Compressed Air Reservoir

[SkillessNoob]

I remember seeing that episode on TV. I don't plan on using this near any real fire so I shouldn't have anything to worry about.

In other news, I have a few photos of the build so far:

• This is the box I've wired up to detonate this thing with. It contains a 9 volt battery (Velcroed inside) and button. The box I got has the male outlet prongs on them so I can plug it into an extension cord.
  
  
  
  
  This is the rest of the unit. I wired up the sprinkler valve to the end of an extension cord. The box is (For now) attached by rubber bands...
  

All I need to get are the air intake valve and pressure gauge and I should be good to go

P.S: Anyone know any good portable air compressors? I'm looking for something I might be able to take with me to remote locations away from any power source, my car included.

[shardbearer]

My dad has one of these, it jump starts cars, charges cell phones, has a flashlight, and most importantly, has a pretty small compressor that goes to about 100 psi, with rechargeable battery included.



I wouldn't recommend this one (it's pretty slow, and has tons of things you don't need) but look at auto parts stores for something like it. Or there's the 12V ones that you plug into your cigarette lighter, and you can get a seperate battery.

[jsefcik]

why go electronic? if you mod it with just a blow gun it will open faster!

[SkillessNoob]

why go electronic? if you mod it with just a blow gun it will open faster!

Would I still be able to open the valve without being near it if I do that? Since I'm usually the cameraman I need to be able to trigger this at the right time which is why I opted for the electronic method - I can daisy chain a decent number of extension cords together giving me the freedom to be quite far away while still being able to detonate it at exactly the right time to be in the shot.

And I don't know if the extra speed would be noticeable - all the examples I've seen of this type of system look fine for my needs.

[shardbearer]

You can use much thinner wire than extension cords for this, at least 20 gauge if not thinner. Also, sprinkler valves are made for 24V, so I would go for at least 2 9V batteries in series, to get 18V and make it open faster. Or you could connect 16 AAs or AAAs in series to get the full 24V.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Looking good, that trigger box is very smart.

Surely though you're want one of these too



As to a portable air source, consider getting a SCUBA cylinder if you can get it refilled easily nearby.

Assuming you get a 10 litre one filled to 4500 psi, you can refill your chamber at least 25 times before the SCUBA needs to be refilled. You should be able to pick one up for less than $200.

In the interest of safety, especially if you decide to go down the SCUBA route, I would add a pop-off valve to your chamber.

[Technician1002]

You can use much thinner wire than extension cords for this, at least 20 gauge if not thinner. Also, sprinkler valves are made for 24V, so I would go for at least 2 9V batteries in series, to get 18V and make it open faster. Or you could connect 16 AAs or AAAs in series to get the full 24V.

Bumping the discussion on 24 volt AC valves operated on DC. Hope this helps. 24 volts DC is not needed.

http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/questio ... 18083.html

For wire size, the wire between the control box and sprinkler valves in an in ground system is most often 18 AWG for US systems. Not sure the metric compliment.

[SkillessNoob]

As to a portable air source, consider getting a SCUBA cylinder if you can get it refilled easily nearby.

That's an interesting idea but I'm not sure if I'd be able to get one filled locally. I'll look around and see what I can find.

As for using extension cords to fire this thing with, they're much more common and easier to work with than thin wire that would only be used for this. I set aside a specific group of cords that I marked on both ends so nobody would accidentally plug on into a wall outlet or something.

P.S: I did think about getting a trigger guard but since the trigger box has the male prongs on them, I'll just leave it unplugged until we're ready to shoot the scene. The button requires a bit of force anyway.

[Technician1002]

That's an interesting idea but I'm not sure if I'd be able to get one filled locally. I'll look around and see what I can find.

If you are not near water, you may have trouble finding a place to fill SCUBA tanks. If this is the case, check with a local Fire Extinguisher shop. They often fill tanks for air packs for EMT folks. They should be able to fill one without asking for a PADI card. Your tank will need to have a current certification.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

If you are not near water, you may have trouble finding a place to fill SCUBA tanks. If this is the case, check with a local Fire Extinguisher shop. They often fill tanks for air packs for EMT folks. They should be able to fill one without asking for a PADI card. Your tank will need to have a current certification.

You can also check out your local paintball field, or similar airgun emporium.

[archie370]

Hey JSR can u buy them trigger systems in bulk for cheap ?

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flip-Cover-Nitr ... 4d04a3d4d0

less than 10 bucks...

[shardbearer]

Less than 5 Bucks, from an awesome company, and you can choose momentary or toggle:

Momentary
Toggle
Cover
Key switch

[archie370]

Shit yeah boys ... im getting some

[archie370]

Hey JSR thats just for one ... i found you can get like 5 for 20 or something ill give you the link http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5Pcs-Blue-LE ... f42&_uhb=1

... that one is like 16 dollars ... but they have the carbon fibre look

Im just think if they say 12 v and 20 amp this wouldn't work with a taser producing around 30-40 k voltage ...