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Electric Monorail Moving Target

A moving target is big fun to shoot and adds a bit of challenge and realism to action-shooting sports like IDPA.  This target is an all electric mover that runs on a steel monorail.  Two 12VDC motors drive the mover along the monorail, directed by a remote key fob.  The mover can be started by a key fob press, or a rope pull as needed.  The mover travels along the monorail until it moves over a small magnet attached to the monorail.  Detection of the magnet, turns off the motors, puts on the brakes and stops the mover quickly.  The mover can then be re-started in either direction from that point.  Once the target is shot and scored, a press of the key fob's reverse button, parks the mover back at the start.

The EMM is direct drive.  There are two motors, each driving a 3" diameter wheel.  The wheels run directly on the monorail, one on each side.  This simple drive train is very reliable, and gives the mover a good top speed.

The reason a very thin monorail was chosen is that the rail does not have to be straight.  The monorail may be bent into curves, or "S" turns as needed, with a minimum radius of 5 feet.  The monorail is modular and is built in identical 10 foot sections, and can be bolted together as needed for the course of fire.

The idea for the controls of mover came from Evan of the NWPPA club near Seattle.  The remote control and magnetic stop concepts for this mover were borrowed from Evan's excellent mover.  Thanks Evan for sharing your ideas for the improvement of the sport.

The EMM is a work in progress at this point.  I will post more information as it progresses.

These plans are free for non-commercial use and are offered with no warranty or other claims expressed or implied.  Ken Reed, 03/18/2006.

Much of the steel cut to size, ready for milling, drilling, bending, and welding.

Milling the slots for the motors into the top plate.

Motors temporarily mounted to the top plate.  Note slots to allow movement of motors.

Motor to wheel adaptor fresh off the lathe, and 3" polyurethane drive wheel.

Wheels mounted to the motors.

A wheel runs on each side of the monorail to drive the mover.

Preparing to bend the "L" shaped monorail supports.

First one bent.  It takes three for every ten foot section of monorail.

Welding the angle iron feet onto the "L" shaped supports.

The first 10 foot section of monorail.  It will curve more tightly than this.

The battery box is welded inside and out, then smoothed on the outside.

The finished battery box ready to receive the roller plates.

My last mover, a skateboard mover has taken almost no gunfire in 6 years.  The battery box
 is made of 1/8" plate to prevent damage to the electronics and motors.  A test shot using
a .45ACP round at 215,000 power factor made the above divett, 3/8" deep in 1/8" plate.
 Acceptable protection for an acceptable weight.

With a battery charger inside, the EMM is ready for its first test,

This view shows the dual drive wheels, pinching the monorail for traction.  Rubber bands are
temporary for this test, and will be replaced by a spring.

  Proof of Concept Video

Beginning of the battery holder and circuit board holder.

Finished battery holder and circuit board holder.

Note the notched rails that the battery holder slide into.

The circuit board with relays, barrier strips and remote control mounted.  Also shown
remote key fobs, antenna, wiring, and magnetic switches.

The complete drive system.  Golf cart battery, circuit board, switches and motors.  It all
slides into the monorail body.

  Mechanical       Electrical 

Copyright © 2006 - 2007, Ken Reed