Check out our cannon bot!

[Rickertsen2]

I always hear people talking about using sprinkler system valves for homemade pneumatic projectile launchers. The valves on my sprinkler system are motor actuated ball valves. They take about 4 seconds to open fully. This seems rather slow. Is this what people are talking about or is there some other tyoe of sprinkler valve? I have built several devices using quick release valves from semi-truck air brake systems and they have worked well.

[ZZII 527]

Some pics and video of one of the meanest Vex bots known to exist:

http://web.mit.edu/scolton/www/tankbot1.jpg
http://web.mit.edu/scolton/www/tankbot2.jpg
http://web.mit.edu/scolton/www/tankbot3.jpg
http://web.mit.edu/scolton/www/tankbot4.jpg
http://web.mit.edu/scolton/www/tankbot_clips_web.wmv
http://web.mit.edu/scolton/www/tank_slow_web.wmv

[greencactus3]

Originally Posted by Rickertsen2

I always hear people talking about using sprinkler system valves for homemade pneumatic projectile launchers. The valves on my sprinkler system are motor actuated ball valves. They take about 4 seconds to open fully. This seems rather slow. Is this what people are talking about or is there some other tyoe of sprinkler valve? I have built several devices using quick release valves from semi-truck air brake systems and they have worked well.

there are solenoid ones. which would mean they are fast.... but apperently according to a link someone else posted before, those solenoids still arent fast enough. im planning to get a standard solenoid one soon. see what i can make outta it. i have some big plans for next spring.

[Dick Linn]

Check here: http://www1.iwvisp.com/thehalls/ggdt/

For a sprinkler system, I'd imagine a motor-actuated ball valve is better. You don't want to open or shut a sprinkler (hydraulic) system quickly. But a cheap valve may be better suited to pneumatic operation, especially as modified. I think these valves are about $16., last I remember.

[Doug G]

Originally Posted by greencactus3

there are solenoid ones. which would mean they are fast.... but apperently according to a link someone else posted before, those solenoids still arent fast enough. im planning to get a standard solenoid one soon. see what i can make outta it. i have some big plans for next spring.

We just used a standard off the shelf sprinkler valve that has a diaghram and is actuated by a knob manually or by a solenoid. The solenoids are supposed to operate at 24 VAC. But after some experimentation we found a single spike relay connected to just 12-13 VDC on the robot works fine. At first we thought we were going to have to configure an additional power supply, but in the end we didn't Now to rig up a motor to a compresser to charge our two large tanks - hmmm, might need a deep cycle marine battery as well.

I heard about Elk Grove's (1147) T-Shirt Launching robot at the Kings game - if you do it again let us know (not ride your coat-tails, but to promote robotics of course) we'd be happy to join you out there.

[billbo911]

Originally Posted by Doug G

I heard about Elk Grove's (1147) T-Shirt Launching robot at the Kings game - if you do it again let us know (not ride your coat-tails, but to promote robotics of course) we'd be happy to join you out there.

The request for future performances has already been placed! We now wait with baited breath. If we do get an invitation to do it again, we will most certainly request that you join us. Promoting FIRST Robotics is way more important than promoting just our team! Besides, a little competition on the court is way more fun, and better exposure, than performing solo.

BTW, did you follow the link and see the short video I posted a few frames back? You should have seen the smiles on these kids faces after they came off the court! <--- That's what they all looked like.
In fact, here is a link to a picture I snapped as they were exiting the court. It doesn't even do justice to what we saw once they got off the court and thought about what they had just done.

[Eric Scheuing]

When did you make this?

[billbo911]

Originally Posted by Eric Scheuing

When did you make this?

We built the t-shirt launcher over the summer. It is mounted on our 2005 'bot.
I guess we must have had a little premonition about the need to learn about launching stuff!!

[Doug G]

Originally Posted by Eric Scheuing

When did you make this?

Ok so we figured out the game like back in Sept and built our robot early - so when do the competitions start? - we're tired of waiting already!!

You can see it shooting a ball at our website...

[Salik Syed]

Yeah... we just gotta make some minor modifications... we're gonna swap out the big air tanks with the air tanks in the kit.

[coastertux]

The only problem with an air cannon and the 2006 game...can you make it launch slow enough as to not break rule <S01> No ROBOT may throw a ball with an exit velocity of greater than 12 m/s (26.8 mph)...

[Arkorobotics]

I digg that! That is awesome, hey you guys have a proto of some sort

[Alekat]

Originally Posted by coastertux

The only problem with an air cannon and the 2006 game...can you make it launch slow enough as to not break rule <S01> No ROBOT may throw a ball with an exit velocity of greater than 12 m/s (26.8 mph)...

I think if you could use the limited air pressure to get a ball to go that fast you should get an award. It would be very difficult would it not? Limited to two air tanks.

[SenseiSkins]

that is gorgeous i gotta get me one,