TM-15 Velocity and Solenoid Issues

[FantasticDamage]

I sent this out via email to PB Solutions, but figured I'd post up my email here just to get some other opinions on what may be wrong. Further, most everyone likes to tech guns so I figured that'd be another good way to get the technically minded juices flowing.

"I have recently acquired a new TM-15 and have only been able to use it but a few times. However, within those few times I've noticed very inconsistent velocities that one would no expect from this platform (and most certainly not how my TM7 performed). Effectively, I'm seeing inconsistent velocities of +/- 30-50 FPS. Attempting to adjust the velocity I noticed that turning the velocity adjustment screw had a minimal effect on velocity. I broke down the marker to troubleshoot any issues. I regreased the bolt assembly, looked over the poppet seal, replaced the poppet spring with the spare provided and reset the board to factory settings. I also, made sure the regulator was set to 200 psi on the gauge. However, I'm still running into the same velocity issues regardless of paint brand.

Further, I've also had issues with the solenoid not activating sometimes. Even with new batteries, I have to pull the trigger multiple times until the solenoid will free up. I've tried cleaning the unit as well with no luck either.

I'm thinking the solenoid is the cause of my issues since everything else seems to be in good order. What's your take on my issues?

Thanks,

Brad"

[Psiworx]

I told you not to sell your Krink. Batteries are for flashlights.

[FantasticDamage]

I told you not to sell your Krink. Batteries are for flashlights.

I've still got my Krink Doug! She's still my top shooter! :)

[bvdave]

the solenoid problem on the Tm series is probubly the #1 issue with them, its been spammed on the bt forums pretty good over the past year or so, BT recently came out with a "upgrade kit" solenoids that supposedly works, only catch is its over $80 (in canada anyways) the only thing I had that bothered me other then the super high price is that the solenoid issue comes up for a very large number of people, most people I know who have tm series markers have to "warm up" their marker by pulling the trigger several times before the noid kicks in (me included and im on my second noid), so I always saw it as a design flaw, I was a bit dissapointed when the "fix" for it costs $80 when companies like Tippmann will give fixes for their issues out free to customers.

that said it hasent been out long enough to say for sure if it really will prevent the sticking solenoid issues in the long term, but im going to try one out on my tm7 in the near future and see how it works for me as having to warm up my tm7 drives me nuts :P but if it does work, expencive or not it will at least reduce a lot of headaches so I have high hopes for it.

[FantasticDamage]

Well BT is sending me a new solenoid, so Ill see if it is in fact the newer one. I'll let ya know how it works out Dave! :)

[bvdave]

the new one is a shiny sliver and the old one is black, so if you do get the new one let me know how it goes.. tho realistically itll be a few months before you can really tell since the standard noids usually work just fine for at least a few months before sticking starts.

[Tenit]

How did you make out with the new noid. Same problems here, especially velocity. Mine has been in 2 local store for repair (1 currently) and it's been back to Kee once. It was a problem child out of the box. My TM7 has been flawless.

[Raadio]

If it's new and you have PoP, Paintball solutions will take good care of you!

[bvdave]

ive replaced my noid once after about a year of use on my TM7 and again a few months ago, last week I just got the upgraded noid kit and installed it, heres hoping I never stick again :)

[MondoMor]

This guy on the BT forums (http://bt.warrior-online.com/forum/index.php?/topic/13962-tm715-hard-wire-marker-to-ripclip-project) has taken some scope traces of the S+ and S- solenoid signals on the BT TM-7 (for some reason BTWO forces you to sign up for an account to read more than the first post in the thread). Simon mentioned that the Mini board "dithers" the solenoid with several pulses to help dislodge it, and posted some scope traces on PbN that seem to prove it (http://www.pbnation.com/showthread.php?t=2520431). Comparing the traces, the TM boar doesn't seem to do the "dithering".

I'm wondering if this isn't the root cause of all the solenoid trouble.

[Raadio]

This guy on the BT forums (http://bt.warrior-online.com/forum/index.php?/topic/13962-tm715-hard-wire-marker-to-ripclip-project) has taken some scope traces of the S+ and S- solenoid signals on the BT TM-7 (for some reason BTWO forces you to sign up for an account to read more than the first post in the thread). Simon mentioned that the Mini board "dithers" the solenoid with several pulses to help dislodge it, and posted some scope traces on PbN that seem to prove it (http://www.pbnation.com/showthread.php?t=2520431). Comparing the traces, the TM boar doesn't seem to do the "dithering".

I'm wondering if this isn't the root cause of all the solenoid trouble.


How come i've never seen that thread before!?

Simon, when are you teaching that class next? THATS the level of information I want to get!