Survival Research Labs: Machines: Pitching Machine

Pitching Machine Work In Progress


Arguably the most dangerous machine ever fabricated at SRL. Going by the inoccuous title of the Pitching Machine, this device launches 6 foot 2"x4"s at a velocity of 120 m.p.h.. This provides a calculated range of 800 ft. It is equipped with an automatic loading system holding 20 boards and is powered by a 500 cubic inch El Dorado engine.

One of the machines with a corresponding web interface coded by Karen Marcelo. Read about the development here.

A successful test of the Pitching machine was recently conducted in the SRL yard. The target was a .125 inch thick (one eight inch or 3.18 mm) steel plate 9 by 12 feet wide. 2 by 4 boards 6 ft in length were used. 10 ft boards were also fired, as were groups of 2 foot boards. Complete penetration of the plate occurred at board speeds of 110 mph in 6 foot boards. Boards also exhibited a tendency to explode into splinters above 100 mph. Accuracy and repeatability was excellent. Testing of the autoloader mechanism, (capable of firing two 6 foot boards a second), and the remote control systems (both radio and internet), will occur soon.

Pitching Machine Testing 10.03.1999:

Click on thumbnails to get bigger view of image
Footage and images by Mark Pauline

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Video of test runReal Player [56k]

Video of test runReal Player [DSL]

Footage of old engine destruction and test of improved Pitching Machine

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Pitching Machine In the Making

3D Model of Pitching Machine (VRML)

You will need a VRML browser to view this. Most users of Windows MS IE 5 will be prompted to install Worldview 2.1 when a VRML file is accessed. For users of other Windows browsers, the following installers are available below: Alternatively check the Official Web3D Consortium website for downloads of other VRML browsers such as Blaxxun or Cortona or maybe even Mac VRML browsers!

Once youve installed a VRML browser you may view the 3D Pitching Machine.

Many thanks to John Klima for modelling the Pitching Machine and converting to VRML

Search SRL site for more information on the Pitching Machine



SRL