Paintball Cannon Info Compressed Air Cannons:

All current cannons are primarily constructed of schedule 40 PVC pipe. PVC pipe has various pressure rating thresholds depending on pipe size, but nominally have a working pressure rating about 230 psi for 1.5" pipe. Air pressure chambers for the compressed air cannons use this pvc pipe. It is suggested that air pressure is limited to only 100 psi in the compressed air cannons. This leaves plenty of room for error and safety

The compressed air can be pumped into the air chamber through the schrader valve (tire valve). I have found that 100psi is the optimum pressure to have with a 2" PVC barrel and air chamber of 3 foot lengths. The best ratio to have for the barrel/chamber length is 1 to 1. This will provide adequate air to propel the contents in the barrel.

All PVC parts must be glued together using PVC glue. All threaded pipe connectors must use Teflon plumbers tape (and lots of it) The hardest part in the construction is making an airtight pressure chamber. If the chamber is not air tight, then the pressure will slowly leak out and leave you with a "dud" when you need it most - on the paintball field! The best procedure is to put it all together and pressurize it, then check for leaks with a soap and water solution (a spray bottle works best).

Many different lengths and sizes of PVC can be used. I have experimented with several and have had mixed results. Generally, the longer the barrel, the more accurate the gun. You can make this according to the expected use of your gun. If you plan to use it as a defensive weapon (i.e.: defending the flag) then a larger model may be in order. For offensive maneuvers, shorter, less bulky cannons are needed.

CO2 Cannons:

CO2 cannons are somewhat different in construction than the compressed air models. CO2 is much higher pressure than the compressed air. The PVC air tanks can not be used on CO2 cannons due to the danger of exploding the tank. Therefore, a steel pipe fitting system is utilized to contain the propellant for the cannon. The barrel and valve is the same for the CO2 cannons as they are for the compressed air cannons.

CO2 is either supplied using a 12 gram quick change adapter or an ASA adapter that will allow the attachment of a constant air bottle or remote setup. The CO2 cannons are a favorite for paintball game use. The compressed cannons are more suited for recreational use.

Packing Wads:

A packing wad is a device placed in the barrel of a cannon before the ammo/load is put in. The purpose of the packing wad is to create a tight seal between the load and the force of air pushing the load out of the barrel. If a packing wad is not used, much air will escape the barrel without pushing out the contents first. This also depends on the load. If you fire bunch of paintballs out of your cannon with out a packing wad, the small gaps between the paintballs will leave a path for gas to escape through, lowering your range and cannons effectiveness. Packing wads can be made from many heap items laying around your house. The most effective is the plastic cup packing wads, but they are a pain to make and carry, and you will only get a few uses out of them before they blow apart. Other ideas for packing wads are:

	paper towels
	plastic bags
	foam plugs
	Styrofoam

Each type of packing wad has its advantages. You may want to try them all to see which ones you like best.

Cannon ammo:

Although Alternative Paintball only suggest you use your paintball cannon to fire paintballs on a legal paintball field that allows their use, other items can safely be used. Depending on cannon size, you may be able to fire between 20 to 50 paintballs or more from your cannon in one shot. Other ammo loads include, but are not limited to:

	water balloons (filled with paint or just water)
	water balloons (filled with powder or chalk dust (makes a big "puff" when it hits the target)
	water by itself
	toilet paper
	streamers
	confetti
	Nerf balls
	hacky sacks
	pvc "missiles"

Obviously, some of the items which are able to be fired from a large bore cannon are not suited to be used against person or property. Serious damage or injury can and will result if used improperly. Use your head!

Loading your cannons:

Before you load your cannon, be sure that no pressure is in the holding tank/expansion chamber. Place a packing wad in the barrel, then your "ammo", then another packing wad to hold the contents in the barrel. Once the cannon is loaded, then you may begin to pressurize the cannon. Make sure the valve is closed and point the barrel away from person or property. Fill the air tank or pressurize your co2 chamber.

Firing your cannon:

Once your cannon is loaded and pressurized, it is ready to use and dangerous. Extreme care must be taken while carrying it in this manner. If the valve handle is opened even slightly, the pressure will fire the cannon. Even leaning it up against a try may set it of if the valve moves. Observe all paintball gun safety rules. Wear your goggles. Carefully aim your cannon and with one quick FAST stroke, open the valve. Best results are if you use the palm of your hand and push it quickly. The faster you open the valve, the better range you will be.

Canon celebrates production of 10,000 digital radiography systems

TOKYO, September 2, 2009—Canon Inc. today announced the achievement of a medical equipment manufacturing milestone as cumulative production of the company's CXDI digital radiography systems surpassed the 10,000-unit mark. The accomplishment was reached over a period of ten years and nine months, beginning with the launch of the CXDI-11 in December 1998.

Canon began research and development on X-ray imaging sensors in 1993, leading to the introduction in December 1998 of the world's first digital radiography system, the CXDI-11, equipped with Canon's proprietary LANMIT (Large Area New MIS Sensor and TFT) flat-panel detector. In addition to making possible the confirmation of an on-screen preview image in approximately three seconds following exposure, the CXDI-11 also enabled the transmission of examination orders and the sharing of image data over intra-hospital networks. The system created a stir in the industry with its range of groundbreaking features not found in conventional radiography systems.

Canon went on to build a comprehensive DR system product lineup with the introduction of such models as the Bucky-type CXDI-22, launched in September 2000; the CXDI-31, the world's first portable DR system, released in September 2001; the portable CXDI-50G launched in December 2003, featuring a large imaging area; and the CXDI-40C, also launched in December 2003, equipped with a Cesium Iodide (CsI) scintillator that delivers high sensitivity while reducing X-ray exposure for the patient.

Canon's CXDI series of DR systems have been lauded by members of the medical community and research institutions for their rapid-display capability, high image quality, and high reliability. Accordingly, the systems have been installed at countless medical and healthcare facilities worldwide. In 2005, the company's large-area sensor for real-time digital X-ray imaging was awarded Japan's prestigious Imperial Invention Prize, the highest honor of the National Commendation for Invention.

Additionally, the CXDI-50G and other Canon compact, lightweight DR systems, which offer outstanding portability, have proven invaluable in such areas as home healthcare and disaster relief missions. The CXDI-50G was used after the earthquake that struck central China's Sichuan Province in 2008 in the examination of a survivor rescued after 139 hours buried under rubble. These compact systems have also contributed to an expanded range of applications for digital radiography in fields outside of conventional medicine, including the examination of animals, such as the checking of leg injuries on racing horses, and the inspection of artifacts and other remains at archaeological excavation sites.

Canon is now working on the development of a new portable flat-panel DR system capable of both viewing dynamic and capturing static X-ray images with plans to enter the medical fluoroscopic device market.

Taking advantage of its proprietary sensor and imaging technologies, Canon aims to realize further market expansion by maximizing the performance of DR systems that combine dynamic-image viewing and static-image capture, while also enhancing the company's overall DR system lineup. Additionally, through the promotion of filmless X-ray procedures at healthcare facilities and provision of strong support for monitor diagnosis, the company intends to contribute to improved diagnostic accuracy and more efficient examination procedures.

The Road to 10,000 DR Systems

Year Activity/Achievement 1993 Research and development efforts for X-ray imaging sensors begins 1998 The CXDI-11, the world's first digital radiography system, is introduced First Canon DR system is installed at a hospital in Dortmund, Germany 1999 CXDI-11 is recognized in Japan with a Good Design Award in the Social Use Product category 2000 The CXDI-22 DR Bucky sensor unit system is introduced 2001 The CXDI-31, the world's first compact, portable DR system, is introduced 2003 The portable CXDI-50G, with a large imaging area and lightweight design, is introduced The highly sensitive general-system CXDI-40C is introduced 2005 The CXDI-50G is recognized in the United States with an IDEA (Industrial Design Excellence Awards) Silver Award in the Medical & Scientific Equipment category Canon's large-area sensor for real-time digital X-ray imaging is awarded the Imperial Invention Prize in Japan, the highest honor of the National Commendation for Invention 2008 Canon supports relief efforts following the Sichuan earthquake in China with the donation of a CXDI-50G DR system to the Mianyang City Central Hospital in Sichuan Province The compact, portable CXDI-60G is introduced Canon announces plans to enter the medical fluoroscopic device market 2009 The portable, large-image-area CXDI-55G/55C DR systems, with a thickness of 15 mm and weighing 3.4 kg, is introduced The compact, high-sensitivity CXDI-60C is introduced

CXDI-11 CXDI-50G Usage example (Portable-type large-area sensor)

Cumulative Production

* 2009 figures as of end of August

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Canon products receive prestigious EISA awards in Europe

TOKYO, August 20, 2009—The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA), composed of 50 special interests magazines from 19 countries focusing on photography, A/V products, home theaters, and mobile devices, has recognized three Canon products with prestigious "Best Product" awards: the Canon EOS 5D Mark II as European Advanced Camera 2009-2010; the Canon EOS 500D (EOS Rebel T1i in other regions) as European SLR Camera 2009-2010; and the Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II as European Photo Printer 2009-2010.

EISA awards are presented to products released in Europe within the past 12 months and deemed representative of their product category by a judging panel composed of editors of EISA-affiliated magazines specializing in that respective product division.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II: European Advanced Camera 2009-2010

The EISA Photo Panel described the EOS 5D Mark II as a "worthy successor of the EOS 5D," praising Canon's achievement in increasing the pixel count of the model's 35mm CMOS sensor to 21.1 megapixels while delivering lower noise levels than its predecessor. The jury also lauded the model's dust and moisture protection, Live View shooting, sensor cleaning, and full High Definition recording capabilities.

Canon EOS 500D: European SLR Camera 2009-2010

The EOS 500D, which incorporates a Live View recording function and high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor, realizes high-quality images and low noise even in dark environments. The jury speculated that the 500D's high-quality High Definition video mode may be enough to inspire some users to pursue amateur film-making as a hobby.

Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II: European Photo Printer 2009-2010

The PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II combines "accuracy, speed, and convenience" to produce prints with a high level of detail and quality using ink droplets as small as 2 picoliters. Judges highlighted the Pro9000 Mark II's ability to print RAW files directly from Canon's DPP RAW conversion software package.

In addition to the European Advanced Camera Award, the EOS 5D Mark II has also been declared Best Digital SLR Expert Camera 2009 by the European Technical Image Press Association and Grand Prix Camera of the Year at the Camera Grand Prix 2009 in Japan, receiving a total of three authoritative awards in the camera industry.

New Canon Hybrid IS world's first image stabilizer to compensate for two types of camera shake

TOKYO, July 22, 2009—Canon Inc. announced today the development of Hybrid Image Stabilizer (IS), the world's first^* optical image stabilization technology that compensates for both angle camera shake and shift camera shake. The technology will be featured in interchangeable single lens reflex (SLR) camera lens planned for commercial release before the end of 2009.

Several different preventative methods and corrective procedures have been introduced to compensate for errors caused by camera shake, which occurs when a camera moves while its shutter is open and its image sensor is exposed to light.

Canon began researching methods to compensate for camera shake in the 1980s, and in 1995 launched the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, the world's first interchangeable SLR camera lens to feature a mechanism that compensates for optical camera shake. Since then, the company has continued to produce a variety of interchangeable lenses with image stabilization capabilities, and boasts a total of 21 such lenses in its current product lineup.

Canon's newly developed Hybrid IS technology optimally compensates for angle and shift camera shake. Sudden changes in camera angle can significantly alter images taken during standard shooting, whereas shift-based shaking, which occurs when a camera moves parallel to the imaging scene, is more pronounced in macro photography and other close-range shooting.

The new Hybrid IS technology incorporates an angular velocity sensor that detects the extent of angle-based shaking and is found in all previous optical image stabilizer mechanisms, as well as a new acceleration sensor that determines the amount of shift-based camera shake. Hybrid IS also employs a newly developed algorithm that synthesizes information from the two sensors to make optimal adjustments, thereby dramatically enhancing the effects of image stabilization during shooting, including macro shooting, which had proven difficult for conventional image stabilization technologies.

Canon is actively engaged in ongoing research and development of interchangeable SLR camera lenses incorporating Hybrid IS technology, and is aiming for the early commercialization and inclusion of the lenses in a wide range of products.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II awarded top honors in Japan's premier photo industry awards

TOKYO, May 15, 2009—Canon Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. today announced that the Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera, equipped with a 21.1-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor and capable of recording full HD video, has been named "Camera of the Year" in the Camera Grand Prix 2009.

The Camera Grand Prix, the most prestigious award in Japan's photo industry, is sponsored by the Camera Journal Press Club Japan (CJPC), comprising thirteen photography and camera publications (as of May 2009). The Camera Grand Prix selection committee is made up of chief editors of CJPC member publications, academic experts, technical writers, professional photographers, and representatives from photo-related organizations. The coveted Camera of the Year 2009 was awarded to the most impressive camera released in Japan between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009.

The Camera Grand Prix, founded in 1984, marks its 26th anniversary this year. The 2009 Camera of the Year award marks the eighth time that a Canon camera has earned top honors at the Camera Grand Prix, and the first since the top prize went to the EOS-1Ds, the industry's first professional-model digital SLR camera to feature a 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor.

This year's title-winning EOS 5D Mark II was recognized for its range of high-performance features, including a newly developed full-size 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, the next-generation DIGIC 4 image processor and a sophisticated Live View function, along with its advanced image quality and ease of use. Additionally, the model earned high marks as the world's first SLR camera to enable the recording of full HD video as well as for its outstanding cost performance.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II was also recently named "Best Digital SLR Expert in 2009" in Europe by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), representing 29 photography and imaging magazines across 13 European countries.

Canon Inc. Five Canon products win prestigious Technical Image Press Association awards

TOKYO, May 1, 2009—A total of five Canon products have been recognized with "Best Product 2009" awards by the prestigious Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), representing 29 photography and imaging magazines across 13 European countries. The award-winning products are: the EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera, the PowerShot G10 compact digital camera, the TS-E17mm f/4L tilt-shift SLR camera lens, the PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II inkjet printer, and the LEGRIA HF S10 HD video camcorder.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera earned "Best Digital SLR Expert in 2009" honors. TIPA's panel judges described the 21.1-megapixel EOS 5D Mark II, the first EOS-series SLR with full High Definition (HD) video capability that offers an expanded sensitivity setting from 50 up to 25,600 ISO, saying: "Fast, reliable and discreet, this 'expert' D-SLR challenges ... the best pro models." The EOS 5D Mark II incorporates a new and improved CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor for high-quality imaging performance.

Canon's 14.7-megapixel PowerShot G10, the flagship model in the company's PowerShot compact digital camera line-up and the first G-series camera to offer wide-angle imaging via a 5x zoom lens with an optical Image Stabilizer, was declared "Best Expert Compact in 2009" by TIPA judges, who praised its structure and stability. Other features that stood out to the panel include the model's multi-faceted manual shooting mode and ability to support RAW data.

The TS-E17mm f/4L, which earned the "Best Professional Lens in 2009" award, features the widest view angle of any tilt-shift lens for 35mm SLR cameras on the market, as well as Subwavelength Structure Coating to minimize ghosting and flare. Judges deemed the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L "the professional choice for architectural or landscape photography."

The TIPA panel named the PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II (PIXUS Pro9500 Mark II in Japan) "Best Expert Photo Printer in 2009" for its 10-color pigment single ink system, which "allows photographers to print on gloss and matte media with exceptional color accuracy and gamut" without swapping ink tanks. The judges also praised the Pro9500 Mark II's 16-bit per channel print capability for its "exceptionally smooth tonal gradations in both color and monochrome photo prints."

The judges crowned the LEGRIA HF S10 (iVIS HF S10 in Japan and VIXIA HF S10 in the United States) the "Best Expert HD Camcorder in 2009," noting that the model "fuses professional-level imaging with the advantages of Dual Flash Memory" and combines an 8.0-megapixel full HD CMOS sensor, Canon HD Video Lens with 10x optical zoom, and DIGIC DV III processor to record video with "exceptional quality."

Winners of TIPA's European Photo & Imaging Awards are selected annually from among the photo and imaging products announced in Europe during the previous 12 months. Canon products have been recognized for excellence with multiple awards spanning both input and output devices. An awards ceremony for the 2009 winners will be held on June 10 at the Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg in Cologne, Germany.

EOS 5D Mark II		PowerShot G10
TS-E17mm f/4L		PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II
LEGRIA HF S10