Introduction: Proposed Bellagio Fountain DIY
So I am proposing this completely on theory that I have yet to test. I have looked for DIY replicas of the fountains in front of Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Most of what I found around the internet involved expensive equipment. I saw one person that estimated he spent $10,000.00 on top of approximately another untold thousands on parts he already had on hand. My proposal is a fairly inexpensive (poor mans) patio or garden pond display. I plan to attempt a build of this in the future. However if anyone has already done it / or does it before I do please comment on where to find your Instructable. I searched Instructables ahead of time and couldn't find anything.
Step 1: Planning
The first phase as always is the design phase. This is one you will do on your own. My design basically uses a premade pond liner in a raised box. Any variation would do as long as there is space underneath for your chosen air valves.
Step 2: Valve Design
Another way my proposed design varies from others that I have seen is that I plan on using air to launch the water, rather than a water pump. The design for my valve is my homemade version of a solenoid air valve. I plan to use Harbor Freight air guns, and solenoids either bought or harvested from other things. The solenoids will be controlled with an Ardiuno. I added the reservoir (cups on top of the blow guns) because I assume without them the air gun will launch nothing. When the Arduino sends a signal, the solenoid actuates pushing the air gun lever opening the valve. Theoretically the burst of air will push the water up and out.
Step 3: Valve Mounting
The reservoirs will protrude through holes in the bottom of the pond liner and be sealed to prevent leakage.
Step 4: What Now?
I hope to try this some day. I have so many projects I don't know when I will try it. Will you try it? Will you make a proper Instructable? It may be up to you to save this project. Comment, questions, suggestions, time savers, money savers all are welcomed and appreciated.