Hi Mike I think you are missing one thing. It only takes the 12V to actuate the solenoid. The voltage and current can be quit a bit less to actually hold it open once it is actuated. Look at setting up, for experimenting, a large cap with a series resistor to something like 20VDC. Place a 1 amp diode in series with a low voltage supply that you'll use to hold the coil. Experiment with different holding and charging voltages. You may find that it is not all that impractical after all. Dwight
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19 years ago