PBB the prototype.

[Orpackrat]

I call it PBB (Paintball Bouncing Betty).

I thought of how to make this last night and made it out of availible parts today after work. It is a prototype simply because its heavy, a little big for practical use, needs paint, and needs the mounts (electrical tape) cleaned up. I need to wait about 18 more hours before I charge the chamber.

It is a trip mine, a trip wire is connected to the light switch, the side mounted toggle switch is the arm/disarm. Inside the box, powering the sprinkler valve is 2 9-Volt batteries in series. I am expecting a 10' minimum vertical launch with a paintball grenade. About a 6' line is connects the mine to the grenades release washer. When the grenade reaches the proper altitude, the line pulls the washer off detonating the paintball grenade at head level giving a large kill radius. To provide a good air seal, I'll be using flour wrapped in paper towels. The flour will act as a visual effect signaling mine detonation.





This is my first cannon/launcher/mine that operates on low pressure (100PSI) and this is also the fist time I have used a sprinkler valve.

[Killjoy]

Thats a great idea. Look foreward to the results

[Novacastrian]

That is so cool, i want to make one.
What pressure do you expect to use?

Edit:silly me 100 psi

[origin unknown]

I have seen those home made paint grenades before with the washers and surgical tubing and this looks like it will work great.

[Redcoat]

Make sure there aren't any leaks cause then when they trip it will do jack all. I think it's awesome. Love to see a video when it's done.

[HaiThar]

Good job. Looks like an apt tee shirt launcher.

[Orpackrat]

Won't be making a video today, I had some issues with the valve not opening all the way making the grenade lift up like an elevator and fall over once it left. I got this problem fixed by drilling out both holes below the soliniod but I made a small problem and now need to make a small spacer to fix the air leak. I was able to do a couple of test launches and achieved a good 15' altitude at 90PSI. That altitude is more than enough to allow proper detonation of the grenade for when the washer (or in this case 1/2" PVC pipe) gets yanked off. If I have time before work tomorrow I'll make a video.

[Modderxtrordanare]

If it's set up to fire upwards, wouldn't making the switch move side to side along the X axis be alot better, so the tripline could be run parallel with the ground?

[Orpackrat]

If it's set up to fire upwards, wouldn't making the switch move side to side along the X axis be alot better, so the tripline could be run parallel with the ground?

I have a ring screw on the barrel for a wire to go from vertical to horizontal travel. This allows the trip wire to be placed in any position without having to move the mine. Once I get done, the mine will be even more compact and will be burried mostly underground. Placing the switch horizontally when its under ground won't work too well but vetical and then going horizontal one it clears the surface would function better.