SpudFiles

This tripod was built by fellow spudder and robot builder Fred. Features motors for elevation and windage. Much lighter and smaller than the wooden tripod I built last year. Fred wants to add a linear actuator for the breech loader and eliminate the manual levers - should be pretty simple! The whole blower/load/meter fuel/charge fuel/fire cycle could be completely automated. I've added more photos and a new video to the gun's website http://www.taconic.net/~fkennedy/.

WHOA!!!!

thats...... simply amazing.


i want one......... lol

that is amazing.. is that gun posted on the site?

And just when we thought that the Taternator couldn't get any better...
This thing has got to be one of the most well made spud guns that I have ever seen. This is the kind of thing that I've always wished I could make.
Great job!!!

SpudFiles Taternator II Thread

Offical Taternator II Site

I like your steady flow of updates, and not just going out with a bang. If it matters, I am a big fan of what you do.

I must admit the controls are a bit 'jerky', or at least such is portrayed in the video. Possibility of knocking down the gearing ratio to reduce the issue? Anyway, your friend Fred looks like a good builder as well, I checked out his linked thread, nice work I must add.

Taking a stab in the dark, but is that a gas cylinder to offset the standout load of the barrel?

I've followed this project for quite some time but I don't think I've ever complimented you, very nicely done! It's been very cool to see how the project has evolved. Also I couldn't help but notice I live very close by, I live over in Albany, NY.

One quick question: on the record velocity shot quoted on your site of 1263 fps, what was the approximate mass of the projectile?

great stuff, now all you need is a guidance system

pimpmann22 wrote:I must admit the controls are a bit 'jerky', or at least such is portrayed in the video. Possibility of knocking down the gearing ratio to reduce the issue? Anyway, your friend Fred looks like a good builder as well, I checked out his linked thread, nice work I must add.

Taking a stab in the dark, but is that a gas cylinder to offset the standout load of the barrel?

The elevation control is good, but the windage needs drastically more gear reduction - you can't really aim with it. I'll have a solution some time soon. What I would *love* is a stepper motor and joystick, the farther you press the faster the movement. Since that would involve a digital controller, then the next logical step would be automating the loading functions.

Fred is an amazing builder. That model jeep in his photo is not a kit - it is fabbed entirely from scratch. He used the engine and transmission from an ATV and discarded the original ATV frame.

The gas tank is located just for convenience. I only need counterweight when the 8' barrel is installed. The whole gun with the 4' barrel balances right where you see the windage motor. The balance point tips forward when you open the breech.

userjjb wrote:I've followed this project for quite some time but I don't think I've ever complimented you, very nicely done! It's been very cool to see how the project has evolved. Also I couldn't help but notice I live very close by, I live over in Albany, NY.

One quick question: on the record velocity shot quoted on your site of 1263 fps, what was the approximate mass of the projectile?

I'll definitely contact you! Here is the thread about breaking the sound barrier with info on the wax projectiles: Taternator II SUPERSONIC

jackssmirkingrevenge wrote:great stuff, now all you need is a guidance system

Oh god - don't tempt me! It's already rediculous enough . . . or is it?

^short answer....NO!!....make it semi with a guidance system:-o

Wow, sweet!! It is manually controlled, right? Not roboticly? It better not be, because that is what I am doing!

Hailfire753 wrote:Wow, sweet!! It is manually controlled, right? Not roboticly? It better not be, because that is what I am doing!

Right. Just momentary toggles. Digital controllers are big money.

Hailfire753 wrote:Wow, sweet!! It is manually controlled, right? Not roboticly? It better not be, because that is what I am doing!

I just noticed your fine print - can't wait to see it! Build TWO while you're at it!