ELEKTOR FORUMS

hi,

Does anyone know whereon I can buy solenoids like those used with "ding-dong" doorchimes?

I plan to use these to strike bells. I've tried various 'standard' models from Farnell, eBay & Rapid, but because of the plunger design (hard & pointy), they all make a nasty "clang", rather than a nice round "bong" (if you see what I mean). I pulled one from a doorbell, and it sounds much better.

The plunger-design (rounded nylon end), force & return-spring seem to make these very suitable.

So, I could just buy a load of doorbells from B&Q (@ about £9 each) and rip those apart. However, as well as higher costs, this also means I may not be able to get exactly the same type in the future. I'm looking for a reliable & repeatable supply...

All ideas welcomed. Thanks.