Pistons not extending fast enough?

[Matt C]

Originally Posted by TheHolyHades1

The gate latch - when your pistons retract, I'm assuming that it locks back into place until the next time you're shooting? Also, do you have the pistons retracting with gravity or some other mechanism, or are you having them retract by sending air in the other side?

Gravity retract, the gate latch remains open until the 3/8" bolt that goes into the latch hits the microswitch to signal that the catapult is back in the down position. The solenoid for the small 1/2" stroke piston is then actuated and the latch closes.

We actually only have one solenoid going to both pistons. It's a slightly longer pressurization (about 2 seconds) for a full shot, but allows us a better lob/pass "shot" with no piston gate latch retention with slower motion and less air consumption (the solenoid is switched only for "x" time before it's switched back, allowing the ball to be shoved out, but not allowing the tanks and pistons to reach the full 60 psi, thus saving a bit on air.)