I’ve been pondering about the green lever / acrylic tube release.
Right now I have a springloaded system, all I need it the releaser and some tweaking (I’m scared it will fly off!!!)
Instead of a lever mecanism, I was thinking of using a rotary switch to activate an electronic component, maybe a solenoid, to release the tube.
Anyone tought of that before, or anything in that sense?
ideas/comments/suggestions greatly welcomed.
Interesting idea. I’ll have to look into that…
Any chance you can post a video of your gun’s tube extending?
A simple solenoid setup should work just fine, but will require more space…
that is the main issue right now… sourcing a solenoid. I was under the impression that robotics hobbyists used those a lot. No go so far. If anyone has a hint, I’m all ears.
The mecanism isn’t complete yet, as I need “watever will hold the tube loaded in place”. However, I made a video of the manual release with some explanations.
here’s the main idea behind my tube release system:
They really have limited use in robotics, other kinds of actuators provide much more control and functionability…
They are out there, ebay probably has a few if you want to dig through the auctions… If not you can build your own with some magnet wire, a tube, a nail and a spring to return the nail to the outward position … Should only cost a few dollars, with most of it being the purchase of the wire…
I’ve looked into solenoids, and it’s difficult to find a feasible type. Size is an issue, as is power. Needless to say, I’m going spring-loaded with a mechanical lever. If you have the room though, you could use a typical electronic servo to release your catch.
I’m not sure about using servo. I do have found a tiny solenoid from my spare parts bin.
Its tiny, runs off 10-12V (same as my upcoming audio amplifier in my pack) and have a motion of about 1/8th"
I hope it’s going to work.
Non-conclusive testing so far.
I can manage to place the solenoid so that it will block the acrylic tube, but once the tube is pushing on the solenoid, its not strong ennough to pull and release the tube. I tried to lubrificate it. I also tried to overpower it. No luck.
I guess I’d need some release mecanism instead of the solenoid directly… 
In any case, I think I’ll leave it as-is for now and continue with the gun construction, if I ever want to finish it for october. I’ll return to it when I have a better idea.
unless someone has something to suggest?
Sorry it didn’t work out. Seemed like a good idea though.
Guess we’ll have to stick with the green lever.
I think I’ll have to couple the actuator with some mecanism to accentuate its power. But if I ma to do so, I will most likely wait to have my pack done, reserving some room for it.
I don’t want to rush anything, but will use my pack in october - green lever or not.
Besides, if we don’t try, we don’t find new techniques. So far I’ve been lucky with my tries, this is a lesser lucky one.