Parts update

Parts recently acquired/ acquiring

1. SCR Thyristor (9000amps pulse)

2. nuts and bolts

3. Spacers

Here is the SCR


Photo credit: Semikron

Coilgun Mark V

Mark V Pictures

The Gauss gun was shot point-blank into this 2x4



This is the imprint on the backside of a can after the (blunt) projectile put a hole in the other side.

Note that the pattern of the cut from the band-saw is visible



Mark IV could not penetrate the bottom of a can, here Mark V punches a hole clean through with one of the most recently pictured projectiles.

Photos thanks to the illustrious Quentin Swager

Parts Update

The IGBTs have arrived!

New Projectiles

To clarify, these new projectiles are cut from a 3/8" (or so) anchor bolt. They measure 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 inches long (approx)

These have not been tested yet, you can bet on a video when we test next .






Photos courtesy of Quentin Swager

Status update

The power supply is complete and working exactly as planned, thanks to Chris' skills.



The power supply is turned on and off by a relay, based on the voltage. This voltage is controlled by the red dial. This is designed so that we can set different voltages and avoid overcharging. The unit also features a master on/off switch and a way it can be turned off with a micro-controller.





These are the new projectiles - we will be testing the effectiveness of different coil/projectile size ratios.



Photos are thanks to Quentin Swager

Status Update

As you may know, the charging circuit (120VAC to 500VDC) has been completed for some time. The control circuit, however is still under construction. Since the charging circuit is fed through a relay, we can construct another circuit to control when the charger turns on and off. This will charge the capacitors to a specified voltage (controlled by a dial) and keep it there.

I have been working on it this week and
I'd say that is halfway finished by now.

Parts update

So far this week we have obtained or are in the process of obtaining the following parts:

1 - Sheet of polycarbonate - for mounting circuitry

2 - long 7/16" anchor bolts - for projectiles

3 - Two Powerex IGBTs 1200V 600A - for switching power to the coil(s)


If you are wondering, an IGBT is an

Isolated
Gate
Bipolar
Transistor
(a solid-state switch)

This information is provided (of course) from Chris' electronics manual of a brain.