Replaced the simple transistor-based circuit with a stepper driver to drive the solenoid, and now I can get much higher frequencies. Now 50Hz is not a problem and even can be pushed up to 80Hz.
Facing 2 problems:
1. The solenoid is connected to only one phase of the driver, so I am getting only HALF the frequency (the driver is set to FULL step). If 200 pulses are sent, the solenoid only does 100 strokes.
2. The plunger idle state position is random. After a pulse train the plunger sometimes stops inside the coil, while sometimes outside. This is a big problem, since it ruins the work when the plunger sticks outside while idle and being dragged on the work.
I think the 2 problem are related.
How did you overcome these issues? Did you have them at all?
Thanks,
Dan