Players new to the market of "electronic markers" might gain information from this page. Different manufacturers use slightly different terminology, however the same general information applies to all markers.
Q: Mechanical versus electronic, what's the difference?
A: Electronic markers use small magnetic-controlled valves (called solenoids) to fire the marker, instead of using a mechanical trigger and spring. In some cases, a mech marker can be converted to electronic by installing the new electronics hardware in the form of a new grip frame. Electronic markers typically use a circuit board, battery, solenoid, and might have other accessories too.
Q: What is the difference between an electronic marker and an electro-pneumatic one?
A: Electronic markers comprise any system with a battery and circuit board. One possible sub-category is described as electro-pneumatic when the firing system involves only an air valve without using a mechanical sear. Often these electropneumatic markers are more expensive, but they offer better performance and easier maintenance.
Q: What is a trigger microswitch?
A: The marker's circuit board detects trigger pulls using this small component. The trigger pushes on a microswitch to fire. Some markers use optical switches or magnetic switches, but most use a mechanical leaf switch which creates a tiny "click" sound when the trigger is pulled.
Q: What is an ACE?
A: Electronic markers allow for a layer of protection against firing a ball before it's loaded correctly. The system is called anti-chop eye or ACE for short. Most electronic anti-chop systems involve an optical sensor positioned in the walls of the marker's chamber, which detect a loaded ball when ready. If the eyes have not detected the paintball in the chamber, they will not allow the marker to fire. Other types of anti-chop systems also exist (including some mechanical types) but ACE eyes are found on virtually all electronic markers as of approximately 2005.
Pressure Questions:
Q: What is a [pressure] regulator?
A: Some markers use a regulator which reduces pressure entering different parts of the marker. Regulators can be found on many different types of markers, whether mechanical or electronic; however many types of mid-range and high-end markers will involve a regulator, often presenting a change from cheaper mechanical markers. The amount of pressure entering the marker is known as input pressure. The regulator is placed somewhere between the tank and the marker itself, sometimes the foregrip, but sometimes hidden within the main grip frame.
| Tank pressure | Pressure exiting the tank, which enters the marker's regulator (if equipped). With a CO2 tank, the CO2 gas will exist naturally at around 800-psi. With HPA tanks, different tanks will offer different output pressures; typically between 400-800 psi. Some HPA tank regulators can be adjusted. |
| Input pressure | Pressure entering the marker's ASA adapter. Some markers will function using the input pressure alone. |
| Operating pressure | Pressure level required to properly launch the paintball. With high pressure markers, the operating pressure is usually the same as tank pressure (800-psi). Mid-pressure and low-pressure markers will always involve a regulator to drop levels down to a reduced amount. |
| LPR pressure | Reduced pressure level that feeds the marker's valve system. Lower than operating pressure. |
Q: What is an LPR?
A: Low pressure regulator. Some markers use a small pnematic valve which can only withstand 100-200 psi. If the marker's firing pressure is higher than this amount, the marker must include an LPR to drop the pressure to an appropriate amount for the pneumatic valve. This also aids in marker efficiency by reducing the air consumption.
Q: What is the difference between primary and secondary regulators?
A: These terms aren't used very often, but here's the list...
Primary regulator is mounted to the HPA tank. If using a CO2 tank, the marker does not have a primary regulator.
Secondary regulator controls the marker's operating pressure.
LPRs (technically a "tertiary reg") control pressure leading to the valve system.
Solenoid Questions:
Q: What is a solenoid?
A: Solenoids are magnetic devices that initiate firing when instructed by the marker's circuit board. Solenoids used for paintball generally come as two types: "clapper" or "pancake" solenoids that actuate a sear to fire, or a pneumatic solenoid valve which directs air pressure to different portions of a larger pneumatic valve. Electropneumatic markers use solenoid valves whereas sear-tripper electros use clapper solenoids.
Q: What is dwell or dwell time?
A: Dwell is the amount of time a solenoid will be energized, which usually translates to the amount of time the marker is trying to fire. This time window is usually less than 20 milliseconds (0.020 seconds). If set too short, the marker won't be able to correctly cycle. If set too long, the marker's maximum firing speed will be reduced, and sometimes marker performance will also suffer (decreased air efficiency, increased recoil, etc). Some markers will automatically adjust their own dwell time, but the electronic marker will still use a dwell time limit to ensure proper firing.
Q: How can soleniods break?
Q: What happens when solenoids break?
A: The most frequent solenoid malfunction is a leak. A leaking solenoid valve is sometimes cured by re-lubricating the solenoid, although some solenoid valves aren't meant to be taken apart. Another possible malfunction is a damaged electronic coil which prevents the solenoid from actuating correctly.
Solenoids are low-pressure devices, so they can be damaged with a large pressure spike (300+ psi for instance). If the solenoid becomes damaged by this spike, the solenoid's seals can be permanently damaged which is sometimes called a blown solenoid. If this problem occurs, the regulator pressure spike must be fixed first.
Questions Asked Prior to Purchase:
Q: What kind of tank can I use with the marker I want to buy?
Q: What tank output pressure can I use with the gun I want?
A: You must use a tank with an output hgher than your marker's operating pressure. Typically your tank output needs to be approximately double of the markers' operating pressure. For example, if the marker functions at 200-psi, you may want a tank output pressure at 400-psi or above. High pressure output HPA tanks will work on most markers but they can be difficult to turn on/off.
Q: What kind of maintenance can I expect with the marker I want?
A: Although this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, most markers require periodic re-lubrication of their moving o-rings. Some markers are designed for grease, others are designed for oil (try to avoid mixing them as certain parts of the marker will respond differently). Some markers require next to no maintenance, whereas others suggest you do it before every day of play.
Q: Can I get an anti-chop eye upgrade kit for my marker?
A: Most electronic markers come with eyes as standard parts. Some cheaper electronic markers do too. In some cases, the eyes can be installed as an upgrade, but this varies from marker to marker. Eyes are typically specific only to one marker, even if two guns are made by the same company.
Older markers (pre-2005) might not be designed for eyes. If this is the case then they would have to be drilled for the eyes and the related eye covers and wiring. Examples include early Impulses, AKALMP markers, older Angels, etc.
Q: What are the advantages to an electronic marker over a mechanical one?
A: The use of the solenoid to move the sear allows for firing modes such as fully-auto or burst shots, so a general increase in fire rate and allow for shorter and lighter trigger pulls while doing it. There are also added levels of firing precision due to electronics controlling the marker's internals.