So here we take a closer look at the gun we will be modifying. Key points are the circuit board, trigger solenoid, the triggers electrical switch, and most importantly the aluminum handles frame its self.
Here we have removed the handle from the paintball gun and we have removed the electrical components from that as well in preparation for cutting.
Here we have the modified handles. We cut the trigger guard and over half of the paintballs grip off while leaving all the material around the solenoid as was practical for structural support.
Now we have freed the electronics and wiring from the handle grips we will now put them to work. We simply cut the switches off of the ends of the wires from the plug harness and attached them to the sides of the triggering relay board as shown here.
Now we will start the installation into the frame by adding the two paintball controller board to the chassis. I used some motherboard brass standoffs that are used in computer cases to make a simple and easy to use mount for the components as depicted here. Note the two holes allowing access to the charger jacks for the batterys at the back of the case.
Next we installed the electrical system, motor controller, RC Switch and RC receiver into the base of the paintball turret. These we attached with hot glue for a simple yet rugged and removable bond. The battery pack is attached with zipties through holes in the bottom of the chassis.
Here we can see the electrical systems switches. From left to right we have a hole for internal C02, The main system power switch, a test fire button, a SPDT Switch to turn on and off the paintball electronics and the two holes for the wall warts that charge the batteries for the paintball guns.
Once the internal electronics are installed and we have made any further modifications we needed we will attach the CO2 tanks mounting brackets. This is again a tab in slot construction and it is recommended to do one side at a time to insure they are straight as they cure. Yep… 2 more days of waiting for glue… but you can move onto the other parts while that happens.
Here is a shot of the overall electronic layout. If things are still as clear as mud for you we will have an electrical diagram at the end of the article with details that will help clarify things.
