Index:
- I. Scope and Disclaimer
- A. Description
- B. Theory of Operation
- C. Maintenance
- D. Comments
Scope
This FAQ is designed to provide information reguarding Smart Parts Paint
Marker, "The Shocker". It is my hope that this FAQ will help
provide useful factual information about this marker. I have made every
effort to be as accurate and helpful as possible.
Description
Physical Attributes:
Weight:
6lbs with Barrel, VL2000, Gas Through Stock, Forgrip and Remote.
8lbs with all of the above, plus 20Oz Bottle and Regulator.
Length:
Approx 8 Inches without barrel.
Approx 23 Inches with SP barrel.
Approx 30 Inches with Gas Through Stock.
The Shocker is divided into two major assemblies: the body
assembly, and the grip assembly.
1. Grip Assembly
The grip assembly houses the actual electronics inside the
gun. The solenoid valves, arm/disarm switches, trigger and remote trigger
assemblies.
2. Body Assembly
The body assembly comprises of 6 functional areas.
a. The lower left side of the body houses 4 'AA' batteries. Smart
Parts claims the batteries have an expected life of 75,000 to 100,000
shots. But also recommends changing them on a monthly basis. I investigated
the possibility of using rechargable batteries, but found that most
rechargable batteries have a functional voltage of 1.2VDC, while alkaline
batteries are rated at 1.5VDC. So I decided to stay with the alkaline
batteries.
b. In the lower right side of the gun is a chamber that houses a
mechanism that controls the firing of the gun. When pressure is first
applied to the gun, a piston is driven into an air chamber, this piston
then opens a poppet that allows inlet gas to charge the air chamber. During
the firing sequence, the firing selonoid alternately pressurizes the firing
piston. When the piston is extended, the fill poppet opens, and when the
piston is retracted, the fill poppet closes. This alternating motion
constitutes one full firing cycle.
c. Just between these two areas is a gas manifold chamber which
serves as a distribution area for various gas requirements of the
marker.
d. The upper,center chamber houses the bolt assembly. When
pressure is initially applied to the gun, the bolt is driven to its closed
position. With the first trigger pull, the bolt opens, a paintball drops
in, and the bolt closes. The gun is then ready to fire. Going from its
closed to open and back to closed posistion, comprises one firing
sequence.
e. Also attached to the bottom of the body assembly are two
solenoid valves. A solenoid valve is simply a valve that opens and closes
and controls the flow of air, liquid, or whatever is being controlled. The
solenoid valves in the Shocker serve as the interface between the
electronics and the gas distribution manifold.
f. A sight rail has been thoughtfully machined into the top of
the gun.
Theory of Operation
- Pressure is applied to the gun, via the regulator.
- The bolt moves towards the closed posistion.
- Firing Chamber fills.
- Trigger is pulled.
- Firing piston is driven open, releasing gas from firing chamber.
- Gas is channeled through the gun, expelling the ball.
- Bolt is driven open.
- A paintball drops into the chamber.
- Bolt is driven closed.
- During steps 7-8, the firing piston opens a poppet to fill the
air chamber
- This completes on full firing cycle.
Maintenance
Broken Ball Maintenance
Cleaning a ball break on the field isn't the easiest thing to do. But its
not to bad. If the break is in the barrel, just unscrew the barrel and
squeegie it. If the break is in the gun, you must degass the gun, remove
and clean the bolt, and then clean the bolt chamber, put the bolt back in,
and regas the gun. However, after firing 2 cases of ZAP, 1 case of
68Ultra, 1 case of Pro-ball and 1 case of some VERY CHEAP generic
paint, I haven't broken A SINGLE BALL!
Timing
The timing is all controlled electronically. Two potentiometers are
provided to allow adjustment of the timing. Timing the gun involves a
process similar to timing an Autococker.
Lubrication
Lubricating the Shocker can be accomplished by applying a
very small amount (2 drops) of lubricant into a disconnect point.
Pressurizing the marker, removing the barrel, and firing the marker until
vapors are no longer visible.
Trigger Adjustment
The trigger is adjusted by moving the micro-switch which
fires the gun. This micro-switch can be adjusted by loosening an adjustment
screw and then rotating the switch to whatever the desired stroke length
is.
Bolt Maintenance
Bolt maintenance involves inspecting the 7 or 8 external
o-rings and 1 internal o-ring, Smart Parts recommends doing this after
about every 25-30 games. Bolt overhaul is an involved process, as the bolt
itself has a lot of parts. So I won't go into lots of detail.
Solenoids
These also require periodic maintenance. The solenoid body
is a small boxed shaped looking structure. They connect to the guns gas
distribution chamber via a gasket. Since these solenoids turn on and off to
control air flow in the gun, keeping them free of debris is extremely
important.
Comments
The overall feel of the gun is very solid. On the field, the extremly quiet
firing, has a long effective range, and the fact that the gun almost never
breaks paint makes for a day of enjoyable play. In competition I could
easily envision these traits as having good strategic value.
Off the field maintenance only involves cleaning off any paint splatter
that may be on the gun, and occasionally lubricating the bolt. Smart Parts
recommends inspecting the O-rings on the bolt every 25-30 games, and
overhauling the bolt after every 50 cases of paint. The same schedual
applies to the air chamber mechanism as well.
