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

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  • Thread starter Thread starter KevinMcGovern
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    Charge Coilgun
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting issues with a Coilgun project, specifically focusing on problems related to charging capacitors and ensuring proper electrical connections. Participants share their experiences and suggestions regarding the construction and functionality of the Coilgun, which is a physics project for a Grade 11 student.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) reports that their Coilgun will not charge despite using various power sources, including a car battery and multiple capacitors connected in parallel.
  • One participant suggests that the OP may have damaged the circuit by using a car battery and questions whether proper resistors were used to prevent this.
  • The OP mentions that one of their camera circuits popped when connected to a 12V source, indicating potential issues with component tolerance.
  • Another participant notes that the wire initially used does not conduct electricity, leading the OP to experiment with different wires, including household wire, which worked for a motor.
  • The OP reports progress with new wire, stating that it creates an electromagnet when connected to lower voltage batteries, and plans to resolder the capacitors.
  • A later reply encourages the OP to prioritize safety while working with capacitors.
  • Another participant expresses a desire for assistance in setting up a Coilgun, indicating interest in the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific cause of the OP's issues, as multiple potential problems are identified, including component failure and wiring issues. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact solution to the OP's Coilgun charging problem.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the components used, the specific wiring configurations, and the electrical properties of the materials involved. The discussion does not clarify the necessary safety precautions or the correct use of resistors in the circuit.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and hobbyists interested in electronics, particularly those working on DIY projects involving capacitors and electromagnetism, may find this discussion relevant.

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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