Mortar specs...help requested.

I have an external compressed air tank (paintball tanks) filled to 60-80psi.
I need to release a set amount of the air on command, how would I do that?

Im thinking an electronic sprinkler valve?

This is for my new mortar design...I just need a little help.

well......i would use a solenoid valve.....its electric and opens in an instant..and probably much beefier than your dainty little sprinkler valve

or a good ol fashion pressure release

Ok so a few more questions:

-Whats a good solenoid valve that I buy for my needs? (not expensive)

-Is there a way to just have the connection go straight from the air tank to the mortar barrel and bypass the need for a valve all together? How could I fire it then?

-Bipod. Are there any surplus mortar bipods or specs for making one that you can find? I can't find anything.

well, you could go potato gun..... but ya would need some PVC hair spray and a lighter
might that work?

Problems with potato guns:
-Pyro (Flame or explosive of any kind is banned)
-Its not precise enough. Fuel-air mixtures are easily scewwed.
-Dangerous. I know too many people missing fingers because of potato guns.
-Need frequent cleaning for accuracy.

So no, it wont work. Not for me or most other mil-sim operators.

ok..... then you'd need some serious technology, so lets see.....
there are 3 parts
barrel
valve
tank(s)
so you would need pressure rated PVC or metal to keep a pressure safely.
then you need a good ol valve
solenoid don; come cheap. I tried a regular any ol valve no go on that
so then the barrel...... do I really need to tell you?
so if ya get the valve its easy from there. AND GET PLENTY OF TANKS

Well ya...thats my question:

What are some good/inexpensive solenoid valves?

I don't need anything too advanced since im only dealing with a maximum of 80 psi.

well, thats the prob. the best is $109

do you have a link for it?

FOUND A CHEAPER ONE
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/2A196

don't think that ones gunna work for me...I think I'll just go down to Home Depot and talk with someone there about it.

or you could try a butterfly valve. its manual and you throw a lever and it opens.

Ya but not as fast a soleniod is instantly open so you a cosistant air speed some times you may left it out slowly some times faster. But a solenoid same ammount of gas same time every time. Hooyah.

quick and easy way for mortar, get a pvc pipe that just fits a 40mm gernade shell in it, then measure where and put a nails though a cap on the bottom of the pipe, just far enough that it fires, then all you gotta do get shells and make it look and functional with the stand thats attatched, also paint.

check sites like the halloween monster list and click on air cannons. most use solenoids off of washing machines. Don't know about connecting to paintball tanks though.

here is my suggestion: Nitrous purge kit. Should come with a solenoid, switch, a braided hose that'll take your 80psi. and it should be simple to attach to your paintball co2 bottle. I did a quick search and found one for $60. The only issue I can think of would be getting the 12v charge to activate the solenoid.... never tried to hook one up to anything but car batt.

Well thank you guys a ton for the input.

I now have a base-design slated for construction once I finish my LAW over-shoulder launcher...and once I come across some extra ca$h...

Ended up going with a 3-part trial system:
-3ft/2in aluminum barrel
-2 in. ball valve
-Compression tank (thingy)

Compression tank in base of mortar is filled with air via paintball tank. Once 100psi is reached, ball valve will be manually fired, shooting off sabot round Yay sabot rounds!

So ya, I made a prototype and it's working pretty well. Basically, I just wanted to see if they general idea would work...so now Im going to upgrade to an electronic solenoid.

*Mods: Subject to lock? I feel I've gotten enough out of this thread for my needs.