To drive a solenoid you will need a power transistor and a diode, check this

diagram for how to wire it to an Arduino or other microcontroller. You will need

a fairly good power supply to drive a solenoid, as a lot of current will rush into

the solenoid to charge up the electro-magnet, about 250mA, so don't try to

power it with a 9V battery!

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Details:

•

12 VDC operation (please note lower voltage results in weaker/slower

operation) - 250mA current draw

•

Push or pull type with 5.5 mm throw

•

DC coil resistance: 40 ohms

•

5 Newton starting force (12VDC)

•

1.4 oz / 39 grams