Gadget Freak Case #103: New Potato Gun for the French Fryin' Legion

Design News Staff -- Design News, June 4, 2007

This project is definitely not small potatoes — three barrels loaded with spuds and charged with propane! Two PIC microcontrollers handle the User Interface, Azimuth and Elevation Aiming and Fire Control functions. Aiming is controlled with a joystick. The Fire Control subsystem verifies a projectile is loaded in the selected barrel before injecting the controlled charge of fuel and that the barrel is armed before firing. It doesn't verify the operator's age, sobriety or aim — that's your responsibility. The chips will fall where they may. Watch the video!

Download the build instructions | View Parts List | Post a Comment

Amt	Part Description	Allied Part #
1	PIC18F452 Microcontroller	383-0570
1	PIC16F88 Microcontroller	383-0496
2	12V Rechargeable Battery	610-0032
3	LED – Green	679-3001
3	LED - Red	749-9839
3	LED - Yellow	679-4306
1	Buzzer - 5V	404-0121
2	H-Bridge	288-1573
1	4 MHz Crystal	895-0604
Other Parts and Materials:
2	Voltage Regulator - 5V
1	3-Axis Hall Effect Joystick with 5 NO Buttons
2	Mechtex DC Motor w/ 750:1 Gear Box, 12V
1	15" Telescope Base plus Azimuth Rocker and 2 Altitude Rings
3	Propane Torch Head
3	#26 Automotive Spark Plug
3	TTL Controlled Ignition Coil
3	Bosch Solenoid Injection Valves
	More batteries, plumbing, mechanical & electrical hardware and assorted passive electronic components (see text)
Download Build Instructions

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Talkback

Very cool, but been there done that, I made a six barrel Gatling gun type spud chucking gun...
- 2007-06-20 06:50:29
Yikes! These guys are candidates for the emergency room. PVC is a brittle plastic to start...
- 2007-06-08 08:14:57
Very cool, but I'd like to offer one improvement... Increase your accuracy and range with...
- 2007-06-04 11:37:42

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