#1 What after market barrels are available?

At this time the following barrels are available for the Impulse:

• All Smart Parts barrels
• DYE Boomsticks
• DYE Ultralights
• Armson Stealth
• J&J Performance ceramic
• J&J Full Tilt two-piece
• Adadus from Psychoballistics
• Lapco Bigshot
• Lapco Autosprit

In addition all Smart Parts barrels, DYE Boomsticks, and select J&J Performance barrels are available for the Pre-release Impulse.

NOTE: Now that the Impulse has become a VERY popular marker, just about every barrel manufacturer is making Impulse threaded barrels.

#2 What can I do to improve the stock trigger?

There are two basic options as I see it. You can modify the stock trigger or replace it. In my opinion it is better to replace the stock trigger so that you can "undo" the change if you have to send your Impulse to Smart Parts for service.

1. Home made adjustable. This involves drilling and tapping your stock trigger. This option requires tools that many people do not have (the tap) and voids your warranty. This is the cheapest of all the options. All of the latest Impulses come with Stainless Steel triggers.  This makes the drilling and tapping virtually impossible.
2. Performance Concepts Trigger.  For those of you that like the feel of the stock trigger but are not the type of person to drill and tap it yourself, this trigger is for you.  This is a stock Impulse stainless steel trigger with two set screws and a new trigger pin to replace the back pin.  These triggers are available from www.performanceconceptspb.com.
3. Werm Modified Trigger. This is a fully adjustable aluminum trigger custom made by Werm. This option, allows you to buy a new trigger so that the stock trigger is available in the event that you need to send you Impulse in for service. These are available from www.wermmods.com and www.e-paintballoutlet.com.  IPB (Imperial Paintball) offers two different triggers.  The standard double and a flat trigger called the Wermstick.
4. Eclipse Blade Trigger. This is the flat trigger from Eclipse that fits the 2000 and newer Shockers as well as the Impulse. At one time this trigger was hard to find. Check www.e-paintballoutlet.com, www.wermmods.com and www.planeteclipse.com. The Blade trigger is made of Aluminum and is available in silver or black.
5. The RIP Kit. The RIP kit is fully adjustable and is only available from www.docsmachine.com. See the "What is the RIP Kit?" question for details.
6. Demonic Triggers.  Roughneck paintball (www.roughneckpaintball.com) has come out with the first titanium triggers.  There are two triggers to choose from, the Devil's Tongue which is a cross between a 2 finger trigger and a flat trigger and the Devil's Finger, which is a true flat trigger.  Both triggers have two set screws and come with an allen key for adjustments.  These triggers are available from Roughneck paintball and www.e-paintballoutlet.com.

NOTE: Smart Parts has changed the location of the Trigger Spring in the grip frame.  Because of this change the Blade, RIP and Werm triggers will not work properly in some of the newer Impulses.  Both Planet Eclipse (Blade) and Werm have created new triggers for use on the new trigger style.  When ordering be sure to specify if you need a new or old style trigger.

#3 How do I know which trigger frame I have?

The trigger frames come in 2 flavors.  One, the original, has the trigger spring mounted at an angle off the back of the trigger.  The Newer style has the spring mounted vertically.  Generally if you can see the spring behind the trigger you have the old style frame.

#4 What is the RIP Kit?

The RIP kit or more correctly the LS-RIP kit is a fully adjustable trigger from www.docsmachine.com. The LS stands for Lever Switch and this trigger will fit the Impulse and all 2000 and newer Shockers with the old style trigger frame. You can get a single, double, ring or fang trigger for your LS-RIP trigger. The Rip triggers are also made of aluminum.

NOTE: It was previously stated that the RIP kit was made from stainless steel but it is not, they are made from aluminum as per an E-Mail Doc.

#5 How do I replace the Stock trigger with an after market trigger?

Follow these steps while referring to page 9 in the manual. The numbers in ( ) are the part numbers from the diagram.

1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the Grip Frame (402) by taking out the two Grip Frame Screws (429)
3. Separate the Solenoid Housing (403) from the Grip Frame (402). This is done via a small screw that can be seen when looking down at the Solenoid Housing.
4. Remove both C-Clips (32) from the Trigger pin (15) and the Trigger Stop pin (434). Be careful not to loose these.
5. Remove the two pins. The two pins are different. Make sure you remember which is in the front and which is in the rear position.
6. Slide out the old trigger (435). Be careful not to loose the tension spring.
7. Insert the new trigger.
8. Inserting the pins in the correct order.
9. Reattach the C-Clips
10. Attach the Solenoid Housing to the Grip Frame. Make sure to thread the battery connector back to the grip frame.
11. Do NOT attach the Grip Frame to the Impulse Body at this time.  This is because 2 of the three set screws on an IPB trigger are adjusted internally.

To adjust the trigger, first make sure the battery is connected and the Impulse is on, but without air.

1. Fire the Impulse once. Did it work? If yes, then the trigger is properly aligned with the microswitch. If no, you will first need to properly align the grip frame with the solenoid housing.
2. Adjust the activation set screw. This is the long one on the top of the trigger. Screw it in slowly and test often. If you screw it in to a point where the gun wont fire, you've gone too far.
3. Adjust the pre travel set screw. This is the one under the trigger accessible from outside the Impulse. Again screw it in slowly. If you screw it in to a point where the trigger will not move, you've gone too far.
4. Adjust the post travel set screw. This is the shorter one on the top of the trigger. Again screw it in slowly. If you screw it in to a point where the trigger will not move, you've gone too far.
5. Attach the Grip Frame to the Impulse Body.

For the Blade, Demonic and New DeSignz triggers do the following:

1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the Grip Frame (402) by taking out the two Grip Frame Screws (429)
3. Separate the Solenoid Housing (403) from the Grip Frame (402). This is done via a small screw that can be seen when looking down at the Solenoid Housing.
4. Remove both C-Clips (32) from the Trigger pin (15) and the Trigger Stop pin (434). Be careful not to loose these.
5. Remove the two pins. The two pins are different. Make sure you remember which is in the front and which is in the rear position.
6. Slide out the old trigger (435). Be careful not to loose the tension spring.
7. Insert the new trigger.
8. Inserting the pins in the correct order.
9. Reattach the C-Clips
10. Attach the Solenoid Housing to the Grip Frame. Make sure to thread the battery connector back to the grip frame.
11. Attach the Grip Frame to the Impulse Body.

To adjust the trigger, first make sure the battery is connected and the Impulse is on, but without air.

1. Fire the Impulse once. Did it work? If yes, then the trigger is properly aligned with the microswitch. If no, you will first need to properly align the grip frame with the solenoid housing.
2. Adjust the activation set screw. This is the one on the top of the trigger. Screw it in slowly. If you screw it in to a point where the gun wont fire, you've gone too far.
3. Adjust the post travel set screw. This is the one on the back of the trigger (where your fingers go). Again screw it in slowly. If you screw it in to a point where the trigger will not move, you've gone too far.

#6 Are there after market bolts available?

Yes, currently there are many with new ones appearing regularly.  Go to the Bolt vs. Bolt a side-by-side comparison page for a list of all bolts that I have had the opportunity to document, test and review.

#7 What is the Genesis board?

The Genesis board is produced by KM2. Their web site is www.exarin.com. The Genesis board, offers a variety of firing modes to the user of the Impulse, such as turbo, auto-response, full auto, and programmable bursts, all via the trigger.

#8 Is the Genesis hard to install?

Do you know how to use a screwdriver? Then you can install a Genesis board. It's as simple as removing your current board and replacing it with the Genesis.

#9 Where can I buy a Genesis board?

The Genesis board is available from several places. You can buy them direct from Exarin. If you would like to purchase one online, go to www.exarin.com and click on the Ordering link for a list of online stores. A couple stores not listed with good prices are www.wermmods.com and www.e-paintballoutlet.com.

#10 How do you program the Genesis?

Your Genesis board should come with instructions. Here is a quick run down on how to program it. Here are the full instructions.

You may program the Genesis through the trigger for all modes of fire, if you simply turn the power on, the board defaults to true semi.

BOTH TOURNEY LOCKS (DIP SWITCHES) MUST BE OFF TO PROGRAM THE GENESIS

• Hold the trigger down (with the power turned off), turn the power on, the status LED it will flash and turn off, Release the trigger.
• You are now in program mode. Tap the trigger once to select a fire mode, or twice to select a burst mode. After you make your selection (1 or 2) wait 2 seconds (or if you can see the status LED, until it flashes)
• If you selected 1, you may now enter the fire mode in trigger clicks:

• If you selected 2, enter (in trigger clicks) how many shots you want in your burst.
• In either case, wait 2 seconds after the last trigger tap, or until the LED blinks and stays on, indicating the marker is ready to fire.

#11 What is the Genesis Vision System?

The Vision series provides for an "anti-chop" eye that will prevent your bolt from chopping paint as you jack up your rate of fire! The Vision for the Impulse requires a Genesis board. The Genesis Vision, like the other boards in the Vision series, is currently handled by the renown Doc Nickel. Inquiries regarding the Genesis Vision should be made directly to Doc, at Doc’s Machine and Airsmith Services (www.docsmachine.com) email airserv@ptialaska.net. You can order the full modification, Genesis and all, straight from him.

#12 What is the Smart Parts Vision System?

The Smart Parts vision system is a combination replacement board and anti-chop eye. It became available in March of 2001. The Smart Parts Vision system will NOT be available as an upgrade for existing Impulses from Smart Parts, unless the body is a newer "Vision ready" body.  The cost has not yet been determined.  Performance Concepts is offering a Vision Upgrade package to any Impulse.  See Question #42 in the Impulse FAQ for more information.

#13 Are the Smart Parts Vision and the Genesis board compatible?

No.

#14 Does Smart Parts or anyone else make a Low Rise for the Impulse?

Yes.  As long as you have a threaded feed tube you can get a Twister Feed Tube in either a high-rise or low-rise.  The low rise is 3/4" shorter, about one less ball in the ball stack, than the high-rise.  For more information on the Twister Feed Tube see FAQ #37 for my review.

Roughneck Paintball (www.roughneckpaintball.com) has recently released the Demonic Strangler.  This feed tube is interchangeable and can be a high-rise, low-rise and a warp feed connector.  All this and it also has the same gripping power of the Twister.

Smart Parts Europe (www.smartpartseurope.co.uk) has a low-rise called the VooDoo low-rise.  It is one of many parts in the VooDoo line of Impulse upgrades.

Smart Parts US (www.smartparts.com) is selling the Freak Factory "Short Feed Tube" which is the low-rise that comes standard on the Freak Factory Impulse.

Adrenalin Products (www.buypb.com) is selling their version of a low rise which is an option when purchasing an Adrenalin Impulse.

New DeSignz and Imperial Paintball have both released their own version of the "No-rise".  The "No-Rise" is specifically designed to be used with a HALO B.  The force feed system in the HALO B performs better (faster) with a shorter ball stack.

#15 What are the threads on the Impulse Feed Tube?

For starters they are NOT Angel threads.  They are unique to the Impulse and Shocker.

#16 Are there any reviews of after market upgrade parts for the Impulse?

The links to the reviews have been moved to the top of this page.  If you are here, you missed them.

#17 What is the ISO Mod, also known as the AIR Mod?

This modification is done to isolate the air supply for the solenoid from the air supply for the valve.  In theory this modification will prevent the valve from "stealing" air from the solenoid.  Here is a link to detailed instructions on performing the ISO Mod.

#18 Can I get a Smart Parts Vision system installed on my Stock Impulse?

Yes, currently there are two places performing the Vision upgrade to a non-Vision ready (or Vision ready) Impulse.

The first is Performance Concepts Paintball www.performanceconceptspb.com.  They will upgrade a stock Impulse, even if it is older and not Vision ready for $325.00.  The complete installation includes:

• Vision Upgrade Kit $200.  This is for both boards and the cover.
• Eye hole and set screw machining $30
• 2nd ball Detent $10
• Daughter board screws $25
• Solenoid tray machining $35
• Install/ test $25

Performance Concepts has stated that if you do not need parts of the above machining, you will not be charged for them.  Their current turn around time in the shop is 4 days.  So including shipping, your Impulse should be gone a little under 2 weeks, unless something changes.

The second is Imperial Paintball (IPB) www.wermmods.com.  From the Web Site: Impulse Vision conversion. Convert your basic Impulse to a vision Impulse. No matter if you have a newer vision ready Impulse (Impulse jewels on right side of gun) OR and older style Impulse. We will mill you gun to accept the vision system. Prices start at $225 for converting your basic Impulse to $290 to completely mill your older style Impulse to fit the vision system. This is a complete upgrade including 2 new circuit boards (stock boards are not used), Vision eye & cover, rubber switch cover, and all hardware. Call or email us for details!

#19 How do I install the Eclipse FRM?

Instructions for installing the Eclipse FRM (Front Reg Mount) can be found on the Eclipse FRM Instructions page that was acquired from Planet Eclipse's web-site.

#20 Can I install a LPR and a VFF on the same Impulse?

No, functionally the VFF will negate the LPR.

When a VFF is installed correctly it will separate the air supply that feeds the valve chamber and the solenoid.  Even though they are separated, they still function at the same pressure, which is the operating pressure of the Impulse.

When an LPR is installed correctly, again the air supplied to the solenoid is separated from the air that is supplied to the valve, but in this case, the solenoid air supply is at a lower pressure than the operating pressure of the Impulse.   Often the solenoid is at sub 100psi while the valve pressure is above 200psi.

#21 What is the Smart Parts Magnetic Trigger mod and can I get it installed on my Impulse?

The Story

The Magnetic Trigger was developed in house by Smart Parts top tech. He worked on this for the other guys on the All Americans. It was NOT intended to be a "released to the public" type of upgrade. But as many of us know, one of the AA's also has a store so he wanted to offer this "inside mod" to his customers and had some made up so he had something "special" too offer his customers.

Now comes the "internet effect".  It was reported in one of the forums that this was a drop in kit, and that the "NEW" impulses would have it (as well as the tape worm) as standard equipment. The impression that was given was that it somehow worked like a breakerless ignition in that it was a new way to fire the trigger. Of course as soon as that is posted, it is repeated by a few internet experts and it becomes "fact".

Frankly the people at Smart Parts where very unhappy that this got spread around. What they DON'T need is their top tech doing trigger mods for everyone that has access to the Internet.

What is it

There has been a lot of incorrect information about how the magnetic trigger mod fires the gun.  This is a STOCK board with a STOCK lever switch.  What the "magnetic" part is, is just a replacement of the trigger return spring with a pair of magnets.  This gives a "breaking glass' feel to the trigger.

How to Get one

This is NOT a drop in mod. It requires a good deal of milling on the trigger frame. You can Special Order a new Impulse with the magnetic trigger mod installed but Smart Parts is not intending retrofit existing Impulses.

If you want a new gun with the magnetic trigger, there are a few pro shops that have them, but to my knowledge, SP really doesn't want install these in customer's guns.

#22 I've heard there needs to be a "balance" of internals.  Is this true?

Yes it is.  If you go too light you will have performance problems and if your internals are too heavy you will have excessive kick and other issues.

Please keep in mind that these are general guidelines and that for some reason, each Impulse can work and act a little different from the next, so you will need to experiment a little, but these are good guidelines.

Information provided from Craig (FOM) from www.e-paintballoutlet.com "I have personally found that a total weight of around 1200 grains is real good and I don't recommend a total weight of less than 1100 grams.  Anything between 1100 and 1300 is really in the right range for maximum performance."

#23 Where can I get my Stock Impulse Milled?

Currently there are three companies that I am aware of that will take your Stock Impulse (with or without upgrades) and mill the body and then have the parts anodized.  Keep in mind there there are probably others, but I just do not know about them.

Predator Milling - www.imperialpaintball.com has created the Predator Impulse.  Not only can you buy a Predator, but you can send in your Stock Impulse and have it converted to a Predator.  Imperial Paintball can also provide full Impulse Service and Sales along with offering other custom Impulse parts like the Werm Frame and Predator Frame.

SIC Milling - www.sicpaintball.com has created the SIC milling.  Sick Innovation Customs (SIC) can mill, with some options and anodize a Stock Impulse.  They also offer all of the popular upgrades from New DeSignz and Hyper Sport Works.  SIC has partnered with Hyper Sport Works in that if you are looking to purchase a completely build and ready for purchase SIC Impulse you must go to www.hypersportworks.com as SIC does not sell complete Impulses at this time. 

Tarantula Manufacturing - www.tarantulamfg.com has created the Thanos Milling and DB Milling patterns.  Marc at Tarantula is also capable of doing true custom work and creating a milling pattern based on your own unique design.

#24 What is ECS Programming?

ECS stands for Enhanced Cricket Software.  It's a program that you can load onto select blue light (cricket) Smart Parts Impulse boards.  The ESC software allows you to adjust settings like ROF, trigger bounce, dwell and eye sensitivity.  To load the software you need the Krik-It loader and a special Cable.

NOTE: Not all Cricket boards can have ECS loaded on them.  Check the Krik-It web site for more information.

#25 Schematic to  Make an ECS Cable?

For a while when ECS was very popular, prior to Smart Parts locking the boards, there were numerous resources for information on ECS cables.  Unfortunately most of them have disapeared.  Below are the couple schematics I could find.  NOTE: I have never made this cable, so I will be of little use if you have any questions/issues.

Cricket board pinout

ECS Cable Schematic

SP12 Schematic (click to enlarge)

 

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