19 replies to this topic

[RCT2123]

I need a resettable launch that is able to propel a train up to seven feet high. Any ideas?...

-Rct2123:cool:

[MP thrill rides]

Is this for a coaster you are making? Or someone else? You could just use a automatic drill launch or something.

[RCT2123]

It's for a coaster. I don't really think a drill would be strong enough. First lets worry about getting the train seven feet high using a Jesper like launch. What I mean by Jesper like is something that uses a chain, or something along those lines, to launch the train...

-Rct2123:cool:

[CoasterBuilder]

By resettable, I assume you mean an automatic launch, right?

In that case, a drill launch would be the way to go. It would be difficult to get to 7 feet though, so maybe a more powerful motor could be used.

The problem with using Jesper's launch in this case would be resetting the rubber bands. From my past experiments, the amount of torque needed to pull back a rubber band is too great for Knex motors, requiring a heavily down-geared drill at the very least. You would have better luck with surgical tubing if you want it to reset.

No need to consider a weight-drop launch. I used up to 16 pounds dropped from 6 feet and couldn't get a launch higher than 4 greys. It was just too inefficient.

[MP thrill rides]

I actully don't like chain, it breaks to much. Anyone have something else that could replace it? Or, is there some way to make the chain not break?

[da master826]

Linear Induction Motor?
Pressurized Hydrogen released to spin a turbine attached to a cord attached to the car?
Using the positive and negative sides of a magnet to create extreme movement?

[LukeIsLuke]

^^ There's no reason we can't figure a way to make a new chain. That would be fun to do.

^The first would have too many problems.
Second option -- why hydrogen, one of the most flammable gases known? You could just used compressed air to get the same result. In fact, hydrogen may be one of the worst choices compressed, it's the lightest element.
The 3rd option you said was an LSM launch.
These are used on anything from Maglev trains, or various coasters.

The problem with these is that such specific measurements, a great understanding of calculus, and an amazing mechanical mind to put the whole thing together are needed.

Say, if you even wanted to put a few people on the trains, the whole project could come to a halt.

EDIT:
Possibly, with the use of transistors, diodes, and all the calculations you need you can make this off the shelf, but never with just K'nex pieces and magnets and K'nex motors. Electricity is needed, simple as that. This won't be done by any group of teens anytime soon.

[the_burrito_master]

I'm gonna be doing this with Mr. Freeze so when I post a tut for a cable launch it will also re set automatically I think I can do it I have a pretty good idea how.

[da master826]

Second option -- why hydrogen, one of the most flammable gases known? You could just used compressed air to get the same result. In fact, hydrogen may be one of the worst choices compressed, it's the lightest element.

As far as I can remember that's how TTD and KingDa Ka work.

I think the calculations could be done to make a LSM launch work.

[LukeIsLuke]

^Have you taken calculus 1 or 2? Do you have a precise scale? What about a degree in electrical engineering. If this were simple, you'd see these all around.

What we need to do if find a way to take stored energy, and release it efficiently. Stored energy is anything from picking up a book, or pulling back a rubber band.

Or we could be creative, and find a way to reset a normal rubber band launch.

[RCT2123]

Realism would be best. So a chain or a catch car would be what I want to use...

-Rct2123:cool:

[MP thrill rides]

I hate rubberbands. Chain (or something like chain) would work best. Why not hook a drill up to a power strip then get a Lego mindstorms motor, make a devise so when the Lego motor turns on it flips the power strip on, thus turning the drill on. You can program the Lego motor to turn on and off whenever you want.

[RCT2123]

Once again I am not worried about it being resettable right now. I need the train to get to 7ft with a realistic launch...

Comment on that please...

-Rct2123:cool:

[knexems]

Do you guys remember that launch S33S used on Stealth? That look pretty strong and I think he said it was resettable. Maybe you could contact him.

[da master826]

^But then we would have to give the opposing company credit. Which I don't think we want to do.

[LukeIsLuke]

Launched roller coaster - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Like I said, a launch with compressed air(pneumatics) or hydraulics sound the best.

[RCT2123]

Well can you guys help me figure something out?...

Really your giving me nothing here. I need sketches, and detailed explanations. We also are not going to discuss this with Steelway. They are the opposing company remember?...

-Rct2123:cool:

[da master826]

^Here:

The compressed air is released and turns the paddle wheel which turns the rod that turns the gear that turns the gear that turns the rod that turns the set of gears that pulls the chain which launches the car.

[LukeIsLuke]

Thats one way, or here is one that is like a gas engine, we need to decide which one would be more effective and efficient now.

[RCT2123]

^I don't really get what your trying to show me. Can I get a more elaborate explanation?...

^^That isn't a bad idea, I wonder if it would produce enough power though. I would need extremely efficient parts to make it work. Also I would need an air compressor. Compressor and such would be easy, but I would need to super compress it, and release it extremely fast...

I am definitely willing to put some money into this...

-Rct2123:cool: