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144 Dried Seed Timer
Dried Seed Timer by the Jolly Roger
A time delay device for electrical firing circuits can be made using
the principle of expansion of dried seeds.
Material Required:
-----------------
Dried peas, beans, or oter dehydrated seeds
Wide-mouth glass jar with non-metal cap
Two screws or bolts
Thin metal plate
Hand drill
Screwdriver
Procedure:
---------
1) Determine the rate of the rise of the dried seeds selected. This is
necessary to determine the delay time of the timer.
a) Place a sample of the dried seeds in the jar and cover with
water.
b) Measure the time it takes for the seeds to rise a given height.
Most dried seeds increase 50% in one to two hours.
2) Cut a disc from thin metal plate. Disc should fit loosely inside the
jar.
NOTE: If metal is painted, rusty, or otherwise coated, it must be scraped
or sanded to obtain a clean metal surface
3) Drill two holes in the cap of the jar about 2 inches apart. Diameter
of holes should be such that screws or bolts will thread tightly into
them. If the jar has a metal cap or no cap, a piece of wood or plastic
(NOT METAL) can be used as a cover.
4) Turn the two screws or bolts through the holes in the cap. Bolts
should extend about one in. (2 1/2 cm) into the jar.
IMPORTANT: Both bolts must extend the same distance below the container
cover.
5) Pour dried seeds into the container. The level will depend upon the
previously measured rise time and the desired delay.
6) Place the metal disc in the jar on top of the seeds.
How to use:
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1) Add just enough water to completely cover the seeds and place the cap
on the jar.
2) Attach connecting wires from the firing circuit to the two screws on
the cap.
Expansion of the seeds will raise the metal disc until it contacts the
screws and closes the circuit.
---------------------Jolly Roger
