Basic Solenoid Engine PUBLIC

This solenoid engine circuit uses a microswitch input that is pressed by a rotating cam (mechanically connected to the flywheel motion), which in turn energises the relay, which in turn energises the engine solenoid winding for the next rotation cycle.

This is one example to wire up a solenoid engine. It uses a microswitch input that is pressed by a rotating cam (mechanically connected to the flywheel motion), which in turn energises the relay, which in turn energises the engine solenoid winding.

Alternative methods could use a transistor to drive the solenoid, or an optical sensor to detect flywheel position and a microcontroller to detect and output more precise duty cycles for the solenoid. Having a microcontroller could also calculate and display the speed (in RPM) to a display.

Where could an LED be placed to flash in time with the engine? What else could you add?