HI all

Im trying to operate a solenoid on a car headlight system - the solenoid operates a shutter on the full beam system

The solenoid needs to fire when full beam is switched on then fire again in reverse when it is switched on - there is no hold requirement

so in short - pulse circuit 2 when circuit 1 is switched on , and reverse pulse circuit 2 when circuit 1 is switched off

the solenoid cant be kept permanent live while the other circuit is on as this will burn it out

im completely lost on this so looking for any help

all circuits are 12 volt DC

thanks Carl

 

Look into flipper solenoids for pinball machines from any business that sells or services the arcade games. They are usually 12v rated, and they have a switch that puts a large coil in series with the main coil when the solenoid is pulled all the way in; ie- there's a very strong pull with associated current draw on initial activation. After bottoming out, the current becomes a fraction of the original, and the coil can hold the actuator in place all day without overheating. When released, there's a large spring that returns the actuator to the resting position (they also come with TVS diodes already in place, but if not, I'd definitely use one to keep the contact from arcing & melting in short order). It'll be alot simpler than building a circuit to pull & release in one direction, then push & release in another. If you ever flash the lights rapidly, the actuation may get out of sync with the position of the shutter, then you have to stop, turn off ignition, manually push/pull, etc.
BTW- automotive applications are against site rules. Bertus will be shutting you down in short order!

 

The owners of All About Circuits has elected not to host discussions of automotive electrical system modifications/enhancements due to safety concerns, the potential of legal ramifications and the possible circumvention of vehicle regulations at the state and federal level.

This thread is against the AAC forum rules, Chapter 6, as seen here:

6. Restricted topics. The following topics are regularly raised however are considered “off-topic” at all times and will results in Your thread being closed without question:

• Any kind of over-unity devices and systems
• Automotive modifications
• Devices designed to electrocute or shock another person
• LEDs to mains
• Phone jammers
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• Transformer-less power supplies

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Automotive modifications of any kind are strictly forbidden. Therefore, this thread will be closed.

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You might find answers to your questions in one of these forums:

http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showthread.php?t=54400

Another good forum that shares many of the same membership is http://www.electro-tech-online.com/ . Good luck.