Devastator-III LAW Rocket

Dr Doom's Devastator-III Paintball LAW

This page describes the Devastator-III LRS (LAWS Rocket System). This is the next generation of my Devastator-II LRS. This terminology is specific to the game of paintball . This is essentially a spudgun or pneumatic air canon that has been specifically designed for paintball play against tanks and buildings in scenario games. I am the canonsmith aka Dr Doom of the paintball scenario game team Dead By Dawn.  You can reach me through my "E-Mail Dr. Doom" link at http://www.doomlabs.com or visit the roster, tech, or other galleries of http://www.dead-by-dawn.org

The primary design goals were 1) compactness - much more compact than the D-II, 2) breech loading, and 3) Self contained air system.

Compactness
Breech Loading
Self Contained Air

In addition, the compact design resulted in utilization of a corner air valve. This valve makes the design more compact, however, it also eliminates the use of a semi-conveniently located blow gun for firing (as in the Devastator-II). Experimentation with remoting the blow gun provided variable an unsatisfactory results (as does using the electric solenoid). But the desire remains to have a mid-air-tank pistol grip for firing while retaining the performance of the Devastator-II. This led to advanced pneumatics

Advanced Pneumatics.

Feature Design

Compactness
Breech Loading
Self Contained Air

The self contained air system consists of a LAPCO adjustable bottom line to hold a CO2 or Fibre 68 tank. This feeds a low pressure Stabilizer (get the low pressure model or the conversion kit) which feeds the air tank through a slide check quick disconnect. The low pressure stabilizer provides single stage regulation to the gun's working pressure of 80-150 PSI. Stabilizers are known for CO2 liquid blocking ability. Still, I will have to watch for pressure swings. And always use an over pressure relief valve!

Advanced Pneumatics.

In addition, the compact design resulted in utilization of a corner air valve. This valve makes the design more compact, however, it also eliminates the use of a semi-conveniently located blow gun for firing (as in the Devastator-II). Experimentation with remoting the blow gun provided variable an unsatisfactory results (as does using the electric solenoid). But the desire remains to have a mid-air-tank pistol grip for firing while retaining the performance of the Devastator-II. This led to advanced pneumatics.

We are currently using Humphrey SQE1 QEV to fire the sprinkler valve. This is controlled by a  HUMPHREY 3P or 4P TAC valve.

We do have to be a tad careful here, as the QEV, when input pressure is dropped, will fire. So we must try to ensure that the QEV doesn't fire if we are doing a "set to safety" operation - "putting the safety on" shouldn't fire the gun! This gets into subtle characteristics of pneumatics - so pay attention and don't take shortcuts. And try all combinations of your valves to be sure you're OK.

Spec sheets

This is a misc capture of specs sheets used on this. Right now I'm working with Humphrey because I stumbled across some of their product.
Humphrey TAC-TAC2-TAC3 Air valves - the 2P, 3P, 31P valves I'm toying around with.
Humphrey Super Quick Exhaust Valves - the SQE1 we're using. The QE5, a 3/4 NPT model, could be interesting sprinkler valve substitution!
Humphrey TAC Miniature Fittings
Note that Clippard has some mighty fine products, and I'll likely move to them due the the wider variety of available products. And, they make the entire line from valves, cylinders, fittings, hose. Look for more Clippard info here.
Clippard Valves
Clippard QEV Valves
Clippard Fittings
Clippard Hose