Electronic Valve for rocket Launcher?

[OPBN]

I made a nerf launcher a couple of years ago using some PVC pipe, a ball valve and 12gram changer. Actually works fairly well, but wanted to improve it. I have heard of people using sprinkler valves for this, but wasnt sure of the exact one. Has anyone done this that can give me a model number or link me to somewhere that carries them?

[tbaggin]

i never used sprinkler valves, but I do have an electronic valve on mine. its a parker air valve that they use for airbags and aircylinders on lowered cars and trucks.

http://grunionfabrication.com/air-suspension-valves-c-22_51.html

Ive vonnected a 12V lead acid, 1 9v and even 2 9v to mine.

you could probably look on ebay and find use dones cheaper I got mine form a buddy who had a few lying around.

[OPBN]

Hmm. Did you use the 1/2" or 3/8"? Seems like all of these the maximum PSI is 300-400. What is the output on a 12g? I would assume higher than that.

[tbaggin]

i use the 1/2". I havent had an issue yet, Im not sure what PSI i am dumping into the chamber

[OPBN]

i use the 1/2". I havent had an issue yet, Im not sure what PSI i am dumping into the chamber

Are you using a 12g or a larger tank?

[ultralight]

I built one using the basic Orbit valve seen here. http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...&storeId=10051
They can only take something like 150psi, but most people use a palmer stabilizer or similar inline reg to control the pressure anyway.
Once you get tired of that you can hook up a blowgun to pilot the valve instead of the solenoid.
Then there are the big quick exhaust valves here 6646k23
this guy has some cool launchers too.

[OPBN]

That valve wont work and I dont want to run a regulator as I use 12g's. All of those designs seem to run below 200psi.

[Ando]

Why are you using 12g? Depending on the dump chamber, your getting what 3 shots? I think a 3 or 9 ounce tank would be a lot better.

[OPBN]

Why are you using 12g? Depending on the dump chamber, your getting what 3 shots? I think a 3 or 9 ounce tank would be a lot better.

Single shot. If I had an electronic valve, it might get more, but with a manual ball valve, there is no way to get it open and shut quick enough to not let all the CO2 escape. Its also compact as heck. Total lenth is only 18". I actually have a leg mounted pouch that I can carry it around in. Granted, I don't really use it a lot, thus I dont want to spend a lot of money upgrading it, but something to tinker with.

[kcombs9]

are you wanting to use it at events? do you know what your 12gram launcher is chronoing at?

[OPBN]

are you wanting to use it at events? do you know what your 12gram launcher is chronoing at?

Honestly, no. The feild I mainly use it at isn't particular about launchers using 12g's. Anything larger has to be regulated. I've done some crude chronoing by shooting it, counting the seconds until it lands and measuring the distance. By this method it is easily under 230 which is their stated field limit on launchers.

[kcombs9]

k, Viper who puts on big games (LL in chi town) has his speed set to under 140 fps FYI

[OPBN]

k, Viper who puts on big games (LL in chi town) has his speed set to under 140 fps FYI

Ok, good to know. The field I frequent the most runs their own scenarios, so I go by their rules. I've never been asked to chrono it.

Back on topic. The valves posted by Tbaggin seem promising. Wondering if they can be rigged for a smaller switch? I'd love to have one of these to check out and get a feel for the actual size etc.

[Justus]

http://www.spudtech.com/detail.asp?id=40

[OPBN]

I might have to do some more reading on this. I know people are doing them with sprinkler valves, but the valves seem to have a max PSI of only 120-150psi. Not sure how this is working. If I am using a 12g, it's got to be putting out more than 150psi and the rocket is only going 200 feet or so, how in the heck is it going to go this far if its reg'd down to 150psi? I'm not getting it.