Water Balloon Cannon Optimization

[MAteo9944]

The honking noise in the valve is caused by the diaphragm not opening fast enough. In sprinkler valves the port that opens to let the diaphragm open is not very big. This is to prevent water hammer, but since you are using it for air you don't don't care about water hammer. When I make my cannons I usually remove the solenoid, epoxy the port, and cut my own larger port in the top of the valve. I then screw in a pneumatic fitting and use a KoP valve to fire it. This will get rid of the honking noise and increase the valve's performance.

If you decide you need a bigger valve you can use two of the 1" sprinkler valves with T-connectors to fake a bigger valve.

[vivek16]

Yep, two sprinkler valves in parallel should get the same effect as a larger one.

[s_forbes]

You could also try to use a gate valve if you find that the sprinkler valve is limiting your distance. With this valve we were able to shoot a t-shirt about 40 yards with a system that was under 60 psi. (it uses the kit compressor, too!)

We've shot tennis balls with it, and they go far. Never tried water balloons... hmm...