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Swarmfire Stampede integration

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#1 ice

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Posted 07 June 2011 - 09:14 PM

A FORWARD NOTE
I'm going to be writing and posting this over a few days, as this is still a WIP, but I wanted to throw up an update, cause I've shown a few people the design idea and I'm interested to see what you guys think of it.


Hey, so a little story before I start. Coop and I were thinking of just silly and unnecessary mods for nerf, and were going to build the best one. This is one of the ideas I came up with, integrating two automatics, totally unnecessary, but also pretty cool. This idea grew on me more and more, and later that night, I actually started drafting how the shells would fit. They actually went together very nicely, so I started making the cuts for the integration. I already had the stampede completed, which I used at Massacre 5 to great avail. It's powered by two RC battery's, 7.2 volts each, and shoots about 2.5 darts a second, and packs a big bad bow spring, giving it a range of 60+ flat, with hot glue tipped streamlines. It's also rather accurate. I had the swarmfire in a bin, a project I started and then left to work on later, and was just gathering dust, so I didn't feel bad about sacrificing it to make this new project come to life. I have a second swarmfire that I modded with brass barrels which averages around 50 flat with taggers (the blue kind, slightly heavier then the orange ones), so I was envisioning this to be a really cool rushing blaster, or HVZ blaster, but mostly just a concept gun, and something really fun to build.


So here's the plan, integrate the swarmfire upside down like a LS DTB integration (as I'm sure your guessed), and wire them both up to the stampede trigger. I started with the shells before the wiring, as it seemed more appropriate. This was the plan.

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(I have 2 stampede shells I'm working with, hense the color change seen later) The orange in that picture it where I wanted a poly carb connecting bracket to reinforce the way the shells lined up. Swarmfires aren't light, even without the battery, so I felt something like that was necessary. Fitting the shells is actually really simple, and I don't have pictures of how I did it, but it shouldn't be hard to figure out yourself. To integrate the shells, remove the internals and screw each shell together. Turn the stampede upside down and fit the swarmfire to it so you can see the seem of the stampede handle line up with the seem of the swarmfire body, to make sure it's on straight. Then, duct tape the shells together. Adjust as needed.

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Add a few tacks of hotglue on the parts of the shells that meet. This is only meant to hold them together for positioning purposes. Remove the tape, then unscrew the shells so the two halves line up. Reinforce how ever you like. I bonded the shells together using epoxy putty as the base, and then putting a roughly 6 inch poly carb template between the blasters, which was also bonded with epoxy and epoxy putty. I then sanded the sides of the e-putty (once is was fully dry) in an attempt to have the shells flow a little better.

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(also put hot glue on the inside for reinforcement, just for funziez)


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So I still have some work to do, yes I know, but the shells are virtually fused together (as far as normal plastic strength goes) While the shells are apart, I can bend the stampede and swarmfire shells inward, and hear no cracking on the connection point. Once thats done, take a sharpie and open the shells up. Mark where a slot must be cut in the swarmfire shell to allow for the clip to still feed through it (much simpler then it sounds). Cut it out with a dremel, and call it good. Unfortunately, this won't take 6 shot mags or drum mags, cause of the way the shells meet, only the 18 shot mags, but I was ok with that. It would be easy to cut away more of the swarmfire shell to allow for use of drums and 6 shot mags, but I think it looks better this way, and flows more with the shell and theme of the blaster, and 18 shots a clip is plenty for me, especially with an additional 20 in the front turret. Now we get to the fun part, wiring.


My stampede ran on 2 7.2 volt RC battery's, as stated earlier. However, I didn't realize at the time, but my circuit was actually in PARALLEL, meaning that it only used the power from one battery to run the stampede. Yes, 7.2 is less then the normal 9 volts the stampede runs on, but it doesn't really matter, cause the amps are higher then normal d battery's will provide, and amps is what gives tork, which is what's needed to compress the bow spring. I actually like the slightly slower firing, it gives a half a second more to adjust and be more accurate with shots. Put you could always put as many volts through it as you like, I just like 7.2 Anyway, one battery will power the stampede just fine, so I can use the other one to power the swarmfire. The goal was to be able to EASILY fire them one at a time, or at the same time, which made me want to link them both to the stampede's main trigger, then have different, easy-to-reach kill switches for each blaster. The normal kill switch for the stampede (the one that you flick with your right thumb) is actually in a really nice place for a swarmfire kill switch, as I could turn it on and off with the same hand as the stampede. Now the problem is finding a new kill switch for the stampede. I ended up just going with pulling back the jam door, which trips the top sensor and won't complete the circuit.



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Here it is :o
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See the new switch next to the trigger mech? I took that from the front of the stampede, used to be a clip lock sensor, which I found very much unneeded. Simply glue it in there, and make sure it compresses fully on a trigger pull. I'll have a full wiring diagram up tomorrow or the next day, to tired to make one right now and take pics for it.



Another note, both battery's fit in the back of the stampede shell were the original battery tray was located (glued them in). I thought the way I achieved this was pretty cool, and can be useful for other RC battery integrations on blasters. Here's how it works. I cut a slot in the shell for the outgoing battery port, so it can be charged without removing it from the blaster. Then a cut a second slot for the wires that will connect to it, bringing power to the circut, also external to the shell. Now, they can be disconnected and then connected to an outlet to charge, and then reconnected to the blaster in a few seconds, no tools required. It's only semi clean, but it works flawlessly.



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(disconnected for charging)



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(connected to blasters)




As of right now, I had the whole thing assembeled a few days ago, and it works pretty well. I took it apart again to continue modding the swarmfire, as not much has been done to it yet (soon to have PETG barrels if they ever get here, and rear loading). I also have a few other changes to make, but for the most part, I'm satisfied, but it will defiantly be getting a paintjob in the near future. I'll be posting the rest of the "write-up" tommorrow hopefully.

Edited by ice, 07 June 2011 - 09:21 PM.

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<!--quoteo(post=206428:date=Jan 25 2009, 05:17 PM:name=Mukersman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mukersman @ Jan 25 2009, 05:17 PM) View Post</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
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#2 Amp

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Posted 07 June 2011 - 09:48 PM

i like the idea but wont it be realy front heavy? and do the darts fall out of the swamfire
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#3 HOTH

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Posted 07 June 2011 - 10:03 PM

A suggestion for the circuitry. You say didn't whether you ended up wiring the batteries in series or not but my suggestion would be to wire them in series and parallel. Make maybe 3 parallel branches, each with their own two batteries in series. You get the current to your gun from one branch at a time, and then when one dies out the next kicks in. Just a thought, and something I have been working on with my motion sensor.

Otherwise, I love it. Very creative, especially in terms of the dual-automatic nature.
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#4 evilbunnyo

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Posted 07 June 2011 - 10:51 PM

First off love the blaster ice. Only you and coop could come up with something this wickedly cool. I assume drums don't work which is why you were trading them for 18 clips. You have to bring this to T.E.P.A.W. 3 to work out kinks and own people.
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#5 KitAdrian

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Posted 07 June 2011 - 11:00 PM

I have a suggestion:

If you aren't completely sold on the idea of firing both of them at the same time (which seems a bit superfluous to me) why not make the Safety Switch an Either/Or switch? One position for the Stampede, and while changing(or loading) clips, switch to the backup Swarmfire. Once a new clip is locked in, switch back to Stampede and slot loose darts into the Swarmfire on the move.

Then you run BOTH batteries to BOTH systems, giving you more power and fire rate(as power would be going to one or the other, and never being split with both), and put a full system killswitch in when not in use.

Edited by KitAdrian, 07 June 2011 - 11:01 PM.

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#6 ice

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 06:37 AM

I actually went over the wiring with my engineering tech teacher before I started it, and this is the most efficient way to do what I wanted. The battery's aren't connected at all and power two completely separate circuits, one for each blaster. There's no good way to run the batteries in series and then hook up to each blaster, cause you must wire it for either simultaneous firing or one at a time, but not both. I wanted to be able to fire each blaster independently, but also together, and 7.2 volts get the exact firing speed to allow for maximum accuracy. Still, I can empty both blasters completely in around 6 seconds

And no, it's actually not front heavy, it's back heavy. The RC batteries are in the back, which makes it tilt
Backwards despite the swarmfire in front. And the swarmfire turret holds darts very snuggly, no chance of them falling out while running

Edited by ice, 08 June 2011 - 06:39 AM.

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<!--quoteo(post=206428:date=Jan 25 2009, 05:17 PM:name=Mukersman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mukersman @ Jan 25 2009, 05:17 PM) View Post</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
Turd stefans. When I pulled these out of the pillow case i was just like, what... the... fuck...
Muker
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#7 Amp

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 10:00 AM

I actually went over the wiring with my engineering tech teacher before I started it, and this is the most efficient way to do what I wanted. The battery's aren't connected at all and power two completely separate circuits, one for each blaster. There's no good way to run the batteries in series and then hook up to each blaster, cause you must wire it for either simultaneous firing or one at a time, but not both. I wanted to be able to fire each blaster independently, but also together, and 7.2 volts get the exact firing speed to allow for maximum accuracy. Still, I can empty both blasters completely in around 6 seconds

And no, it's actually not front heavy, it's back heavy. The RC batteries are in the back, which makes it tilt
Backwards despite the swarmfire in front. And the swarmfire turret holds darts very snuggly, no chance of them falling out while running

oh god then this thing is amazing
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#8 Dyxlesic

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 12:01 PM

I love this. Its complete overkill. However, doesn't putting a short range automatic electric blaster on another short range short ranged automatic electric blaster kinda defeat the purpose? I would complete beaf out the stampede in the spring department, and go with a low rate of fire, but put a really high rate of fire on the swarmfire, that way you can get long ranged powerful shots with the stampede, and close ranged rapid shots with the swarmfire, since it has a smaller plunger tube and cant jam (i would assume) as easily as the stampede at an extremely high ROF.
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#9 Kyosokun

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 02:08 PM

I love this. Its complete overkill. However, doesn't putting a short range automatic electric blaster on another short range short ranged automatic electric blaster kinda defeat the purpose? I would complete beaf out the stampede in the spring department, and go with a low rate of fire, but put a really high rate of fire on the swarmfire, that way you can get long ranged powerful shots with the stampede, and close ranged rapid shots with the swarmfire, since it has a smaller plunger tube and cant jam (i would assume) as easily as the stampede at an extremely high ROF.


You assume there's a purpose beyond creating an awesomely ridiculous blaster. But I second the idea of spring modding the Stampede and letting the Swarmfire handle high ROF, makes a lot of sense. Might be a bit late to change the battery setup though to accomodate the beefier/extra batteries that would be needed, though.

Sidenote, I think Swarmpede sound much better than Stampfire.
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#10 ice

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 02:12 PM

I'm not really willing to put any more power then a BBB spring into the stampede, the gears aren't strong enough in my opinion. It's a cool idea, but I'd need a stronger battery and metal gear slides + a new motor to make it work. And at that point, the blaster is just way overpowered.
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<!--quoteo(post=206428:date=Jan 25 2009, 05:17 PM:name=Mukersman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mukersman @ Jan 25 2009, 05:17 PM) View Post</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
Turd stefans. When I pulled these out of the pillow case i was just like, what... the... fuck...
Muker
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#11 Benbo231

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 03:18 PM

My gosh, I'm in love. Am I cheating on my Longshot?

How long did you find that those two batteries lasted when you were just using the Stampede? I'm looking to do something similar (in terms of voltage boosting) and I'm looking for an estimate of battery power, to see how practical it'll be for wars when it's hard to recharge.

Edited by Benbo231, 08 June 2011 - 03:20 PM.

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#12 lionhawk

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 05:26 PM

This is a great idea ice. I have a question. Is the swarmfire a pain to reload, seeing as you have to reach to the front to reload? Nevermind, I realized you mentioned rear-loading. Other than that, this mod is a complete overkill.

Edited by lionhawk, 08 June 2011 - 05:30 PM.

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#13 idleninja

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 09:10 PM

Other than that, this mod is a complete overkill.


He could still mount a Tommy 20 to the underside of the swarmfire for more dart spam, plus it would double as a front handle.

Awesome mod, can't wait to see the finished product!
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#14 Dyxlesic

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 09:52 PM

You assume there's a purpose beyond creating an awesomely ridiculous blaster

That, my friend, is the purpose of life


Anyway, if it were me, i would up the ROF (not power) on the swarmfire to near RF20 ROF. this would be an incredible secondary. So if someone eleminated you last round, you can shove 20 darts right back at them to teach them a lesson, or use quick trigger pulls to fire extremely short, rapid bursts, which are pretty friggin hard to dodge. Like say the primary would be for like mid-long range purposes, like an assault rifle, while the secondary would cover mid-short ranged distances, like a SMG. Making the two opposites allows each to cover the others weakness, so in a position where one would be completely useless, the other is at the position where it functions best.

However, from my experience, omnipotent blasters always have one huge weakness: BULK. they are heavy, slow you down and take up more space so corners, turns, running, and stuff like that is not nearly as good. Also, while it doesn't sound like it, remembering and keeping track of the ammo supply in each and reloading at the same rate of pickup can also be a pain, and slow you down and change your judgement. Like on a gun i had with an 8 round under-mounted shotgun, there were so many perfect places to use it, i was just afraid to miss and have to reload that i almost never used it, and it just weighed me down.

Dont get me wrong though, I absolutely love the idea and everything overkill and see some huge potential
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#15 TantumBull

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Posted 10 June 2011 - 09:17 PM

Seeing blasters like this always reminds me why nerf is so fucking awesome. As always, there's several things I don't like about your execution, ice, but you certainly aren't lacking in the creativity/fun ideas department. Which is all that really matters in the end.
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#16 ice

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Posted 10 June 2011 - 10:46 PM

Just an update on the project real quick. Started fitting the PETG barrels, which I did by widening the stock turret holes with my dremel. Only have the inside ring done so far, but it looks pretty good. Also, haven't cut the barrels down yet, I'm planning on them being 5 inches each in the completed turret.


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Also started working on the paintjob. This side was done by airbrushing, I'm going to do the other side hand painting. Should look exactly the same, just seeing if one holds paint better then the other, and comparing times for each to be done.


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PIN STRIPES FTW!!!!!!

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Edited by ice, 13 October 2011 - 01:55 PM.

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<!--quoteo(post=206428:date=Jan 25 2009, 05:17 PM:name=Mukersman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mukersman @ Jan 25 2009, 05:17 PM) View Post</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
Turd stefans. When I pulled these out of the pillow case i was just like, what... the... fuck...
Muker
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#17 NerfRogue83

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Posted 10 June 2011 - 11:03 PM

The color choice is cool, even though I think the shell work could have been done a tad better. Interested to see this fire.
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#18 ice

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Posted 19 June 2011 - 08:29 PM

All done


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Decided against a rear loading turret so both the swarmfire and stampede can use stock darts, and now I'm left with a gaping whole in the side of my blaster. As always, there's a video to explain it all.


link
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<!--quoteo(post=206428:date=Jan 25 2009, 05:17 PM:name=Mukersman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mukersman @ Jan 25 2009, 05:17 PM) View Post</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
Turd stefans. When I pulled these out of the pillow case i was just like, what... the... fuck...
Muker
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#19 thesaz123

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Posted 19 June 2011 - 08:33 PM

Hey, i heard you'll probably be coming to T.E.P.A.W 3, if you come, i'd love to see this blaster in action! The pj looks pretty sick! (sick as in Effeminate, cool, awesome, great)

Edited by thesaz123, 19 June 2011 - 08:35 PM.

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#20 evilbunnyo

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Posted 20 June 2011 - 12:23 AM

Had a nerfgasm when this popped up in my inbox today on youtube.
This is going to make you an indoor champion.
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#21 Amp

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Posted 21 June 2011 - 12:35 PM

what colour is that blue handpant? cause im wanting to paint my longshot black and blue with silver detail
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#22 ice

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Posted 21 June 2011 - 01:37 PM

It a mix of games workshop colors Emerald Blue and Codex grey, about 70/30 respectively
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<!--quoteo(post=206428:date=Jan 25 2009, 05:17 PM:name=Mukersman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mukersman @ Jan 25 2009, 05:17 PM) View Post</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
Turd stefans. When I pulled these out of the pillow case i was just like, what... the... fuck...
Muker
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#23 Amp

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Posted 21 June 2011 - 02:25 PM

It a mix of games workshop colors Emerald Blue and Codex grey, about 70/30 respectively

and its hand paint not airbrush right
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#24 Langley

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Posted 21 June 2011 - 04:22 PM

what colour is that blue handpant? cause im wanting to paint my longshot black and blue with silver detail

and its hand paint not airbrush right


Proofread, use proper spelling and capitalization, and try to put some thought into your posts. In other words, think about what you have to ask or say before your post instead of having to post a follow up question right away when you could have asked in your first post or taken it to PMs.

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#25 TheOne

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Posted 22 June 2011 - 09:55 AM

Two automatic guns combined = Awesome!!! :rolleyes:
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