Need Some Design Help: Co2 Powered Nerf Rocket Launcher

Show us your pneumatic spud gun! Discuss pneumatic (compressed gas) powered potato guns and related accessories. Valve types, actuation, pipe, materials, fittings, compressors, safety, gas choices, and more.
Indigoz
Private
Private
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Nov 02, 2006 8:42 pm

Thu Nov 02, 2006 9:47 pm

Hello Everyone,
I am looking to try and make a simple portable Nerf launcher for paintball games and scenario tank killing.. I am new to this but I do have a few things and I am willing to go buy what I need. Also I want this to be a reusable thing on the field so I would prefer to use an extra 14 ounce Co2 tank that I have. My only idea for this gun at the moment is to have my tank attached somehow and just have a valve I switch on and off to fill up the air chamber. I have no idea how to use/mod/or even where to buy a solenoid, so unless someone can explain that also I guess its out and I use a manual switch. The Ammunition would be Mini Nerf Vortex Rockets. They are 2 inches in diameter and fly pretty well. Anyway this is kinda messy but thanks for your help =)

Indi
User avatar
SpudStuff
Sergeant 5
Sergeant 5
Posts: 1410
Joined: Sat Dec 10, 2005 3:55 pm
Location: Cupertino, California
Contact:

Thu Nov 02, 2006 9:51 pm

OMG! :shock: Do some damn research. All of the questions can be answered with 10 minutes of searching.
Indigoz
Private
Private
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Nov 02, 2006 8:42 pm

Thu Nov 02, 2006 9:57 pm

I have searched. I have tried to make one and it just sucks. I just wanted to ask here because this is where some of the best builders and designers are and I just cant seem to get on the right track. =/
User avatar
MrCrowley
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 10078
Joined: Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:42 pm
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Been thanked: 3 times

Thu Nov 02, 2006 10:09 pm

ive must of seen 3 or 4 similar topics searhc these and spudtechs forums.
User avatar
CS
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 1837
Joined: Fri Feb 18, 2005 5:32 pm
Location: Southern Utah

Donating Members

Fri Nov 03, 2006 12:30 am

Thanks to both SpudStuff, and MrCrowley for contributing NOTHING! Dont post if you dont intend to contribute anything.

To start it off read up in the <a href="http://www.spudfiles.com/spud_wiki/inde ... >SpudFiles Wiki Article - Pneumatic Cannon</a>.

From what Id assume one would want such a launcher to be compact. So Id suggest a over/under configuration to reduce total length, while not losing barrel length. [<a href="http://www.spudfiles.com/spud_wiki/inde ... >SpudFiles Wiki Article - Over/Under</a>]

Also to increase the effective of such a launcher Id assume you need a fairly fast way to deliver the projectile [As I understand correctly, a Nerf Rocket] to the barrel. You may be able to get away with a muzzle loading system since the launcher will probably have a barrel length anywhere from 2-3 ft. [<a href="http://www.spudfiles.com/spud_wiki/inde ... >SpudFiles Wiki Article - Launcher Configuration</a> containing different projectile delivery systems]

Lastly for your means of creating a pressure difference. You mentioned using your 14 oz CO2 PB tank. Your going to get a regulator on the tank to cut the high-end pressures out the tank, and then a second regulator to control the input pressure [~0-250PSI][A air pressure regulator for in the use of air compressors would be sufficient, and found for rather cheap at a hardware store]. Also to keep space down id suggest you 'nest' the CO2 ttank into the gap between the chamber and barrel. This can be secured with a large dryer vent clamps. Also id advise to position this on the opposite side of were your body will be positioned when shooting. So if your the typical 'right-handed' shooter youd position the tank and regulating system on the right side. This is so not to obstruct your aiming, and also to reduce snagging due to the systems projecting components.

For the valve id strongly deter from a ball valve. In turn Id advise a modified sprinkler valve or even a piston valve in a 'T' config.

Hopefully that helps you out, ill be swooping back in on the topic if you may have any more questions, or request for suggestions.
Indigoz
Private
Private
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Nov 02, 2006 8:42 pm

Fri Nov 03, 2006 4:25 pm

Thank you Pimpmann22! I still have a few questions though. First, where do I buy valves and such? Havin a difficult time searching for them on home depot and c-tire.
User avatar
CS
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 1837
Joined: Fri Feb 18, 2005 5:32 pm
Location: Southern Utah

Donating Members

Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:21 pm

From the wording you used I assume you mean over the site? In that case go to HomeDepot.com, and proceed to type 'Sprinkler Valve' into the search box. It yeilds 11 results so I dont know where you could go wrong. [Hopefully im not getting suckered by someone wanting to be spoon feed answers]

And in the event of finding a sprinkler valve at a physical store. Finding them will vary on your store layout, but it should be similar to my local HD. Obviously such is going to be next to all the PVC fittings and plumbing fittings, because its intended use is for in irrigation systems. At my store it is across from the DWV section.

Although as I advise, I suggest you look into piston valves. Take a fair mount of time, but there worth it.
User avatar
jrrdw
Moderator
Moderator
United States of America
Posts: 6572
Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2005 5:11 pm
Location: Maryland
Has thanked: 39 times
Been thanked: 22 times
Contact:

Donating Members

Fri Nov 03, 2006 6:57 pm

I built my own piston valve for my 1st. Had to do some rebuilding because of my own design flaws, but i got it figured out, and things are looking good, i'm building the chasis now, little bits at a time when i can. Built mine in a 4way 2". Made the piston from wood, 2 o-rings, 1/8th" rubber washer to seal against the barrel. Useing a modded sprinkler valve i bought from BCarms to vent my piston valve. Hers about a 3 page thread about it. Good luck, keep us all posted.
User avatar
sgort87
Corporal 5
Corporal 5
Posts: 994
Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2005 10:32 am
Location: Lockport, Illinois

Donating Members

Sat Nov 04, 2006 11:24 am

Actually, I make piston valves and I'd be happy to make you a piston that will greatly outperform a sprinkler valve any day and look a crap-load nicer.

You wont need a second air regulator. Just buy a reg from <a href="https://palmer-pursuit.com/ecom/product ... ">Palmer's Pursuit</a> with the 0-250 psi option and a gauge.

You will want your chamber relatively small to conserve CO2. Keep your barrel at about twice the volume as your chamber for efficiency.
Indigoz
Private
Private
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Nov 02, 2006 8:42 pm

Sat Nov 04, 2006 8:56 pm

Thank you all! Btw Pimpman I was searching soliniod and valve and that was a bit to general I guess. I'm going to try and write up a basic blue print and post it so you guys can tell me what you think.

Thanks Again!
Indi
Post Reply