tennaCannon Project

IMPORTANT WARNING!! - pressure holding ability is subject to construction methods, rated materials, and condition of materials. BUILD AND USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!  Unsuitable materials or inadequate construction techniques may result in a kinetic event causing RUD ("rapid unexpected disassembly") or the project which could harm you/others. Proceed with extreme caution. You have been warned.

This is a work-in-progress, hybrid 3D printing, electronics, and PVC project. I plan to post PDF of plans when finished.

An air cannon is useful for launching arborist throw weight/line into trees. I use it to put up wire antennas for amateur radio.

The air chamber is made from all SCH 40 PVC pressure rated (220 psi) parts and uses HD PVC cement (pressure rated).

With the 2" dia reservoir (where is says “tennaCannon”), it was tested to about 125 PSI and it launches an 8oz weight and line easily 100'+ vertical. 

The overall project just has a pair of 3D printed parts (for now, more planned) to hold the firing control box on the 2" PVC.  The brackets printed are in blue PETG. Future upgrades will include sights/scope and maybe a shoulder brace.

The firing mechanism is a Rain Bird 24VAC irrigation solenoid that is fired by a 9V battery using a DC-to-DC converter set to about 19V (~24VAC RMS equivalent). There are other, more simple methods for initating this, this is the just one I chose.

The lighted missle launch switches were just to have fun.

Planned upgrades and changes:

• Momentary (debounced) latching circuit in the fire button (3-5 seconds hold time)

• Pushbutton integrated into a grip

• Main pressure vessel reservoir increase to 4" dia (+300% volume)

  • Will also use a cord wrap on the vessel and epoxy set to hold pieces in case of RUD

• Shoulder butt for comfort