Hello Everyone!

 

Recently I've drawn up some plans for a smallish potato launcher that would incorporate an electric ignition system. Most people seem to use stunguns or piezoelectric BBQ lighters, but I was wondering if a small 7.2 volt NiCad battery (or something similar) would be capable of producing one or two sparks for the ignition. If so, would it be reliable enough?

 

Thanks

i know those cuboidal 9V batteries make sparks, as do the bog 6V batteries. Never come across a 7.2 V battery though.

not on it`s own it won`t, no.

at least not sufficient enough to ignite anything other than a Pure gas (short chain).

they Use these devices for a reason!

 

what`s wrong with using the Piezo out of a disposable lighter?

Would a piezo grill lighter be relatively easy to wire to a cannon? I was thinking it would be a good idea to put about 10ft or so of wire in between the power source and the cannon (I put safety before missing limbs..), and would that affect the ignition time signifigantly?

 

Also, I plan on using good old Right Guard as an ignition (its cheap). Does this inhibit what I can use as an ignition system?

if it`s distance and a Known delay time with 100% positive ignition that you want, then do one of 2 things;

 

1) buy some Visco fuse.

2) Use Estes Rocket engine igniters (Ematches).