Need help, mcu, relay, electromagnet...

[kian]

Good day! we've been having problems with our project, it is an X,Y,Z GANTRY ROBOT. the x and y axis is powerd by stepper motors and the z, by a pneumatic valve with an end effector of an ELECTROMAGNET(DIY). everything works fine, however every time we turn OFF the ELECTROMAGNET, the x axis wont work anymore.

additional info:
pneumatic and e-magnet are 24-volts and connected to 24-v relays (which is connected to the microcontroller)
nothing is wrong with the motor drivers for both x and y motors (done a series of tests already)
nothing is wrong with the MOTORS itself for both x and y (done a series of tests already)
nothing is wrong with the program
there are still feed back to the computer if i try to control the x-motor but the motor doesn't move
EVERYTHING WORKS FINE IF I DON'T TURN OFF THE E-MAGNET, (its ok to turn it on but when it turns off, the problem occurs)
my most probable suspect is the electromagnet
i think the hardware affected is the microcontroller
i tried to put a diode in the +v of the e-magnet (kasi naisip ko na if it turns off, may current siyang binabalik sa relay, then sa mcu) but the prob still occurs

ayun po, anu po ba nangyayare sa electromagnet if you turn it off?, may solutions po ba kayo sa ganitong problem? any suggestions? thanks in advance! God Bless! =)

[DigitalMind]

back emf
http://e-gizmo.com/wordpress/?p=195
please read.

[kian]

back emf
http://e-gizmo.com/wordpress/?p=195
please read.

thanks!! sana gumana na! =) mali pala lagay ko ng diode, dapat pala across, not series.. thanks again sir..