[dorkbotpdx-blabber] where to get and learn about solenoids

[Greg Borenstein]

Hey all,

I want to acquire some solenoids and learn about how to use them in  
projects. Specifically, I want to turn my drum playing robot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JevNR-CZz5I 
) over to solenoids. I'm also interested in their uses in animatronics.

I was wondering if anybody had any advice on which models of solenoid  
would be good to start with, where to get them, and things I could  
read to learn about how to use them.

Thanks,

Greg