If you don't, it will switch slowly, get hot, and die!.
Im using a PicAxe 08M, instead of the 555. Im just playing around with different configurations, trying to learn the how, what, and why of different components.
The data sheet. The relevant chart is "typical saturation characteristics" since the OP intends to use it as a switch. Note that this is "typical" and could be plus or minus 1 volt (e.g. you could be facing the 4V or 6V curve) depending on where your gate threshold is relative to "typical". This assumes that your PIC is putting out 5V with no losses.
**broken link removed** should really be titled "How to Read an Op Amp Data Sheet" because it doesn't say anything about MOSFETs. I'm surprised that you expected it would help the OP.
**broken link removed** should really be titled "How to Read an Op Amp Data Sheet" because it doesn't say anything about MOSFETs. I'm surprised that you expected it would help the OP.
It'll help him get a handle on reading data sheets in general, which was the only point. I couldn't find a tutorial specifically addressing MOSFET data sheets. Instead of complaining, perhaps you can supply one.
2 questions, 1)Any suggestions off the top of your head of a MOSFET I can use? 2) How would one go about finding the correct part w/o having to go through a million datasheets?
I buy some of my stuff from ebay sellers. In this case I would simply search for logic mosfet. You'll notice that logic level mosfets are more expensive than the others, but they save the hassle of boosting the drive voltage.
You need to decide what current you need, and how many parts. Also surface mount, or not?