electromagnet help!

[spud yeti]

Hey guys
I just wanted to pick your brains if any of you know how to make a strong and compact electromagnet? I need something that is pretty strong, so not just the wire wrapped around a nail method!
Please help!
Thanks in advance

[pat123]

I know this is the wire wrapped around a nail method but i got a 1/2 inch diameter nail wrapped it in wire and used three rechargeable remote controlled car batteries. each battery is 9.6 volts

[spud yeti]

Do you think it could pull something from about 3/4" that weighs about 10-15 grams?

[pat123]

yeah it lifted about 80 - 100 grams

[Gepard]

Google solenoid.

Michael

[spud yeti]

Thanks guys.
pat123, do you think you could please send a photo so I can see how long it is etc etc etc? I understand it and all that, I just want exact details!

[jimmy101]

It is usually pretty hard to get significant magnetic attraction at a distance from the magnet. Spud Yete wants to "pull something from about 3/4" that weighs about 10-15 grams" Pat123 said his electromagnet "lifted about 80 - 100 grams"

Pat123's magnet may or may not be able to move 10 grams from a distance of 3/4". You need to compare the distance from the center of the obects being pulled/lifted to the face of the electromegnets iron core. The magnetic force will drop off as the square of that distance.

[SnowFlox]

Use a coil from a Relay. thats a strong one.

[spud yeti]

Yeah, in that case it could be almost impossible. Oh well, I guess it wont work then.
btw, it spud yeti, not spud yete... but that doesnt really matter

[psycix]

what you want to use it for?
maybe we can come up with an alternative

(ive once tried to make a coilgun so if its about a quick magnetic pulse, im the man)

[singularity]

does it need to hold the object in place or does it just need to get i to the magnet. you could hook up an electromagnet to a capacitor bank (you know like a few camera flash capacitors) that would be strong but the field would only be maintained for miliseconds. also remember how important resistance is in an electromagnet, the less current being draw the weaker the magnet, i suggest using 20 gauge wire

[spud yeti]

It really was just an idea I had, and was curious as to whether it would work or not. I will post a diagram and some explanations soon!

[SnowFlox]

so you want to activate a sprinkler valve with an electric magnet instead of escaping air ??

Like i said.. coil from a relay

[spud yeti]

It was more to activate a piston in a co axial valve But i was just thinking and trying to create something new... possibly better... but I dont think it would work so good.

[jrrdw]

I was thinking about a piston valve that used a solinoid to move the piston but the problem was finding one that was strong and afordable. As soon as i can figure out how to use a Chevy starter solinoid without air leakage around the battery cables, i think that will work.