Make Your Own Coilgun

In this video I will show you how to turn on and off coils precisely in order to create a coilgun. In my case it is a pretty harmless "gun" that can accelerate ferromagnetic projectiles to safe speed levels through two coil stages. Let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

The video gives you a good overview of what is necessary to create your own coilgun. During the next steps I will present you some additional information.

Step 2: Order Your Parts!

Here you can find a parts list with example sellers for your convenience (affiliate links).

Aliexpress:

1x Enameled Copper Wire: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dXPwa6T

1x 5V 12A Power Supply: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYVprYT

1x Arduino Nano: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dULoNXh

1x Tactile Switch: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dXIIMcP

2x IRS2001 MOSFET driver IC: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d63WsSx

2x IRLZ44N: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dWhSrDl

2x 1N4004 Diode: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYR45Bh

2x CNY70 Optical Sensor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dVe1VdH

2x 10kΩ potentiometer: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dX83GAF

3x 10kΩ, 2x220Ω, 2x150Ω Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTPpXjt

1x 9V Battery Clip: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTDh7Ft

1x 9V Battery: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dSSP4J9

2x PCB Terminal: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dUrVe51

Ebay:

1x Enameled Copper Wire: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 5V 12A Power Supply: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Arduino Nano: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Tactile Switch: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x IRS2001 MOSFET driver IC: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x IRLZ44N: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x 1N4004 Diode: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x CNY70 Optical Sensor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x 10kΩ potentiometer: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

3x 10kΩ, 2x220Ω, 2x150Ω Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 9V Battery Clip: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 9V Battery: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x PCB Terminal: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Amazon.de:

1x Enameled Copper Wire: http://amzn.to/2bhgKh2

1x 5V 12A Power Supply: http://amzn.to/2brXdho

1x Arduino Nano: http://amzn.to/2b7b9vq

1x Tactile Switch: http://amzn.to/2aAtmB2

2x IRS2001 MOSFET driver IC: http://amzn.to/2brXZuE

2x IRLZ44N: http://amzn.to/2b7aMkj

2x 1N4004 Diode: http://amzn.to/2aTTuuf

2x CNY70 Optical Sensor: http://amzn.to/2aTTuKB

2x 10kΩ potentiometer: http://amzn.to/2brXbGh

3x 10kΩ, 2x220Ω, 2x150Ω Resistor: http://amzn.to/2aAsWdV

1x 9V Battery Clip: http://amzn.to/2aTTxWP

1x 9V Battery: http://amzn.to/2brXtNd

2x PCB Terminal: http://amzn.to/2aTTLNW

Step 3: Print Your "Gun"!

Here you can find and download the blueprints of my coilgun, the 3D model and the .stl file for your 3D Printer.

Step 4: Create the Circuit!

Here you can find the schematic of the circuit and reference pictures of my perfboard design.

Step 5: Upload the Code!

Here you can download the Arduino sketch/code that I created for this project. It works pretty well but feel free to fine tune the code to your likings.

Step 6: Success!

Awesome! You did it! You just created your own Coilgun!

Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects:

http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab

https://www.facebook.com/greatscottlab

Comments

[s11068822]

I have ordered parts for this projects could you send me diagrams and schematics of what goes where on the pcb board and coil I am not very techy. Send at [e-mail].

[M.MustafaÖ]

Hello circuit diagrams and coil ports if you took me you can throw me thank you
[e-mail]

[FutureM1]

I have ordered parts for this projects and I have a problem with knowing of what goes where on the pcb board and coil I am not very good with understanding schematic.

[richwt12]

Hi Scott, I recently got a task from my professor to build a coil gun. Naturally I look up your videos for inspiration/reference. In your build, you use 6v12A power supply. However since my coil gun has to be portable, do you have any suggestion on what battery should I be using?

[JopD1]

Why are some parts linked back to VCC, and some to V5? I dont really get the difference between the two.

[DylanT52]

is there anything i can use in place with for the driver? i can't find any in stock for a good price

[electronic_artist_]

hi, nice work.
y did u use a arduino nano?
i know how a coil gun works i had build one before. will u please tell me how your coil gun works.