Spudtech Forum

First of all--thanks for setting up the forum. This should be great.

Anyway, I would like to build an air cannon for launching containers which contain a substance call Pseudo-Corpse. It is a special scent that is used by search dogs to detect human remains. My idea is to be able to launch this into the woods without having a trail of human scent from the footprints of person who places it. Basically stand by the side of the road and hide the scent ?? yards away.

I wanted to keep the cannon as small as possible and had a few ideas.

Now the question:

Could I use duel-valves connected to duel pressure chambers, connected to a manifold that is connected to the barrel? The chambers would connect via a 180 degree type of connection.

My theory is that this would allow maximum air transfer in a shorter unit.

Any comments or suggestions?

Thanks

Welcome goalie_trainer,

You can most certainly accomplish your goal of launching Pseudo-Corpse Canisters up to several hundred yards. It can be done for very cheap as well, but this also depends on what exactly you're looking for, and what type of performance you require.

The answer to your question is yes, it is possible to assemble a dual valve cannon as you describe. however, since you hope to keep the launcher as small as possible this wouldn't be necessary, and would halve the cost if constructed with only one valve.

In order for me to assist you further you'll need to answer a few questions.

1. Any constraints? (time, money, available materials..)

2. Will the launcher be handheld?

3. What are the the approximate dimensions of your proposed projectile? (size, mass..)

4. What are the distances you are hoping to achieve the launcher?

5. In what way do you plan to pressurize the launcher?

6. Must the cannon be portable? (ties in with #5)

7. Lastly, but most certainly not least, have you checked with the your state laws regarding the legality of potato guns? (assuming you live in the USA).

Is this the type of launcher you had in mind? Link. Of course there are endless variations of this type of launcher but it's a proven design and can be constructed easily.

Thats all I can think to ask at this hour of the night
But it will help narrow your scope, and remember, were here to help!

In the meantime, be sure to check out the Spudfiles Wiki, it should answer some of your questions.

Good luck, hope to hear back from you,

TaTer

1. Any constraints? (time, money, available materials..)
I live SE Alaska, so I wrestle with availability of materials. For cost, like everyone else—cheaper is better.
2. Will the launcher be handheld?
Yes

3. What are the approximate dimensions of your proposed projectile? (size, mass..)
Like the size of a Tennis ball

4. What are the distances you are hoping to achieve the launcher?
0 to orbit. Actually maybe 100 yards or so.

5. In what way do you plan to pressurize the launcher?

Bike pump, or a portable compressor plugged into the car. Maybe a CO2 canister.

6. Must the cannon be portable? (ties in with #5)
Yes

7. Lastly, but most certainly not least, have you checked with the your state laws regarding the legality of potato guns? (assuming you live in the USA).

I live in Alaska--we can carried concealed weapons without a permit, run with scissors, etc., so to answer your question, no laws prohibiting an air cannon.

Is this the type of launcher you had in mind? Link. Of course there are endless variations of this type of launcher but it's a proven design and can be constructed easily.

Yes, this is what I was thinking, but incorporating side-by-side pressure tanks and duel valves to move the highest volume of air as quickly as possible.
I was thinking of connecting the pressure tanks so they could be filled via one Schrader valve.

Sorry to butt in, but as to the mass how heavy will the "balls" be.

Also it sound like you want a smaller version of this:


Most likely not needed stick with k.i.s.s. and use the single air chamber simple ball launcher just boost the air pressure and it will sling those balls well out of sight.

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Spud gun list as of 2014
-Best: 4" PVC chbmr 2" barrel, breach load, combustion heptane/ether, longest range 362yd
-Largest: 6' PVC chbmr 3" barrel, breach load, combustion heptane/ether, longest range 128yd

I dont understand why you want "duel" chambers??? And pretty much anything, no matter how much it weighs can be fired from a spud cannon!!

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