Big Stuff

Jimmy K · Sat Apr 16, 2011 4:16 pm

I was working on the electronics part of the cannon today since it was raining.

So far I've integrated the hydraulic solenoid valves and pump with the firing solenoid with a key switch activated relay. I was making the trigger with some solenoids I had laying around, but they seemed pretty weak and it didn't seem like they would effectively push the "trigger" on the blow gun on the sprinkler valve. So I was looking around and found this on AllElectronics. I was thinking this would be better. Thoughts?

Has anyone made an electronically controlled valve (one that's been modified, of course)?

mark.f · Sat Apr 16, 2011 4:35 pm

I think it would be great because you could use the "Ellie boot up the door locks!" line from Jurassic park.

(Control through parallel port from a UNIX box for extra points)

Jimmy K · Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:50 pm

Took the cannon up to 70 PSI today. Sounds like a few shotguns going off all at once. I love it. I don't think I'll take it any higher though.. I'm plenty happy with just 60 PSI.

I bought that door lock actuator for the blowgun and a cool light up push button for the actuator. That will be the trigger. I'm not sure what kind of action the door lock thing has, but I'm sure I can get it to work somehow.

So far, it has a double redundant electronic safety. I'm working on a double redundant physical safety now.

And my dad took that hydraulic cylinder for his trailer, so I bought a new 2"x16" cylinder and 12v pump with solenoid actuated valves, all of which is controlled through the console (talk about expensive).

The deadline for finishing the cannon is soon approaching, so I need to step up the process a little bit.

Gun Freak · Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:07 pm

Jimmy K wrote:deadline

Why do you need it done by a certain time? What is this being made for?

Jimmy K · Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:59 pm

Its a project for my independent study. I need to finish it before I graduate, as I'm a senior in high school (not exactly attending Alabama yet.. Still about 4 months away).

Gun Freak · Sun Apr 17, 2011 8:08 pm

One hell of a project 8)

Jimmy K · Wed Apr 20, 2011 4:43 pm

I showed my teacher of record a bunch of pictures today, and, even though it is not even close to being finished, he gave me an A for the semester, which basically means I'm done with high school. I hereby diagnose myself with senioritis.

And look at what came in the mail today:

Gun Freak · Wed Apr 20, 2011 7:04 pm

Lawl... my reaction to that picture was DAYYYYYNGG!!!!

Jimmy K · Wed Apr 20, 2011 8:45 pm

The cannon will be fully adjustable from 0 to 70 degrees. I didn't want to go any higher than that. With the small pump and such a long (16") stroke, it will be very easy to get precise measurements on the angle of elevation for calculations too.

I can't wait for this to be finished.. I really want to do some long range shooting.

Technician1002 · Wed Apr 20, 2011 11:33 pm

For maximum horizontal distance all your shooting will be below 45 degrees. For maximum hang time shots high angle is best. You do want to be out of the landing zone.

Jimmy K · Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:20 pm

All of the electronics, including the trigger came today. I can really get going now.

Labtecpower · Thu Apr 21, 2011 3:33 pm

niiiiiiiice!

Gotta love the big red button

I'm really looking forward to see the results

Fnord · Thu Apr 21, 2011 6:24 pm

I showed my teacher of record a bunch of pictures today, and, even though it is not even close to being finished, he gave me an A for the semester, which basically means I'm done with high school.

Why... why couldn't I have a cool highschool/teacher like that?

If I did something like that in highschool(and made its existence known...) the general reaction would be "OMG terrorist!!"

Jimmy K · Fri Apr 22, 2011 6:25 am

Fnord wrote: Why... why couldn't I have a cool highschool/teacher like that?

If I did something like that in highschool(and made its existence known...) the general reaction would be "OMG terrorist!!"

Haha I'm pretty sure he's as crazy as me.. everyone on the school's advisory board opposed the project except him, and he has the final say, thankfully. But because of all the opposition I have to do a bunch of safety stuff, which, in retrospect, was a very good requirement and ignorant of me to want to skip that step. It is very important.

That door lock actuator... wow. It works better than anything I could have imagined. It is powerful. Very powerful - it cracked the epoxy holding it on to its mount (using bolts now). I highly recommend this to anyone looking to make an electronic trigger.

I should have the console part finished today. I'll post a video once I'm done.

POLAND_SPUD · Fri Apr 22, 2011 6:59 am

That door lock actuator

hmmm so it is just a simple geared down DC motor...
Does it require a lot of current ?? I see you've got a car relay so I guess it does

ohh BTW I've seen some automotive step motors/servos that look pretty much the same

found one>>

http://allegro.pl/silnik-krokowy-fiat-b ... 92900.html

Any idea what is that and what is it used for ?

That might be useful for anyone who wants to build a proportional valve

Big Stuff

Donating Members