Operations Manual for the Zooka model Z-1000B

Firing your Z-1000A

Your choice to purchase the Zooka represents your commitment

to fun and excitement. Before you begin operation of the Z-1000A,
there are several things you should know about potato cannons.
Potato cannons, also known as spud guns, rocket powered potatoes,
potato launchers, and spudzookas, can be classified into 2 basic
categories:
Spark-Combustion
Pneumatic Pressure
The Zooka is a Spark-Combustion cannon. Spark-Combustion
cannons operate in a way very similar to your car engine. An aerosol
spray is injected into a large combustion chamber, the combustion
chamber is reduced down to a smaller diameter and opens into the
barrel. A spark devices such as a gas grill igniter is mounted such
that it can introduce an electrical discharge into the combustion
chamber. A diagram follows:

The following supplies will be needed to fire the Zooka:

A potato is inserted into the barrel and pushed down to just

before the opening of the combustion chamber. When the aerosol is
ignited, the pressure generated from the explosion pushes the
projectile out of the barrel at high velocity.

Follow these steps to fire the Zooka:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Broom Handle (approx 4 long)

25 50 lb. bag of cheap taters
1 can of high alcohol content hair spray
12 back of beer

1. Insert potato lengthwise into mouth of barrel (1).

The barrel opening is tapered which will shave off
the outside of the potato for a perfect fit. You may
need to apply force or jam potato with the palm of
your hand to cut it properly.
2. Once potato is secured into the mouth of the
barrel, use the broomstick as a ramrod to push the
potato to the bottom of the barrel (2). Take care
not to push the potato too far or it will fall into the
combustion chamber.
3. Unscrew the combustion chamber hatch (3) and
spray the AcquaNet (or other hairspray) into the

4.

5.

6.
7.

opening of the chamber. It may take some

experimentation to achieve the proper air-fuel
ratio, but a 2 3 second application should suffice.
If you spray too much or too little, the cannon will
either misfire or you will get a weak shot.
Quickly screw the hatch back on and make sure
that it is tight. Take the included lighter and insert
it into the igniter port (4). The igniter port is a
small hole at the top of the small T. You may think
that this should be sealed, however the geometry
of the chamber contains the explosion adequately.
Next, rest the base of the cannon (3) on your hip
and aim the Zooka in the desired direction.
Gripping the cannon securely and pressing the
base of the cannon firmly against your thigh,
depress the trigger to the lighter.
If directions were followed properly, you will hear a
loud report (about as loud as a shotgun), and the
potato will go sailing into the blue oblivion.
Once potato has been fired, open the combustion
chamber hatch and allow the exhaust fumes to
ventilate before attempting to fire again. I find that
pushing another potato into the barrel will eject
some of the CO2.
If the chamber is not
exhausted, there will be no oxygen to provide
another explosion and you will have a misfire.

Fun with the Zooka

Owning and using the Zooka-1000A can be a
highly amusing and rewarding experience. There are
many things that you can do with your potato cannon.
Following is a list of things that have kept me amused
with this amazing device:

Fire the cannon into a lake or pond and see how

far you can launch the spuds. The splashes will
be a good indicator of your distance.
Set up wooden targets in a field at 25, 50, 75, and
100 yards. Take turns with your buddies to see
who can hit the most targets.
Attempt to shoot a spud over your house or over a
hill if you have one nearby.
Load other objects such as gulf balls into the
Zooka using wadding or a piece of potato.

There are many more things you can do which I will leave
to your imagination. This device will provide you with
hours of fun.

Dangers and Precautions

CAUTION: Potato cannons are NOT toys. NEVER look
down the barrel of a potato cannon. ALWAYS assume
that a potato cannon is loaded and ready to fire. In the
case of a misfire, DO NOT look into the barrel to see if
the spud is jammed. Ignition can be delayed so the
cannon MAY go off spontaneously. The best way to fire a
potato cannon is by resting the base against your thigh
and holding the BARREL with one hand while squeezing
the trigger with the other hand. NEVER point or fire a
spud gun at any person, living animal, or piece of
valuable property. Spuds can travel at speeds of well
over a hundred miles an hour and can cause significant
damage if impacting an object at close or far range. DO
NOT fire the cannon like a bazooka with the barrel resting
on your shoulder. In the event that the combustion
chamber should burst, you do not want the shards to be
anywhere near your face or ears. NEVER NEVER
NEVER use liquid fuels such as ether, alcohol, kerosene,
or gasoline as a fuel source. These fuels can catch on
fire and result in serious burns. ONLY use aerosol fuels
such as hair spray, spray lacquers, or bug spray. For
extra caution, it is advised to wear a long sleeved shirt,
gloves, safety goggles, and ear protection when using or
observing the firing of a potato gun.
In
certain communities, potato guns may be prohibited and
it is the responsibility of the buyer to become familiar with
any and all local regulations regarding their use.
Although it is unlikely, potato cannons have been known

to explode so it is pertinent that all precautions be

observed each and EVERY time this device is used.
Disclaimer:
By using this product, you agree that you have read the
above rules and safety precautions of using a spud gun.
Furthermore, you certify that you are at least 18 years of
age and that you plan to use the cannon responsibly and
without the intent of harm or misuse. You also agree
that any personal injury or other damage that may
result from the use, misuse, or failure of this device
is the sole responsibility of the user and that you or
anyone acting on your behalf agrees to these terms
and will not attempt to hold the manufacturer
responsible. In other words, you use THE ZOOKA at
your own risk.