Update: Golf Ball Piston-Valved Hybrid (LRCH-200)

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Boooooo! to preferring a small copy of yourself to things that go bang

That aside, looking good! Can't look at cam-lock fittings without remembering chemical plant work.

[Binder17]

November 26, 2015

What better time to test the Ole golf ball cannon than after Thanksgiving dinner.

I assembled the LRCH-200 for the second attempt at Operational Test 1. It went through pressure tests and met the tolerances. Functional testing also showed it could hold pressure after cycling a few times. It passed. I had not gotten it this far before. Then I decided to bite the bullet and go ahead and do a full test at low pressure. 2x mixture with an empty barrel. I used the pressure readings calculated on paper and injected the fuel using the air through meter method. Then I held my breath and to my amazement, it fired on the first attempt. This was a first for me.

This officially kicked off OT. I did 5 more blanks within a 6x envelope. Then I assembled the golf ball barrel (pvc sdr21 inside 2" aluminum pipe) and fired 8 rounds starting at 3x up to 6x mixes. There were no misfires. I intermittently inspected the piston and only found the rear stop plate to be slightly bent (as planned).

Next will be preparing for OT-2 with 8x envelope. Anticipated issues will be critical damage to the rear of the piston and possible damage to the sleeved PVC.

Unfortunately I did not get video. But here are some pics.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Dude.

Did the target plate care at all?

[mark.f]

looking good!

If you plan on handheld firing it, though, I'd recommend shaving down that long stabby part on the rear of the piston though.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

long stabby part

Always with the technical jargon...

[mark.f]

Also known as the gas-powered ram kebab.

[Binder17]

I'm not done yet. The project has been on hold for several months due to lack of funding and other higher priorities, but now I have dusted it off and continued development. Call this Phase II: Systems Integration. Here are the plans for the next 3 months.

-Build a mount with manual pitch control
-Incorporate mechanism that allows for free floating barrel for quicker reload
-Incorporate on board compressor and power source (12V)
-Install two 3-way solenoid valves to control air to the pilot and meter and propane from bottle to meter
-Install coil ignition system
-Test and apply final finishes

Those are my goals and should allow for reduced cycle time and easier operation. Pictures to come.

[Binder17]

A few changes since last time. Coming up on 2 years into this project, but some things get better with age. (Not me obviously)

I got a sudden surge of productivity in between projects and decided to build a mount and put the cannon through final finishes early. The main goal for the mount was to make for an easier loading experience. That has been accomplished by making it so that the barrel can be slid forward to reload. The mount is made primarily of wood and holds well. Then finally I slapped on a fighter jet gray "Stealth" coating.

I am now preparing for OT-2 (2nd phase of Operational Testing). This includes modifying the piston and building a new meter to support a 9X mixture (Mach 1 Capability). Over Thanksgiving, I will test it to full capability and will Chrono it to confirm that it is attaining Mach 1 muzzle velocity. Assuming that all goes well, I will then upgrade all the support equipment and integrate everything into an easy to use control panel so that even a novice could fire it. I intend to post a video of OT-2, assuming I don't die.

Side Note: Firing off a blank in the garage with the garage door closed in a suburban neighborhood is still loud enough for someone to call the police. There was a gun drawn and everything.

[farcticox1]

Side Note: Firing off a blank in the garage with the garage door closed in a suburban neighborhood is still loud enough for someone to call the police. There was a gun drawn and everything.

So how did you explain that one

[mark.f]

Looking good. I wonder why you chose 9x as a final mix though? 10x is a nice, round number.

[Binder17]

Side Note: Firing off a blank in the garage with the garage door closed in a suburban neighborhood is still loud enough for someone to call the police. There was a gun drawn and everything.

So how did you explain that one

Came clean about it. He then basically told me how stupid I am and not to do it again. Completed deserved on my part.

Looking good. I wonder why you chose 9x as a final mix though? 10x is a nice, round number.

Mark- I would like it to be 10 but I need to get a more powerful compressor first. The one I have in Texas(Not even mine) goes to 120. I am not even sure the compressor I am using at the test range will get me high enough for 8X. We shall see.

Also, How come you no answer phone?

[mark.f]

Also, How come you no answer phone?

I suspended my phone service while I'm overseas. You can get me with Facebook messenger or Whatsapp if you have it.

As for the compressor, have you looked into modifying a refrigerator or air conditioning compressor?

[Binder17]

Delayed Again. For those who don't know, the reason testing is so complicated is because I have to go off site into another state where there is a place I can legally and safely fire it. I can't do it at home because I live in the city (where they frown upon such things) and because I have not gotten an official determination if it is even legal to possess in the state of Texas. (I have a lawyer friend looking into to it for me)

So, I am ready for OT-2. The new meter is complete and mounted. This will allow me to test up to a 10X envelope, but I will likely only go to 8X. The piston has been modified and the stabby part cut off. I will have a camera rolling and a chronograph on hand. Testing will commence Dec 23rd and I will post metrics as soon as I have them. My hope is to close this thing out and have it in the showcase by the end of the year.