HELP! Arduino controlled potato canon!

Hi all,

First off I am new to Arduino, have very limited programming abilities using only visual basic and a bit of java. I have watched many youtube videos and completed all the recommended projects for beginners.

My idea is to control a pvc potato canon which I have already built, and completely control it from my arduino mega. I know its a pretty big ask from a very inexperienced user of the arduino. I have looked at one particular project (Arduino and Spark Plugs) but when I tried the set up, and attempted to code it for myself, nothing worked.

Here's my idea:

  • To control a spark plug connected to an ignition coil and battery, which in turn will spark inside the potato canon and ignite the gas
  • To use a transmitter and receiver to send the signal from the FIRE button to tell the arduino to start the spark sequence until the button is depressed
  • For the circuit to sound a car horn when the potato canon is being fired so I don't like kill anyone because they don't realise im firing it
  • And finally... for the arduino to turn on a fan inside the potato canon to blow out the gases once the canon has been fired so I can then spray in fresh gas

Here's what I have:

  • Car ignition coil and spark plug
  • Car battery
  • Arduino Mega
  • Transistors.. MOSFETs... etc.
  • A LARGE potato canon
  • Hardly any experience

I understand this is a long shot, but any help at all is appreciated!

Thanks, from Scotland :smiley:

For the circuit to sound a car horn when the potato canon is being fired so I don't like kill anyone because they don't realise im firing it

Maybe you can get a surplus Nuclear Attack Air Raid Siren from the Cold War..... XD

smilnex:
My idea is to control a pvc potato canon ...

...spark inside the potato canon and ignite the gas...

I certainly could be mistaken but I believe "pvc" and "ignite the gas" are supposed to be mutually exclusive.