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Powering 2 12V Electromagnets

gub11

I am still trying to understand ohms law, which looked simple at first, and it probably is simple, but when i look at charts that have the laws for resistance voltage wattage and current, I get confused, because often times you are given 2 variables, how do you get all four?  My main question is what voltage would I need to power 2 12v electromagnet, would i need a 12v psu or 24v, or something in between?

Thanks

  • 0 in reply to michaelkellett

    I totally agree. Im not doing it cuz I'm a teenager who wants to keep his parents out of his room, but I am a teenager.

    I'm doing it because

    1) I've never worked with magnets, so it seems like a good way to learn

    2) when I'm playing a video game or I'm talking to a friend, it's annoying when people enter without knocking, so it will only be locked when I'm sitting at my desk, obviously unlocked when I go to bed.

  • 0 in reply to gub11

    The solenoid you've got listed would certainly work, although you'd be designing a custom system around it; which can be frustrating.  The system that Lupe listed would also be good.

     

    I didn't find anything similar on the Newark site, so I went to one of the better "hobbyist" sites.  The solenoid door latch is about $15US, so pretty modest.  The full-on product is about $45US.  Another benefit to buying from this vendor is that they are great about documentation and instructions for use.  The solenoid latch (P/N 1512) is designed to be locked at all times, with a 1-15 second open period.  It likely wouldn't last too long if you wanted it to remain open most of the time.  The second option, mounted on the outside of the door with a housing for the latch (even just a U-bracket on the doorframe) would likely be better if you want it open most of the time.

     

    Lock-style Solenoid - 12VDC

    PRODUCT ID: 1512

     

     

    https://www.adafruit.com/products/2579

     

    Lockitron Motorized Door Lock Body

    PRODUCT ID: 2579

     

     

  • 0 in reply to michaelkellett

    Gabriel's question and the solutions that I have seen are typical of a great discussion, because the search for the solution is uncovering more requirements.  This is not just good engineering, but great engineering.

     

    Something to recognize with the solenoid solution, is the noise factor. Most solenoids in the configuration described (normal withdrawn) when in an activated state, are constantly fighting with the tension spring. Fluctuations in power, however minimal, cause the lug (the metal bar) to vibrate creating a buzzing. The limitation of this behavior is reduced as the price of the solenoid goes up.  The described environment (friends talking) leads me to believe that a constant buzz in the background is not desired, and the budget for the solution does not seem to be realistic for elimination of the distraction. I actually like Michael's statement, suggesting, examining the problem again to see if there is an alternative solution to a lock on the door.

     

    Here's wishing you luck with your quest,

    Jack