Omaha, NE
Quoted from barakandl:Something about using a switcher supply to drive solenoids does not seem right, but I am not an expert on that subject. Transformer + bridge makes sense to me and is probably what I would do.
Correct --
Solenoids draw lots of current but mainly in spikes. Switching supplies are not designed to supply current in that fashion and rely exclusively on the output capacitors for initial spike current.
For solenoids - you want big, beefy transformers. The big iron transformers have enough magnetic 'flux capacity' to supply current for these spikes and recover quickly. Transformer plus bridge rectifier would be the way to go for driving solenoids.
Original poster said he was looking for power for a test fixture. In his case, I doubt he will be actually driving many solenoids so would be ok with a switcher.
