we are using 6 kit of parts tanks and one large tank near the front of the robot for our pneumatics. also a 20lb tank of Co2 for firing the thing. we compress the pneumatics tanks with TWO kop compressors.
for your second question. originally we where using two sprinkler valves. one for filling the firing tank and the other to use as a pilot for
The SGTC Supah-Valve. we eliminated the sprinkler valve to fill the firing tank however just because it was redundant and because it was run off a normally closed solenoid, the solenoid was open most of the time, and we where running the ac solenoid of 24volts dc. as a result, it was getting quite toasty and we didn't wanna risk a failure. plus. the fewer parts there are, the fewer that can fail.
also, if anyone wants a larger shot of the robot, try
here and
here
if you want more detailed shots or better quality video, feel free to send me a HD camcorder or 11megapixel camera
yes btw, for those with keen eyes, that is the year 2000 First Controller. Team 437 really broke out the bleeding edge technology on this bad boy.