Post by slaminator3323 on Jul 15, 2005 17:16:56 GMT -5
Ion is:
Low pressure (120-200 psi)
Capped at 17 balls per second with the stock board
2.2 pounds
Averages 1200-1400 shots off a 68ci 4500psi tank
Has semi, rebound (ramping, aka 5 pulls = 10 shots, ect), 3 shot burst, and automatic modes
Fully electropneumatic (no springs, all solenoid controlled)
Is not:
Spool valve (it's more of a blowforward type, 2-way solenoid, no springs)
Plastic (the shell is, but the internals are made of powder-coated aluminum)
Now the real meat
1. Can the Ion run on co2? How about HPA? Which is better?
Yes, it can. Make sure that you use an anti-siphon tube and an on/off valve. Such as this tank HPA is the preferred air source. It needs to have a high pressure output of 800-850 psi to avoid shootdown. Ions run at a low pressure, but their regulator is what takes the pressure down. If you have the money, definitely choose HPA. It is cleaner and more consistent than co2.
2. Can the Ion shoot faster than 17 bps?
Stock it is capped by the board. The internals are in no way capped at 17. Ydna has proven that it can shoot 21-22 with stock internals and an uncapped board. With a QEV (Quick Exhaust Valve) it can shoot close to 28.
3. What regulators can the Ion accept?
The asa is not "reverse threaded", it can accept any standard threaded regulators (AKA Sidewinder, Bob Long Torpedo, and CP Grip reg for example). Reverse threading only means that the screw using to adjust the pressure is reversed, not the actual threads itself.
4. Does the Ion really have drop off over long strings?
With the thin mesh screen I got some drop off, but without it on I had none. Only take off the screen if you are using HPA, do not remove it if you are using co2.
5. How does the Planet Eclipse QEV effect the Ion's performance?
It allows the air to escape at the point of the fitting instead of the air having to go back to the solenoid to be released. It also keeps excess grease out of the solenoid, as well as decreasing your operating pressure and reducing your dwell to 12 blinks.
It also allows it to cycle alot faster than it previously could. Most likely it could shoot up to 28 balls per second with a QEV and uncapped board.
If you do decide to get a QEV, use teflon tape to set it in place. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT torque it into place. You can easily get it stuck that way and break the internal threads on the QEV and possibly on the Ion body itself. So be VERY careful. Also, only put it on the front barb on the body, as putting it on the back causes performance decrease.
6. What is dwell?
Dwell is normally the amount of time in milliseconds (1/1000th) that the solenoid cycles the air through at. The Ion's dwell is adjusted in 1/4ms increments, starting at 3. So your dwell can be found by:
3 + 1/4 x Number on blinks
7. Should I get a High Pressure or a Low Pressure HPA tank?
Low pressure is safer for the gun, but make sure it has the recharge rate to keep up with the gun. For example, the Ion would do well with a Low Pressure Crossfire tank. High pressure can be used equally as well, but if your regulator fails you are possibly putting 850 psi into your solenoid/internals, which isn't good. The chances or a regulator doing that are incredibly low, so you should get a High Pressure tank to make sure that your Ion stays fed and you can use it on other markers.
If your just interested in getting a tank that works, a Crossfire or Centerflag high pressure would do just fine.
8. How many shots will I get off with a 72/3000 tank?
Well, the general rule of thumb is that you get about 10 shots per cubic inch at 3000 psi. So, you would get about 720 shots. The Ion is more efficient than this though, as it gets 1200-1400 shots off a 68 ci 4500 psi tank, so most likely it will get around 800 shots from a 72/3000 tank.
9. How do I adjust the trigger length?
Remove the grips and there should be a small hole under the trigger guard on the gripframe. Put a 1/8 inch allen wrench in that hole and tighten to reduce the length, and loosen the increase length. A new magnet can also be inserted into the trigger, but I'd suggest a New Designz roller trigger, as it will save you the time and hassle of messing with the trigger, as well as being nicer in nearly every way.
10. What exactly is the Ion's "shell"
It is a polymer shell that protects the body, and that's it.
Deadlywind has a full metal shell out, Fireball mountain has their shell out ($110), and Detroit Strange also has a shell out ($150 w/ feedneck)
11. How do you change the Ion's modes?
Remove the grips and there is a small switch on the bottom of the board. Press the switch to cycle through the settings, press the power button to change the value of a setting 1.
Dwell up = Solid Yellow (Stock 46-48 blinks, with QEV 12)
Dwell down = Solid Red
Rate of fire down = Single blink yellow (max 17)
Rate of fire up = Single blink red
Fire mode up = Double blink yellow
Fire mode down = Double blink red
Fire modes are: 1. (lowest setting) Semi auto, 2. Rebound (ramping), 3. 3 round burst, 4. Full auto (10bps)
Pull the trigger to save settings.
12. What threaded barrels does it take? What about feednecks?
Impulse, impulse.
13. Where can I get the Predator board for the Ion?
www.zdspb.com/
Ydna is the store owner, and is a pretty cool guy.
Wicked Air Sportz (WAS) may be coming out with a board as well, but so far no information has been released. www.advantagepb.com is also making their virtue software for it, and Damon from www.scenariodreams.com is making his T-board for it.
14. How do I adjust the velocity?
Velocity in the Ion is directly linked to the input pressure. Thus, take a crescent wrench and adjust the regulator via the screw on the bottom. Higher psi input = higher FPS... and vice versa.
15. How do I turn it on?
First, make sure the battery is in the gun. Then press the red membrane to turn the gun on.
Press it once for on w/ eyes on (blink once per cycle, or if there's paint it will blink quickly)
Press it again for eyes off (blink twice per cycle)
Press and hold it for 2 seconds until it goes solid red, then let go to turn it off
16. What should I lube the bolt with?
Use only Dow33 corning lube (aka Shocker Grease).
img34.echo.cx/img34/135/lube7ze.jpg
17. Why is the Ion so cheap?
Well, a variety of reasons. First, the whole marker itself is a incredibly simple design (and a great one at that) that is fairly easy to make. Second, there is no milling on the gun, only powder-coating, so that cuts the time to make it. Third, the solenoid is a new design that is also easier to produce because it is built onto the board, so it's all one piece (which is a good thing). Marketing also has some to do with it...
Those are the three real cost cutters, and overall it is a great marker for the price.
18. How does the Ion work?
Diagram provided by Ydna and Twiek
www.zdspb.com/media/tech/animations/ion.gif
19. Is it safe do dry-fire the Ion?
Yes, it does not hurt the Ion to fire it without paint.
20. How fragile is the Ion?
It seems pretty tough, and does not break down easily. Only problem is that the solenoid coil does not have a covering, so dirt could short it out. Make sure to keep that part very, very clean.
21. What is the Ion body made out of?
Originally written by Twiek
the chamber, breech, valve, bolt, insert, reg, and bottom line (and barrel, IIRC) are all anno'ed. The breech and bottom line (and barrel) are powder coated on top of the anno in some places.
22. Does unplugging the board reset the settings?
No, it does not. The chip on the board would take 40+ years to lose the data on it according to Ydna.
23. What is the "rebound" mode everyone is talking about?
Rebound mode is a board setting for ramping, i.e you pull the marker 5x / second and the board will ramp that to 17 shots per second.
24. Where can I get replacement parts for my Ion?
You can get all replacement parts from PunishersPB or directly from Smart Parts.
Low pressure (120-200 psi)
Capped at 17 balls per second with the stock board
2.2 pounds
Averages 1200-1400 shots off a 68ci 4500psi tank
Has semi, rebound (ramping, aka 5 pulls = 10 shots, ect), 3 shot burst, and automatic modes
Fully electropneumatic (no springs, all solenoid controlled)
Is not:
Spool valve (it's more of a blowforward type, 2-way solenoid, no springs)
Plastic (the shell is, but the internals are made of powder-coated aluminum)
Now the real meat
1. Can the Ion run on co2? How about HPA? Which is better?
Yes, it can. Make sure that you use an anti-siphon tube and an on/off valve. Such as this tank HPA is the preferred air source. It needs to have a high pressure output of 800-850 psi to avoid shootdown. Ions run at a low pressure, but their regulator is what takes the pressure down. If you have the money, definitely choose HPA. It is cleaner and more consistent than co2.
2. Can the Ion shoot faster than 17 bps?
Stock it is capped by the board. The internals are in no way capped at 17. Ydna has proven that it can shoot 21-22 with stock internals and an uncapped board. With a QEV (Quick Exhaust Valve) it can shoot close to 28.
3. What regulators can the Ion accept?
The asa is not "reverse threaded", it can accept any standard threaded regulators (AKA Sidewinder, Bob Long Torpedo, and CP Grip reg for example). Reverse threading only means that the screw using to adjust the pressure is reversed, not the actual threads itself.
4. Does the Ion really have drop off over long strings?
With the thin mesh screen I got some drop off, but without it on I had none. Only take off the screen if you are using HPA, do not remove it if you are using co2.
5. How does the Planet Eclipse QEV effect the Ion's performance?
It allows the air to escape at the point of the fitting instead of the air having to go back to the solenoid to be released. It also keeps excess grease out of the solenoid, as well as decreasing your operating pressure and reducing your dwell to 12 blinks.
It also allows it to cycle alot faster than it previously could. Most likely it could shoot up to 28 balls per second with a QEV and uncapped board.
If you do decide to get a QEV, use teflon tape to set it in place. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT torque it into place. You can easily get it stuck that way and break the internal threads on the QEV and possibly on the Ion body itself. So be VERY careful. Also, only put it on the front barb on the body, as putting it on the back causes performance decrease.
6. What is dwell?
Dwell is normally the amount of time in milliseconds (1/1000th) that the solenoid cycles the air through at. The Ion's dwell is adjusted in 1/4ms increments, starting at 3. So your dwell can be found by:
3 + 1/4 x Number on blinks
7. Should I get a High Pressure or a Low Pressure HPA tank?
Low pressure is safer for the gun, but make sure it has the recharge rate to keep up with the gun. For example, the Ion would do well with a Low Pressure Crossfire tank. High pressure can be used equally as well, but if your regulator fails you are possibly putting 850 psi into your solenoid/internals, which isn't good. The chances or a regulator doing that are incredibly low, so you should get a High Pressure tank to make sure that your Ion stays fed and you can use it on other markers.
If your just interested in getting a tank that works, a Crossfire or Centerflag high pressure would do just fine.
8. How many shots will I get off with a 72/3000 tank?
Well, the general rule of thumb is that you get about 10 shots per cubic inch at 3000 psi. So, you would get about 720 shots. The Ion is more efficient than this though, as it gets 1200-1400 shots off a 68 ci 4500 psi tank, so most likely it will get around 800 shots from a 72/3000 tank.
9. How do I adjust the trigger length?
Remove the grips and there should be a small hole under the trigger guard on the gripframe. Put a 1/8 inch allen wrench in that hole and tighten to reduce the length, and loosen the increase length. A new magnet can also be inserted into the trigger, but I'd suggest a New Designz roller trigger, as it will save you the time and hassle of messing with the trigger, as well as being nicer in nearly every way.
10. What exactly is the Ion's "shell"
It is a polymer shell that protects the body, and that's it.
Deadlywind has a full metal shell out, Fireball mountain has their shell out ($110), and Detroit Strange also has a shell out ($150 w/ feedneck)
11. How do you change the Ion's modes?
Remove the grips and there is a small switch on the bottom of the board. Press the switch to cycle through the settings, press the power button to change the value of a setting 1.
Dwell up = Solid Yellow (Stock 46-48 blinks, with QEV 12)
Dwell down = Solid Red
Rate of fire down = Single blink yellow (max 17)
Rate of fire up = Single blink red
Fire mode up = Double blink yellow
Fire mode down = Double blink red
Fire modes are: 1. (lowest setting) Semi auto, 2. Rebound (ramping), 3. 3 round burst, 4. Full auto (10bps)
Pull the trigger to save settings.
12. What threaded barrels does it take? What about feednecks?
Impulse, impulse.
13. Where can I get the Predator board for the Ion?
www.zdspb.com/
Ydna is the store owner, and is a pretty cool guy.
Wicked Air Sportz (WAS) may be coming out with a board as well, but so far no information has been released. www.advantagepb.com is also making their virtue software for it, and Damon from www.scenariodreams.com is making his T-board for it.
14. How do I adjust the velocity?
Velocity in the Ion is directly linked to the input pressure. Thus, take a crescent wrench and adjust the regulator via the screw on the bottom. Higher psi input = higher FPS... and vice versa.
15. How do I turn it on?
First, make sure the battery is in the gun. Then press the red membrane to turn the gun on.
Press it once for on w/ eyes on (blink once per cycle, or if there's paint it will blink quickly)
Press it again for eyes off (blink twice per cycle)
Press and hold it for 2 seconds until it goes solid red, then let go to turn it off
16. What should I lube the bolt with?
Use only Dow33 corning lube (aka Shocker Grease).
img34.echo.cx/img34/135/lube7ze.jpg
17. Why is the Ion so cheap?
Well, a variety of reasons. First, the whole marker itself is a incredibly simple design (and a great one at that) that is fairly easy to make. Second, there is no milling on the gun, only powder-coating, so that cuts the time to make it. Third, the solenoid is a new design that is also easier to produce because it is built onto the board, so it's all one piece (which is a good thing). Marketing also has some to do with it...
Those are the three real cost cutters, and overall it is a great marker for the price.
18. How does the Ion work?
Diagram provided by Ydna and Twiek
www.zdspb.com/media/tech/animations/ion.gif
19. Is it safe do dry-fire the Ion?
Yes, it does not hurt the Ion to fire it without paint.
20. How fragile is the Ion?
It seems pretty tough, and does not break down easily. Only problem is that the solenoid coil does not have a covering, so dirt could short it out. Make sure to keep that part very, very clean.
21. What is the Ion body made out of?
Originally written by Twiek
the chamber, breech, valve, bolt, insert, reg, and bottom line (and barrel, IIRC) are all anno'ed. The breech and bottom line (and barrel) are powder coated on top of the anno in some places.
22. Does unplugging the board reset the settings?
No, it does not. The chip on the board would take 40+ years to lose the data on it according to Ydna.
23. What is the "rebound" mode everyone is talking about?
Rebound mode is a board setting for ramping, i.e you pull the marker 5x / second and the board will ramp that to 17 shots per second.
24. Where can I get replacement parts for my Ion?
You can get all replacement parts from PunishersPB or directly from Smart Parts.
