Construction Process

The Schematic Diagram has been included as a reference for the construction
process
Power supply construction
 Once the power supply circuit was designed, it had to be constructed. The first
step in construction was obtaining the necessary components, which included a
case to mount all the components inside. Once there were purchased, I began
assembly. The first step was to insert the transformers and capacitors into the
box. The 42 V transformer was able to be screwed down into the case, but the 2
capacitors and the 3V transformer had to be taped down with double sided tape.
A hole was drilled in the side for the power cord
The next step was to insert the power switch, the trigger switch, and neon
light into the lid of the box. Also added to the top of the box was a terminal strip,
which would be used to connect the coil to. A terminal strip consists of a piece of
plastic, with 4 connections in it. Each connection has 2 screws, allowing to wires
to be securely connect together.
*Note: In this image, the trigger switch is a pushbutton instead of the double pole,
double throw switch that will replace it.

After the large components were put in, they were wired together, and the trigger
circuit was assembled.
The final step in construction was to connect the wire from the SCR and
Capacitors to the terminal strip.

Coil Construction

In order to fire the projectile, a coil with numerous windings would have to be
created. A hole was drilled in the center a 5/8” dowel, and then 2 washers were
spaced 4 inches apart. The washers were to contain the coil, and also increase
the strength of the magnetic field, by focusing it. 75 feet of 14 gauge copper wire
was used to wind the coil. This thickness was chosen because it would allow a
sufficient amount of current to flow through it without heating up, or possibly
melting. Once the dowel was completed, I began to wind the wire around the coil.
After winding the wire around the dowel, I had created 9 layers of windings. The
coil was now complete.
To support the coil, a stand out of plywood was made.

The coil was then connected to the power supply, and was now ready for testing.
*Note: In order to measure the voltage in the capacitors, a wire that was not
controlled by the SCR was also connected to the terminal strip.