RC Car smoke grenade launcher

[DisguisePies]

Hello guys!

Great to see there are forums and knowledge about absolutely EVERYTHING you want to learn

I´m looking for a way to launch homemade airsoft smoke grenades from a small RC car (1:12 size) and hopefully, you guys here can point me in the right direction on how to think and what to look for.


Some info about the project:

• The grenade is about 60mm wide and weighs about 240g

• It doesn't need to fly very far, 10-15meters are enough

• As it will be remotely operated, it needs to be triggered, I need to find a solution that is safe and reliable.

• Size & weight is very important. If it´s too big and heavy the car will have trouble driving in the terrain

• It´s OK if I need to refill the air chamber after every launch, but it would of course be great if it could be used multiple times before refilling

• Repeatability is important. Having a projectile that flies the same distance every time would be great

What are your thoughts?
Also, I´ll keep this post updated throughout the project!

Thank you in advance!

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Welcome to the forum and interest project you have in mind.

In order to get the best advice it would be helpful to share what sort of tools and materials you have available, what is relevant for a fully equipped CNC machine shop will not be if you are epoxying plumbing fittings together, and your budgetary limitations will also affect what is feasible.

[DisguisePies]

Thank you're for your reply!

For now, I only have access to what is available in the hardware store, and 3d printer..

I've been looking around for for possible solutions today and would like to get some feedback on what I've found in so far.

I found a video where a guy built a rocket launcher using a 12g co2 cartridge, releasing the air with a manual ball valve. The design looks fairly neat, and could be made smaller (especially the barrel which needs to be way shorter)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... ZsLj0MIrvA

What if I would use a solenoid and trigger it with a pwm switch relay?
I found solenoids that can handle the pressure, but I'm not sure if this solution would allow enough air to flow for the grenade to launch as I like? (as you noticed, I have no clue about compressed air ect)

Here is a list of the parts I've been looking at:

• co2 cartridge quick change adapter: https://a.co/d/c8mQWS7
  Also found one for threaded cartridges that can be used with 16&20g cartridges

• 12v solenoid: Haven't found any that can handle the pressure

• adapter bewen co2 cartridge and solenoid : available at local hardware store

• switch relay for solenoid: https://amzn.eu/d/2Dqszmi

[quinn whitsitt]

i hope you have a great day and that is a great topic

[quinn whitsitt]

also if you want help for improving the system i will try to help you as much as i can