DIY manual launcher to remote launcher project question

[10Sam29]

I am in the progress of a DIY project making my manual launchers to remote launchers. I have followed the directions involving the use of two walkie talkies and a vehicle actuator. In fact, I found the directions posted on the internet from GDF. At this point, I cannot determine why the walkie talkies are not providing the sufficient voltage to throw the activation switch. When I connect the battery directly to the system, the unit works.

I know that I'm losing, or do not have sufficient voltage between the walkie talkies. Has anyone had this problem, and if so, what did you do to correct it?

Thanks for any help.

10sam29

[Big bloc]

Can you post the print?

[SwitchGrassWPG]

The system does require it's own power source to actuate the solenoid. The walkie talkie only sends a trigger signal to the component that actuates the solenoid.

There is a better solution to using walkie talkies. Send me a PM with your email address and I'll send you the info.

Jay

[aulrich]

How committed are you to keeping the walkie talkie arrangement, there are remote sender receiver sets that are dirt cheap, mine is power by a 1.2amp/hr sealed lead acid.

These electronics make it much easier

http://www.dinodirect.com/wireless-4cha ... ntrol.html

A side benefit of these remote/receiver sets is that I have one of my launchers wired so I can control a remote backer boards as well.

[10Sam29]

Thanks for the responses. I'm waiting for Jay's plans to arrive. It's getting pretty frustrating because I know I'm one simple part away from completing this project. I kinda figured since the directions are vintage 2005 GDF, they have been improved upon by guys with dogs.

Chris

[hi-tailyn]

I was sorting through the parts list and what I needed to make one myself. If you find a system that works. Please post and share.

[Sean]

These are the parts I used:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12v-2-channels- ... 0544929880

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Pcs-New-8-AA- ... 0900537293

(add in the ebay dot com here. . . .apparently you can only add 2 links per post)/itm/Qty-2-Universal-12-Volt-Power-Door-Lock-Actuator-Motor-/300909960770

You would probably have better distance with the Walkie-Talkie set-up. It sounds like you need a battery pack and a simple relay.

[skyehunter]

I had the same "Trigger Signal" issue on my early setup of my DIY Launchers. I tested a few Walkie-Talkie's and found that the signal must have been longer on different brands and some worked / others did not. I went with the wireless remote (key fob) idea on later revision of my projects. Good luck...

[mister2]

I followed the same instructions for the DIY remote launcher. Not much I can add to help you troubleshoot your issue since I pretty much used the exact same components listed in the project. However I did have an issue with cheapie walkie-talkies that I purchased from radio shack (small blue ones). For some reason they were sending signals periodically that would activate the trigger and I had birds launching as I was walking back to get my dog. I fixed that by replacing the walkie talkies with old ones that were retired.

Fwiw I converted 2 manual launchers for about $130 total including the launchers. One Scott's and the other I don't know the brand. I still have 2 manual launchers which I do not use if someone would like to have them they're yours. FREE. I also have some 9v rechargeable battery packs you could have too however they do not come with the connector and charger. Let me know.

[skyehunter]

I will claim those launchers for a buddy of mine if not spoken for... assuming first come first serve, he is driving and asked me to claim them for him. He will send a PM, name is azquailhntr, we were going to build him some from scratch, but this would be a much better option.

[azquailhntr]

PM sent...thanks!

[10Sam29]

Hey SwitchgrassWPG.....PM sent.

[mister2]

Skye or azquail they're all yours. Pm me you address and I can ship them to you. Do you want the 9.6v rechargeable battery packs also?

[azquailhntr]

Sorry....road trip just ended...address sent via PM. Thanks!

[azquailhntr]

Mister2...did you get my PM?