Getting Your Ego 11 Solenoid Back in the Video game
Getting a spare ego 11 solenoid gets tougher every 12 months, but it's the particular only way to maintain one of the best poppet markers ever made in fact firing. If you've been in the paintball game scene for a while, you know the entire world Eclipse Ego 11 was the massive level for the platform. It brought us the particular POPS ASA and, more importantly, individuals adjustable solenoid flow restrictors that let us finally track the shot signature bank. But like any mechanical heart, that solenoid isn't going to continue forever without a little bit of bit of love—or plenty of luck.
Why the Ego 11 Solenoid is a Different Animal
When the particular Ego 11 decreased, the big selling point was the "Solenoid Movement Restrictors" (SFRs). Prior to this, Egos had been known for getting loud, snappy, plus a bit kicky. They were "blades" in an entire world of "hammers. " The ego 11 solenoid changed that by permitting players to physically restrict the wear out air from the particular solenoid, slowing the particular forward or rearward stroke of the rammer.
It was the huge deal. You can finally make an Ego shoot "smooth. " But that added complexity indicates there's a bit more that can move wrong. Unlike the particular older, more "dumb" solenoids that were just on-or-off valves, this is integrated in to a manifold system that's fairly particular to this frame. A person can't just change in a generic part from an old model and expect it to function. It's a precision-engineered bit of kit that manages the air flow for every single photo.
Troubleshooting the "Click of Death"
We've all been there. You get to area, air up your own tank, click the board on, plus pull the cause. Instead of that will satisfying "pop, " you just hear a tiny, pathetic click . When your ego 11 solenoid begins clicking but the marker isn't bicycling, you've got the few things to check before a person start mourning your money.
First off, check your battery. Significantly. I realize it seems like Tech Support 101, but solenoids require a specific amount of ac electricity to trip the particular internal pilot device. If your battery power is sitting in 70%, it might have enough juice to turn around the FLATSCREEN screen but not plenty of to actually move the physical parts inside the solenoid. Always start with a fresh, brand-name 9V battery—not that generic stuff in the bottom of your own gear bag.
When the battery is fresh and it's still just clicking, your solenoid might be "sticky. " This happens a lot if the gun continues to be sitting within a closet with regard to three years. The interior lube dries upward or turns directly into a gummy insert, and the pilot device just can't get over the friction. Occasionally, a couple of drops of light oil (not grease! ) in the ASA can help, but you need to be careful. As well much gunk will certainly just make the problem worse.
Dealing with Leaks and Hisses
If a person hear air seeping from inside the frame, it's usually one of two things: the blown O-ring for the rammer/LPR or a failing ego 11 solenoid . To number out which it really is, you usually possess to degas the marker and consider the frame away from.
A leak coming straight from the solenoid manifold is often just a bad gasket or a shed screw. The Ego 11 uses the manifold that sits between your solenoid and the body. There are tiny, specific gaskets in right now there that can get pinched or dry out there. If the leak is coming from the tiny "vent" holes around the solenoid itself, that's usually a sign that the internal seal has given up the ghost.
The frustrating component? These solenoids are officially "non-user-serviceable. " Planet Eclipse and MAC (the manufacturer) didn't design them to be taken aside by players. In the event that you try in order to crack one open up, you're dealing along with tiny springs plus seals which are extremely easy to shed or damage. Many pros will tell you that as soon as the internal closes go, it's period for a replacement.
The Secret of the Solenoid Stream Restrictors
The particular two little dials on the frame—the SFRs—are directly connected to how the ego 11 solenoid breathes. If you've messed with these types of and now your gun is performing weird, try resetting them to the particular factory "open" position.
In case you turn the particular SFRs down too low, especially within cold weather, the rammer may not move quick enough to in fact trip the device or reset properly. It can trigger the marker in order to "chuff" or skip shots. I often tell people to keep them open unless they really need to quiet the weapon down for the specific tournament. The reliable gun that kicks a little is constantly better than a smooth gun that doesn't shoot at all.
Why Getting a Replacement is definitely Such a Discomfort
If you've spent any time on eBay or PBNation lately, you know that a completely new ego 11 solenoid is generally an unicorn. Globe Eclipse stopped producing these specific models years back. Because the particular Ego 11 was so popular, the remaining stock of replacement parts got gobbled up pretty quickly by techs plus collectors.
You might see "MAC solenoids" for sale that will look similar, yet be careful. The Ego 11 uses a specific manifold mounting pattern plus a specific voltage coil. A person can't just bolt on a solenoid from a various industry and anticipate the Ego board to operate a vehicle it properly. The best choice these days is usually finding a "parts kit" gun or checking in with specialized legacy techs who might possess a stash of used-but-working pulls.
Maintenance Tips in order to Make It Final
Since you can't easily purchase a new one particular, you've have got to treat the ego 11 solenoid a person have like royals. The biggest great of the parts will be dirt and over-greasing.
- Watch the LPR: Your Low Pressure Regulator (LPR) is exactly what feeds air towards the solenoid. If your LPR is creeping or set too high, you're putting way too much stress on the solenoid's internal seals. Maintain your LPR cleaned and lubed therefore it stays consistent.
- Don't Over-Lube the Rammer: Whenever you put grease on your rammer O-rings, use just enough to make them bright. If you gloop it on, that excess grease will certainly eventually get broken into the solenoid. Once grease will get within the tiny atmosphere passages of the particular solenoid, it begins to collect dirt and debris, ultimately leading to the "sticky" valve.
- Use Good Air: Make sure your tank is clean and your fill up nipple has a cover up. Dust and fine sand getting into your own air system should go straight through your own regulators and directly into the solenoid, acting like sandpaper on those delicate inner parts.
Will be it Worth Repairing?
I get asked this a lot: "Is it worthy of spending $150+ on an used ego 11 solenoid to get a marker that's over a decade old? "
Personally, I think the particular answer is an unquestionable yes. The Ego 11 is one of the nearly all iconic markers in the history of the game. It offers a believe that modern solenoids just don't duplicate. There's something about the mechanical "clack" of an Ego poppet that feels more raw and engaging than the particular ultra-smooth, almost electric feel of the modern spool control device like the CS3 or the Luxe.
If your own frame is within good shape and the board still lighting up, replacing or reviving the solenoid is a little price to pay to keep a piece of paintball background on the industry. Plus, there's nothing at all quite like the look on a youthful player's face when you out-shoot them with a "vintage" weapon that sounds such as a jackhammer and never breaks the ball.
Overall
The ego 11 solenoid is the soul of the marker. It's the bridge in between the electronics plus the mechanics. While it can be a bit finicky and hard to find nowadays, taking care of it isn't rocket science. Keep your air clean, maintain your battery fresh, plus don't go insane with the fat. If you that, your Ego 11 need to keep humming (or rather, popping) for years to come. Plus if it does finally give upward? Well, the quest for parts is simply part of the fun of owning a classic.