wanting to run Co2 on an Ion? Read this!

Ebonclaw · 04-09-2006, 11:49 AM

So you don't live in civilization where there's a place to get an HPA tank filled? Or you're too broke after buying your new toy to afford a tank for the time being? So you want to run co2? There's a few things to insure you do it properly. Yes, you can do it, but it's been met with mixed results.

#1. The Ion can technically speaking be run on NON Anti-siphoned (A/S) Co2. BUT, the first time you suck in liquid into you gun, from either too cold weather, excess rapid firing, or simply tilting the gun downwards and firing. Sooner or later, probably sooner, you're going to destroy your solenoid doing this. So don't do it. ALWAYS use an A/S tank.
#2. Co2 will not allow your gun to perform to its entire potential, in other words, get ready to experience greater amounts of velocity fluctuation and dropoff. Initially, on A/S Co2, the gun will behave relatively normally. But under a lot of firing, or once again in bad weather, expect dropoff. When the tank starts getting cold, it means you're firing too much and you can expect some dropoff, but thanks to the A/S you won't kill your gun.
#3. If you are going to be permanently stuck with Co2, there is one thing you can do to make your situation more favorable. Replace the reg with a legendary Palmer Stabilizer. This a chunky $100 upgrade, but it's the best reg out there for Co2, period, and will help keep velocity flucation down, guard against dropoff, and insure that any liquid Co2 that makes it past the A/S doesn't make it to the solenoid.

So long story short, you can do it, but you'll degrade your performance, so if you can avoid it, do so.

therron258 · 04-09-2006, 12:13 PM

Also, make sure the A/S is installed for YOUR ASA because if not, it could be pointing downward and just suck up all the liquid..

BBrungs · 04-09-2006, 01:13 PM

would a remote work better then an A/S?

Ebonclaw · 04-09-2006, 01:51 PM

It's arguable. I tend to say yes, but most people really don't like remotes. If you find yourself wanting to use one, it has the same effect as an anti-siphon. Just make sure you don't run a remote on an anti-siphon tank, otherwise you'll siphon only liquid.

BBrungs · 04-09-2006, 01:57 PM

yea made that mistake before and busted a remote... silly me :/

nick_reith · 04-09-2006, 01:58 PM

Yes and no... in cold weather no it won't be better because the co2 will get could inside the line (similar to the radiator in your car). And the co2 will begin to turn to liquid inside the remote. This is why sometime you will see people run there remote line down there sleeve.

But in warm weather the remote will work fine. I just don't like them because they hinder manueverability.

TheSpy11 · 04-10-2006, 05:36 PM

If you want to know what an anti-siphon is and what it does, check out the stickies in the Air Systems forum: Ultimate Sticky. In particular, check out the FAQ thread: Link. Of course the Search function is always available for use if you have further questions.

In comparison to blowback guns on A/S Co2, a stock Ion performs very well. Consistency is very good for a gun running on A/S Co2, and it is certainly much more consistent than stock blowbacks. Shoot-down is also minimized because the stock regulator flows well enough to keep up with the Ion's speed most of the time.

If you want to ask a specific question to an Ion user running A/S Co2, shoot me a PM. I'll be glad to help you.

$^^@r+ P@r+$ · 04-11-2006, 06:59 PM

I currenly have a tippman A-5 w/ responsive trigger. I was wanting to get an Ion but I was not sure since all I have availible is CO2.... My question is does the anti siphon tube take away any performance (ex. will it still get 17 bps)

tyvm.... $^^@r+ P@r+$

Ebonclaw · 04-11-2006, 07:15 PM

No. There's only a gain in performance to be had with A/S.....better consistency and arguably efficiency.

trivisual · 04-17-2006, 10:27 PM

where can i get a A/S tank

nerdcore · 04-18-2006, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trivisual

where can i get a A/S tank

Buy any co2 tank then take it to a pro shop & ask to get it anti-siphoned. What they'll do is attach a curved brass or copper tube on the inside of the tank valve & line it up with whatever asa you'll be using. Works kinda like the breathing-through-bamboo-in-the-pond trick.

Honestly, if you don't have money for an hpa tank or don't have access to hpa fills, don't get an Ion. Or any other gun that is best used with hpa.

trivisual · 04-18-2006, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nerdcore

Buy any co2 tank then take it to a pro shop & ask to get it anti-siphoned. What they'll do is attach a curved brass or copper tube on the inside of the tank valve & line it up with whatever asa you'll be using. Works kinda like the breathing-through-bamboo-in-the-pond trick.

how much does this cost about?

nerdcore · 04-18-2006, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trivisual

how much does this cost about?

Should cost no more than $15 for parts & labor total.

trivisual · 04-18-2006, 09:45 PM

thank you very much

PaintPro1032 · 04-21-2006, 06:11 PM

ok...as you can see i already have N2 and a good gun..but ive been looking at a new back up gun (replace tippmann) and the ions are down to 199 now!! my problem is i only get HPA when i go to the field and i like to play woodsball in backyard too...and i olny have 1 HPA tank so i tend to use CO2 on my backup...and i was wondering if CO2 could permatly ruin your gun at all ..like soo bad that you couldnt use it...and if yes..how ???

P.S. if u get hpa...get crossfire

Fastlight · 04-21-2006, 06:27 PM

not sure if this is where we are supposed to be asking and answering questions like that here, but. Yes you could permantly ruin your gun. Or permant enough where you have to go buy new parts. LIke the solenoid. And just cause you have a anti siphon tube does not mean you will not freeze parts. Co2 get cold when you shoot really fast. That leads to freezing, then condesation, that leads to electronics getting wet....not good.

Ebonclaw · 04-22-2006, 11:22 AM

Yes, Co2 can ruin your gun, but that's why you A/S the tank and take precautions. SP designed the gun to be able to handle properly run A/S Co2.
By taking precations, A/S Co2 is safe to run on an Ion without ruining it, but playing with Co2 in cold weather (under 50*) is asking for some trouble regardless.

BBoyTactic · 05-04-2006, 10:36 AM

Would getting an expansion chamber help too? I already have an anti-siphoned tank for my Ion. If it would, what are some good ones, or will any expansion chamber fit on an Ion?

GranDream · 05-04-2006, 11:35 AM

No, you want a regulator. The stock regulator can handle it, but if you want to go the extra distance, you can get a Palmers Stabilizer as stated above.

BBoyTactic · 05-04-2006, 07:40 PM

Can someone estimate how fast you'd need to fire a stock Ion with A/S CO2 to wreck your gun?

Personally, I've never walked a trigger before (always used rentals up til now) so if I keep it on semi, I should be fine, right?