Rail Gun using disposible camera's flash charger

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction and challenges of a rail gun using a disposable camera's flash charger. Participants explore issues related to electrical components, safety concerns, and the effectiveness of the design.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their rail gun's construction and the issue of not being able to get a spark to jump across the rails, suggesting a possible misunderstanding of the wiring setup.
  • Another participant questions the safety and compatibility of using different capacitors, expressing concern about the potential risks involved.
  • A third participant warns against the dangers of working with high-voltage components, comparing it to a hazardous chemistry experiment, emphasizing the risks of electric shock.
  • Subsequent posts indicate attempts to clarify capacitor usage and safety precautions, with one participant asserting their knowledge of discharging capacitors and wiring them in series.
  • A later post appears to be a humorous attempt but is met with skepticism regarding its effectiveness.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of concern regarding safety and technical understanding. There is no consensus on the best approach to capacitor selection or the overall feasibility of the rail gun project.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific capacitor ratings and configurations, but there are unresolved questions about the safety and effectiveness of the proposed setups. The discussion lacks detailed technical specifications and safety guidelines.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY electronics, rail gun construction, or high-voltage experiments may find the discussion relevant.

Stevedye56
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Hey,
I made a rail gun that is 3" long with a disposible camera's flash charger. The one problem i had was that i couldn't get the spark to jump across the two rails. So i took a piece of metal with plastic on the outside and touched the bolts on opposite sides and got a large spark but not shock. Is there something i didnt do right?

This is the sight i used "www.geocities.com.nyud.net:8090/physicsthings/microrailgu.htm"[/URL]

I probably should mention that i did not have the negative wires separated like the guy said because i thought that was stupid and i would just wait until tomorrow to get a switch.

Also this might be helpful the capicitor I am using on the charging mechanism is 100uF and 330wv.
 
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Ok so I got a spark with one capacitor which was the photo flash one that was already on my charging board. My question now is should i just get three more of these same caps or could i use a 250v 470uF capacitor with three smaller 6.3v 3300uF capacitors, or is that just setting myself up for death?
 
My personal opinion here is that if you don't know exactly what you're doing, stay the hell away from it. It's the equivalent of someone with no knowledge of chemistry trying to make nitroglycerin in his bathtub. Considering that the thing can't even develop enough force to put a piece of pencil lead through a sheet of paper, but can deliver a lethal shock, it's not worth the risk to your personal well-being.
 
ok well they are all discharged i made sure of that i was just making sure of which ones to use, i know how to discharge them and wire them in a series, ill just go buy a few from a camera...
 
Rach3 said:
helo i allso won't too no were i kan git som off thes bigg capociters don't werry tho i no i kan us thom sefly ime verry smort


Is this an attempt at humor? becasue if it is it completely failed.:redface:
 
well its apparent i will get NO help so...


/thread
 

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