Thread: Controlling an Air Cannon

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Hello guys this year Im going to be using an air cannon and just have a quick question, how would I go about using a motion sensor on an air cannon would I have to get some sort of controller for the cannon then plug in the motion sensor.
Thanks

yes you would. something from fright props like the picoboo box stuff

The simplest and least expensive would be to purchase an outdoor motion sensor light ($12-$15). Modify it so that you can plug it into a wall outlet (search forum for instructions). Next you'll need to purchase a 2-way, normally closed, 120V solenoid valve ($22-$25). Next you'll need to remove a light socket and connect the valve wires to the wires from the light socket.
Finally connect your air lines and power. The result should be that when the sendor picks-up movement it will send power to the vavles which will open and allow air to flow. The only negitive will be the timer on the sensor. Those things usally are set at 3, 5, 10 minute intervals.

I set my air cannon to trigger with a picoboo.. works awesome! I have ours set to give a slightly longer purst and then a second later it will give a shorter burst.
So far it work flawlessly. I am using it with a mat switch.

My air cannon I made using a LawnGenie solenoid... used for sprinkler systems.

I have 2 cannons on a picoboo 103 and is works perfect. There are cheaper ways with erractic results. Like the above mentioned motion light. This will work just as well



If you are going for a one time release then this will work, just connect a 12volt source PIR, Beam, Mat etc. Connect the solenoid and set the interval time before next activation. The prop will then reactivate after someone trips the sensor. Can handle 8amps.

http://www.frightprops.com/controlle...rop-timer.html

Like my758Duc said, the only problem with using a motion sensor light on the test feature is that your valve will stay open for a long time (the duration of the test timer), which may be a problem as it will vent your compressor continuously and could ruin other props running off the same air source.

But depending on your setup, it may work just fine!

Yeah I might have to go with a controller seeing as I don't want all the air to rush out of the tank. Thanks for the help guys

I Think ill just get the simple prop controller from Frightprops, now do I have to use there motion sensor or can i just used a hacked one

You can hack it. Just make sure it's 12volts