GregryCM wrote:The diode is placed across the coil to give the inductor current a path when the transistor is OFF (open).
I found the datasheet here: http://rabbitmax.com/files/SONGLE-SRD-05VDC-SL-C.pdf
Yes, I understand now. PNP are from - to +. so the Transistor side of the coil is the last place you could discharge, it now makes sense (I think). if I used a NPN then would you still need the diode?