Why Won't My Coilgun Charge? Troubleshooting Tips for Aspiring Physicists

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  • Thread starter Thread starter KevinMcGovern
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on troubleshooting issues with a Coilgun project undertaken by a Grade 11 student. The student is using 20 330V 120uF capacitors from disposable camera flash circuits connected in parallel but is experiencing charging failures with various power sources, including 1.5V, 9V, and a 12V car battery. Key problems identified include the use of non-conductive 22-gauge copper wire and the absence of proper resistors, which may have led to circuit damage. The student has begun experimenting with household wire and has successfully created an electromagnet with lower voltage batteries.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical circuits and components
  • Familiarity with capacitor specifications, particularly 330V 120uF
  • Knowledge of electromagnetism principles
  • Experience with soldering techniques for electrical connections
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of resistors in capacitor charging circuits
  • Learn about safe handling and discharge methods for high-voltage capacitors
  • Explore alternative wire types for improved conductivity in Coilgun applications
  • Investigate the design and functionality of Coilgun circuits for optimal performance
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Aspiring physicists, electronics hobbyists, and students engaged in DIY projects involving electromagnetism and capacitor-based devices.

KevinMcGovern
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Hello, I am a Grade 11 student and for a Physics project I am constructing a Coilgun. I've done quite a bit of research into actually building the Coilgun, but when it came time to charge it, it refuses to charge. I've used, 1.5V, 9V, a 12V Car Battery, and none of them will charge the capacitors. I have 20 330V 120uF Capacitors from disposable camera flash circuits, and they're all connected in parallel. I've also tried just hooking the battery directly to the coil, but it won't move the projectile, which is a ball bearing. I'm using 22-Gauge Copper Wire.

I've attached a picture of it set up outside. I could really use a solution because I'm at a loss as to why the current will not flow through any part of it.

EDIT: For the record, normally the two wires coming off of the coil aren't touching, I just decided to try everything that people said not to do to see if electricity was affecting it at all.
 

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I'm wondering if you didn't fry the circuit somewhere by using a car battery.
Did you incorporate proper resistors to keep this from happening?
 
I have 2 camera circuits. I tried them both with the 1.5V first, and eventually sacrificed one for science. It popped as soon as I connected the 12V, but I still have 1 good one.
 
I discovered that my wire does not conduct electricity at all. I have no idea why, but I tried different wires hooked up to a motor and it ran, but the wire I used for the capacitors and coil didn't. So I'm trying out household wire, because I have tons and it worked. Plus it's already insulated.
 
OK, sounds like your moving in the right direction with the materials you have available.
Keep us informed!

PS... while you doing all this please keep safety foremost in mind :)
 
Will do!

I wear Rubber Gloves anytime I'm doing anything with the capacitors. It's clumsy, but it works.

I just recoiled the tube with the new wire and hooked 1.5V and 9V batteries to it and it is creating an electromagnet, so now it's just a matter of resoldering all of the capacitors tomorrow. *sigh* I'll post the results.
 
hey is it possible if you can help me set up a coil gun
 

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