Troubleshooting a Coil Gun Project Using a Disposable Camera Circuit

AI Thread Summary
The coil gun project is facing issues with the disposable camera circuit, specifically with the capacitor and solenoid connection. After charging the capacitor, there are either sparks or no response, indicating a potential circuit error. High-capacity capacitors charged to high voltages are essential for effective operation, as energy loss in the wires can hinder performance. Calculations suggest sufficient momentum for projectile launch, but the user acknowledges possible errors in either the calculations or circuit setup. Troubleshooting the circuit and re-evaluating the calculations are necessary steps to resolve the issues.
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I'm making a coil gun for a project, and ran into a few problems. I used a circuit from a disposable camera, which had a capacitor and charging circuit. I used two wires attached to the capacitor to connect the circuit to my solenoid.
However, after charging the capacitor, nothing seems to work. When I connect the wire from the solenoid to the one coming out of the circuit, I either get a spark, or nothing happens. I don't get any magnetic field, and my projectile doesn't launch. What could I have done wrong?
 
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Have you calculated how much momentum you expect the coil gun to deliver? You need extremely high-capacity capacitors charged to extremely high voltages to get any results, since most of the capacitor's energy is wasted in heating the wires rather than delivering kinetic energy to the projectile.
 
Thanks for the reply. My calculations are giving me enough momentum to shoot the projectile, but I must have either made an error there or on the circuit. I'll redo those. Thanks.
 
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