DN Staff

September 13, 2004

3 Min Read
Gordon Dabbled in Backyard Water Sports

Not satisfied with the flow rate he was able to achieve with his Super Soaker, Gordon decided to upgrade to a backyard dunk tank. By hooking up an off-the-shelf sump pump to a power supply and building in microprocessor control, he can blast a victim with up to 5 gallons of water when the target is hit. Switch inputs control the "douse" time from one to nine seconds. The microprocessor clocks data into a shift register to control the seven-segment time display. For easy disassembly and transport (it's great for office parties!), the frame is constructed of 1.5-inch PVC tubing screwed together.

"Sump" tank parts list

Amt

Part Description

Allied Part #

1

Circuit Board 0.1 grid 4 X 5 inch

237-0119`

1

Plastic Box (Serpac 131)

882-1131

1

10 K V Resistor, 1/4W, 5%

296-5586

1

1 K V Resistor, 1/4W, 5%

296-5562

7

470 V Resistor, 1/4W, 5%

296-5548

1

Shift Register (74HCT164N)

236-1759

1

7-Segment Display

782-0425

1

Octal Buffer (74HCT244N)

236-1775

3

Terminal Block 1 X 2

409-0111

1

Transistor 2N2222

248-1004

1

LM578M05CT Regulator, 5V Pos

288-0004

1

1N5400 Rectifier Diode

266-0008

1

Capacitor, 220 F, 25Vdc

852-7030

1

1N914 Diode

431-0618

1

Relay (10A, SPST, 5V)

788-1079

1

Power Supply 12Vdc

879-0215

1

General Purpose Snap Action Switch

821-1569

1

Pushbutton Switch for Changing Time

948-7193

Additional parts required: 8-pin Microprocessor PIC12F229, sump pump, PVC tubing, assembly hardware


For PDF links to Gordon Wall's instructions and drawings:

Dunk tank information
Sump pump directions
Dunk tank B.O.M.
Schematic drawing of sump tank
Schematic drawing of modified outlet

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