My first cannon ever (with on-board compressor)

[jsefcik]

@ wyz what size pipe do you need to shoot water bottles?, sounds like fun

[shinyhead]

Apologies for bumping an old thread, but the concept of this particular cannon is very appropriate to the planning of my project which I discuss here:
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtop ... tml#345580

Some of my questions in that thread are mostly redundant now as I have been able to guide myself thanks to the help of MrCrowley and JSR, but I have provided the link for a general background on my intended project.

Ideally I am hoping to have a portable battery powered unit with its own compressor capable of launching tennis balls at an adjustable muzzle velocity around 100kph with a remote or timed actuation similar to this product http://www.zooka.com/ but without all the hi-tech extras.

The reason Matt/High-PSI's unit appeals to me is the photos showing what appears to be an un-modified sprinkler valve which I'm assuming is directly solenoid activated rather than manually vent actuated like most pneumatic launchers. I understand there is a substantial loss in power with this setup but considering my requirements are modest compared to most projects here, I will accept the torment of purists attempting to break the sound barrier with golf balls and melons

Some extra advice I need include:
-entering valve values for an un-modified sprinkler valve that is solenoid activated in GGDT instead of their suggested values which are for a modified (blow-gun) vented valve
-obtaining or modifying a portable compressor capable of achieving ~100-150PSI that will operate from rechargeable batteries similar to a 12-18v cordless drill

I know this sounds like an unusual idea, but seeing so many variations of members designs and references to resources keeps me hopeful I can make the launcher that suits my needs.

[High-PSI]

There is not really much of a loos in power (if any at all) if you remove the pilot restrictor tube. This opens up the pilot from .020 inch to 1/8 inch on my particular valve.

I already have a battery on-board. So, I figured I may as well electrically actuate the valve.

Matt

[mobile chernobyl]

as far as a 150psi capable 12v compressor goes - if you don't feel like standing around all day, I've had good luck with this guy:
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-15 ... 66399.html
It can pump my 1.5 gallon chamber up to about 80psi in 45 seconds - you can interpolate, given your chamber volume, the time from that hopefully!

If you want any faster - good luck and let us know how much it costs!

[shinyhead]

There is not really much of a loss in power (if any at all) if you remove the pilot restrictor tube. This opens up the pilot from .020 inch to 1/8 inch on my particular valve.

Am I correct in assuming you mean not much difference in loss of power between an unmodified solenoid actuated valve compared to a modified vent actuated valve?(apart from removal of the pilot restrictor tube as you mentioned)

And where can I find further information on removing the pilot restrictor tube? I'm obviously searching incorrectly as I can't find any reference to pilot restrictor tubes.

Lastly, was your compressor and battery configuration in this project completely portable (easily), or was it a separate power supply feeding a portable compressor? The reason I ask is because I am hoping to make a completely portable and self-sufficient launcher operating from a portable compressor using battery power similar to a cordless drill etc.