SpudFiles

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

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.

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

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!

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.