The Ion FAQ was born: March 09, 2005.

Last Updated: May 31, 2005

 

General

#1 How can I learn about the Ion before I buy one?

There are several forums available on the Internet.  If you can go to any of the following sites and read through the forums, www.pbnation.com and www.pbreview.com.  Feel free to post any questions you might have.  Also, take a look around, there are plenty of answers to many of the questions that you might not even know you have.

Second, you can get to the on-line versions of the Ion manual at the Manuals & Instructions page, here at the Impulse FAQ. First, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to read this file. It is available for free.  Simply click on the link below.

Several Ion Owners group web sites appeared after the release of the Ion.  Much like the "battle of the Impulse Owners groups" I expect that a couple of these sites will fade away.  Once the dust settles I will update this information with the Ion Owners Group web site.


#2 What is Smart Parts Phone Number?

You can call Smart Parts toll free at 1-800-992-2147.


#3 What is the warranty on the Ion?

From the ION Manual:

Smart Parts warrants for one (1) year to initial retail purchaser that the paintball marker and regulator are free from defects in materials and workmanship. Disposable parts (batteries, o-rings, seals, etc.) are not warranted. The valve assembly is warranted for six (6) months. The solenoid and electronics on the marker are warranted for six (6) months, plus an additional warranty of six months for electronic parts only (installation and labor are not included.) This warranty does not cover surface damages (scratches and nicks), misuse, improper disassembly and re-assembly, attempts made to drill holes or remove metal from the external surfaces which could degrade performance and reduce pressure safety factors of the marker. Do not make changes to the basic marker parts without written approval. The only authorized lubricant for the marker is DOW 33 Lubricant. Use of any other lubricant could result in voiding your warranty. Paintball markers are non-refundable. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement of defective parts with the customer to pay shipping costs. This warranty is effective only if the customer returns the warranty registration card enclosed with the marker. The warranty is non-transferable. Do not attempt to alter the trigger assembly in any way, as this will void your Smart Parts Inc. warranty. Trigger alteration of any kind may result in serious injury.


#4 Where are some good places with good prices to buy Ions and Ion upgrades?

For top notch service and great prices stop by www.e-paintballoutlet.com.


#5 What are the modes of Fire for the Ion?

The non-European version of the Ion has 4 modes of fire:

  1. Semi
  2. Rebound (ramping)
  3. 3-shot burst
  4. Full Auto

The European version of the Ion has 2 modes of fire:

  1. Semi
  2. Rebound (ramping)

The non-European Ion has a red on/off light.  The European Ion has a green on/off..


#6 What is the Rate of Fire (ROF) on an Ion?

The stock electronics in an Ion are capped at 17bps although the Ion is capable of cycling faster.  The max ROF for Semi and Rebound is 17bps. The max ROF for 3-shot burst and full auto is 10bps.  The Max ROF for Semi and Rebound is adjustable.

In Rebound mode, you must fire at about 9bps before the rebound will kick in and ramp your ROF to the max ROF based on your Dwell and Recharge settings.  Once rebound is activated you need to sustain about 6bps to keep rebound active. 

NOTE: When the eye on the Ion is turned off, the ROF cap on the Ion does not change.  Many other marker boards will lower the ROF when the vision system is disabled to prevent chopping.


#7 Where can I get a copy of the Ion Manual?

First, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to read these files. It is available for free.  Simply click on the link below.

After Adobe Acrobat Reader is installed, you can view a copy of each manual online, here at the Impulse FAQ using the information below.

The Impulse FAQ has a section titled Instructions & Manuals.  This section contains electronic copies of all Manuals and Instructions sheets provided by Smart Parts (either US or Europe) since the Impulse was released.

I would recommend that if you do not have a copy of the manual for whatever reason that you Print a copy to have handy just incase your Internet connection or the Impulse FAQ is down when you need it most.


#8 What are the various blinking patterns for the on/off button?

Without paint or anything blocking the break beam eyes, when you turn on the Ion, the red light inside the on/off switch (green for European boards) will begin blinking slowly. This indicates your Ion is on, in Vision mode but will not fire due to lack of paint.

When the light blinks more slowly, in a double blink sequence, this means that the eyes are off.  This happens if you turn the Ion on and then press the on/off button again.

When paint is in the marker, the light blinks rapidly, this indicates that the eyes are on, and you have an obstruction in the chamber, like a paintball.  This can also happen after you shoot out the last amount of air and the bolt remains in a forward position.


#9 Is the Ion made of plastic?

A common misconception is that the Ion is a "plastic" shocker.  The two markers are similar in design (looks only) and there are non-metal parts on the Ion.  The outer body, called the exoskeleton by some, is plastic with rubber ribs.  The trigger is a composite material (plastic based).  Other than that the Ion is all aluminum, not counting the hoses and other standard non-aluminum parts.


#10 The finish on the Ion looks "weird" is it anodized?

Part of the reason the Ion is so inexpensive (notice I did not say cheap) is that all of the aluminum parts are powder coated, not anodized.  Powder coating is durable.  This is the same finishing process used on Tippmann markers.  It's the powder coating that gives the aluminum parts of the Ion a "plastic" look. 


#11 Where is the serial # located on an Ion?

The easiest place to find the Serial # is on the outside of the box.  The serial # is also on the marker body, just below the breach, where you screw in the barrel.  You might not be able to see the serial # without removing the barrel.  The picture below should help.

Ion_Serial.jpg (27866 bytes)
Click Image to enlarge

#12 What tools will I need to work on an Ion?

Your Ion will come with some of them. .05", 3/32", and 1/8" allen wrenches.  5/8" and 7/16" double open end wrench. Spare parts kit. YOU WILL NEED a 9/16" deep well socket and ratchet to disassemble the inline reg and a Phillips screwdriver to remove the grips.


#13 How do I adjust the velocity on the Ion?

Use the 5/6" side of the provided wrench to turn the hex section located at the bottom of the regulator.  Clockwise to turn the velocity up, counter-clockwise to turn the velocity down.  

Because clockwise and counter-clockwise can be confusing, remember this, while holding your Ion by the grip frame in your right hand, and the wrench in your left hand, turning forward towards the barrel will lower velocity, turning toward the back of the marker (pulling towards your body) will increase velocity.  The lower section of the reg will move out as the velocity increases and will move into the reg as the velocity decreases. 

 

 

 

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