56 replies to this topic

[Split]

My coworker and I have started work on this, using an Arduino co run pan/tilt servomotors and trigger solenoid. More when it's integrated into the Vulcan itself, as right now it is nothing but code for a microcontroller.

You shouldn't even need that. Come to think of it, I could make this right now. Wow, gotta love my supplies box. Will work on it today then.

Indeed, you don't need that, if all you want to do is turn on the firing mechanism when motion is detected.

The idea with using the microcontroller is to raise the Vulcan or traverse it from side to side in order to track a target, autonomously. Think "sentry gun" and you get the idea.

It's true that you can do this without a microcontroller, but that's a whole lot more analog design than I have the chops for.

Holy crap. I'll leave that to you then.

[Llama Boy]

Or maybe you could just buy some D batteries and keep it wireless. I mean really do you want to have to carry around a one thousand foot extension cable just to save money?

[Kazimir]

Or maybe you could just buy some D batteries and keep it wireless. I mean really do you want to have to carry around a one thousand foot extension cable just to save money?

*shrug* that's sort of six of one, half a dozen of the other.

What are your design criteria? The thing is not exactly portable for Nerf Wars.

Really, there are better battery technologies out there than alkaline (there's a *reason* you don't put D-cells into a cordless drill) even if what you're after is keeping it portable.

but then, I don't want to keep it portable. I want it to shoot anyone who comes down my cube row at work. Without me telling it to.

[Drunk Cow]

I like the idea of the use of an airsoft/RC battery pack to power the vulcan, but there would be a few issues with that.

1) You would need to solder a couple wires and the proper connector for your battery pack into the battery box in order to even use it.

2) For those of us who want to use a voltage higher than about 9.6-10.8, it would be wise to replace the stock wires with a higher gauge of wire to handle the increased current without burning out. it also couldn't hurt to replace the stock motor.

3) To get the most out of any power source modification to either pull a stronger spring (added torque) or get a higher rate of fire (higher overall speed) you would need to both get a higher quality motor and change the gear ratio to best suit your intended modification.

[Nate2]

...
2) For those of us who want to use a voltage higher than about 9.6-10.8, it would be wise to replace the stock wires with a higher gauge of wire to handle the increased current without burning out. it also couldn't hurt to replace the stock motor.
...

One thing you would also need to do is rather than using Tamiya connectors, usually used on RC batteries, use Deans connectors. This provides more power at once without risking melting the plug itself.

Many people that use this with high draw systems on their cars may experience melting Tamiya connectors. Plus, the Deans plugs are more secure and more reliable.

[Split]

I like the idea of the use of an airsoft/RC battery pack to power the vulcan, but there would be a few issues with that.

1) You would need to solder a couple wires and the proper connector for your battery pack into the battery box in order to even use it.

2) For those of us who want to use a voltage higher than about 9.6-10.8, it would be wise to replace the stock wires with a higher gauge of wire to handle the increased current without burning out. it also couldn't hurt to replace the stock motor.

3) To get the most out of any power source modification to either pull a stronger spring (added torque) or get a higher rate of fire (higher overall speed) you would need to both get a higher quality motor and change the gear ratio to best suit your intended modification.

Nah. Battery packs have connectors. No soldering, just e-tape. Soldering is overkill.
I'm using 14.4. The wires in the vulcan can handle it just fine.
Gear ratios don't need to change because the pull length is the same.
No higher quality motor is needed either. 14.4 is well within this motors operating range.

[Drunk Cow]

what does gear ratio have to do with pull length? does the firing system use some sort of rotation counter to stop the motor once it's supposed to have cocked back the spring?

Edited by Drunk Cow, 28 July 2008 - 06:20 PM.