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Motion Detecting Confetti Bomb

Motion Detecting Confetti Bomb

In this Instructable, I’ll show you how to make a cheap motion detecting confetti popper using a mousetrap and an air freshener.

Parts list:

Confetti Party Poppers – these are almost always available around New Years or the 4th of July. But if you can’t find them, you can order them here: http://www.amazon.com/OTC-Champagne-Poppers-Dozen/dp/B0008F6O84/
Mouse Trap – Available at most grocery/hardware stores.
Glade Sense And Spray Air Freshener – Available at most grocery stores .You can also buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Glade-Sense-Spray-Motion-Sensor-Clean/dp/B001V53R4E/
L-Bracket – You can find these at most hardware stores also.
Twine
Binder Clip
Small S-hook

Various Hardware Tools – Drill, Nuts, Bolts, Screwdriver, whatever you deem necessary to make this build easier.

The Concept:

The key to making this project work is the Glade Sense And Spray Air Freshener. It has a motion detector that triggers a plastic arm to move up and down. Basically we will be using this to trigger the mouse trap and pull the string of the party popper.

DISCLAIMER:

Read the warnings on the party poppers, as they should not be pointed at the face. Also, you’ll be working with a mouse trap, so expect to catch your fingers at least once.


 
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Step 1Modding the Air Freshner

Modding the Air Freshner
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  • 03_sprayer.jpg
  • 04_remove_lid.jpg
  • 05_twine.jpg
Take the cover off of the Air Freshener and remove the batteries (but make sure it works first). Drill a hole through the top of the plastic arm large enough to thread your twine through. Make sure that the twine is running downwards towards the battery. You want to run it this direction because the arm will have more pull on it this way.
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6 comments
May 8, 2011. 5:18 PMboid3 says:
You should just attach the string to the door so when someone walks in, it will be pulled
Feb 19, 2012. 1:34 PMRenhard says:
too simple i believe
Apr 28, 2011. 8:17 PMpyro1234567890 says:
Really cool but not very discrete.
Apr 7, 2011. 6:29 PMaleceatsfood says:
=D Great job winning first place for the April Fools contest! I knew that it was going to win! Awesome! =D
Apr 1, 2011. 9:13 AMiminthebathroom says:
love the simplicity, and ease of available items to complete the project
Mar 30, 2011. 1:40 PMaleceatsfood says:
WOW that's really awesome! Good use of household items! 5* + favorited+ subbed!!!

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Author:gigafide