[SirRod]

I have on good information that Smart Parts has a new version of the Impulse comming out soon.
Being released in Europe first, then Chicago Open in the states, where it will be for sale. Cross between a Luxe and an Ego.
_________________

MY SPACE
John 15:13 Pslam 91

[WetBiscuit]

If that's the case, I hope some of the same specs are used on the core parts. Like same threading for the forward adapater, bore cut on the hammer assembly, ect.......

Cause it would be real sweat to be able to use old Imps to scavenger parts from. Or in my case, have new parts availabilty for things like forward adapters and valves.

[SirRod]

Well I can't vouch for that W.B. but I'm now informed that the new Impulse is in Europe.
This is all off the cuff and there has been no information released by SP as of this time.
But the buzz is starting...Buzzz Buzzz....
_________________

MY SPACE
John 15:13 Pslam 91

[WetBiscuit]

I guess I shoudl mention to that when I was out at the field testing out my Imp (last generation of RAT Imp), a few other paintballers saw me out there. THe favorite thing I heard was "Oh man that's old school!"

Was thinking..... guy, it's 4 years old. The C98's you were playing against are alot older than that. It's not like there's US Forestry stickers on this thing.

[pigtech]

The Impulse was officially announced at midnight:
http://www.warpig.com/newswire/prwire_releases/1243481520515.shtml



Smart Parts also sent out these FAQs in the media kit:

Impulse Frequently Asked Questions
May 28, 2009
Smart Parts, Inc.
1-800-922-2247
www.SmartParts.com



What barrel thread pattern does the Impulse use?
The same thread pattern that was introduced with the Classic Impulse. Because this is now the thread pattern used on all Smart Parts markers, it is now simply referred to as Smart Parts threading.

How much does the Impulse weigh?
Weight of the Impulse is approximately 2.1 pounds.

Can the Impulse be upgraded with a tapeworm mod?
The Tapeworm Mod was a popular upgrade for the Classic Impulse, however it is not necessary on the new Impulse because it already features dual-stage regulation.

If spool valves are so great, why make a poppet valve marker?
Some players like the feel of a spool valve marker, while some prefer a poppet. Regardless of their preference, all players are looking for performance – that's where the Impulse delivers.

Does the release of the new Impulse mark the end of the Shocker product line?
No. In fact, this new product release proves that the Shocker SFT and Shocker NXT were not the end of the Impulse.

Why is the Impulse pressure balanced poppet valve a big deal?
Most poppet valves are pushed closed by the gas used to fire the marker. At the pressure ranges needed to obtain efficient operation (in terms of shots per tank fill) these valves must be struck fairly hard in order to knock them open and fire a paintball. The balanced valve in the Impulse also uses air-pressure to counter-act the pressure pushing it closed. It opens with little force, regardless of the pressure it is holding back. The balanced valve requires so little force to open that on prototype marker one of our engineers was actually able to fire the marker by pushing the valve open with his little finger. Since the valve takes less force to open, the Impulse is not shaken by the recoil of a hard hitting heavy hammer or ram.

Is the small part sticking out under the Impulse barrel a volume chamber?
No. The fire valve housing is an integral part of the pressure balanced poppet valve. The tail end of the valve is exposed to outside air through a passage in the center of the housing. The difference in pressure between the gas inside the valve, and the outside atmosphere is what provides the balancing force for the valve.

What is the advantage of dual-stage regulation?
The best pressure for firing a paintball and getting maximum air efficiency is not necessarily the best pressure to drive the firing piston which closes the bolt and opens the poppet valve. By regulating these gas supplies separately, each can be optimized for its own function. The Impulse uses approximately 50 psi to drive its firing piston. Compared to competing brand markers that drive pneumatic rams or hammers at 120 psi or more, this pressure reduction means that the Impulse bolt does not strike paint as hard, nor does it cause appreciable recoil or kick. This ultra-low force piston is only possible with the combination of the pressure balanced valve and dual-stage regulation.

Where are the Impulse's regulators and how are they adjusted?
Both the primary and second-stage regulators for the Impulse are built into small rectangular cartridges housed inside the grip frame. They are adjusted using allen-wrenches through the Impulse control panel - a rubber panel on the back of the grip frame. The modular design of the regulators also makes them quite simple to remove, inspect and clean or repair.

If the regulators are in the grip frame, what is in the foregrip?
The Impulse foregrip is an over-sized expanded volume chamber for the pressure balanced poppet valve. It provides a buffering reservoir of gas immediately adjacent to the valve, to prevent velocity drop-off under rapid fire. The bottom of the foregrip also contains an integrated relief valve to protect the Impulse from over-pressurization in case of a compressed air system regulator failure.

Can an aftermarket regulator be screwed in place of the foregrip, bypassing the primary Impulse regulator?
No, the Impulse foregrip does not use an ASA connection to attach to the marker body. A customized adapter and additional modifications would be required to use a different regulator.

The Impulse has no hoses on the outside, but what about the inside?
The Impulse has no hoses on the inside either. Compressed air is routed through the regulators, grip frame and body via channels machined within the aluminum walls of those parts. A pair of stainless steel transfer linkages route gas from the grip frame into the body.

Why is the Impulse firing piston air buffered?
By restricting gas flow vented from the firing piston, an air pressure buffer is created, slowing the piston and bolt as they near the end of their stroke. By slowing these parts, rather than letting them slam to an abrupt halt on impact with the valve, recoil is further eliminated from the Impulse's firing cycle.

What kind of HPA system should be used with the Impulse?
The Impulse will perform optimally with a compressed air system delivering between 600 and 900 psi. “Low-Output” compressed air systems outputting 400 psi, are not recommended, as they may not react fast enough to maintain consistent pressure under high rates of fire.

Will the Impulse run on CO2?
The Impulse was designed from day one to run on compressed air only. The integrated relief valve that protects the Impulse from HPA regulator failure also protects it from the pressure spikes related to CO2, so although the marker is not designed for CO2 use, it is protected from CO2 related pressure damage.

Why is an integrated relief valve important?
Increasingly, compressed air system some manufacturers (not Smart Parts) save money by neglecting to include output-pressure burst disks or relief valves in their products. If such an unprotected air system should develop an internal leak, it could deliver full tank pressure to a marker. The Impulse's built-in relief valve protects the marker's solenoid valve seals and other components that could otherwise be damaged by over-pressurization.

Does the Impulse use a spoopet valve?
No. The Impulse has a pressure balanced poppet valve. Internet rumors have suggested that Smart Parts was soon to release a marker with a valve that was a hybrid of spool and poppet valve designs. These rumors were not true. The Impulse is a poppet valve marker. Although it is not a spool valve, the new Impulse valve core does share a feature in common with the some Smart Parts spool valves designs – a tail. The tail end of the valve core is exposed to the outside air, the same as the pin end. This allows the gas pressure in the Impulse valve to press equally in both directions, resulting in a balanced valve that requires very little force to open.

Is the Impulse compatible with integrated air accessories for the Luxe from DLX Technology Group?
No. Although the Impulse bottom-line ASA and optional drop spacer rail work similar to those components on a Luxe, placement of their air ports is different, due to the requirements of the regulators placed within the grip.

Is the Impulse battery strong enough to get through a full weekend of paintball?
That really depends how much you shoot in a weekend. A fully charged Impulse battery will power the marker for approximately 100,000 shots under optimal conditions.

How long does it take the Impulse battery to charge?
Approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Charging time is affected by temperature, and battery discharge level.

What if there isn't time to charge the battery?
A second Lithium Polymer battery is included with the Impulse, and the battery side of the grip frame features Smart Parts quick grip snaps. The grip can be opened almost instantly without tools, and the low battery exchanged for a full battery in a matter of seconds.

What countries will the Impulse charger work in?
The Impulse charger is designed for universal operation with 110 or 220 volt AC wall outlets in most countries of the world. Prong adapters may be required outside of the US, Canada or Mexico.

Does the Impulse have a “Cricket” board?
No, the Impulse uses trigger-based programming with multi-colored LED feedback through the power button on the rear of its grip frame.

Is the Impulse circuit board tournament legal?
Yes, the Impulse features firing modes specifically designed to comply with the rules of all the current leading tournament series, and can be upgraded by Smart Parts techs, in case of a rules change. Additional scenario and recreational modes such as multi-shot burst, and Billy Ball are also included. The Impulse features a tournament lock button on the circuit board, that prevents mode changes from being made on the field.

If the grip opens without tools for a battery change, can't a player open it to access the tournament lock during a game?
No. The left side of the grip opens with quick-snap connectors for fast battery changes. The right side is secured with button-head screws that require an allen-wrench for removal. The field-lock button is on the right side of the Impulse circuit board, and can not be accessed without tools.

What type of ball detents does the Impulse use?
Rubber nubbin style detents. The detents are located behind the Vision eye covers.

Why does the Impulse have a two-piece body?
The two piece body allows the electronics of the Vision anti-chop system to remain completely internal without bolt-on wire/eye covers, and provides machining access for the internal gas passages used by the Impulse's hose-free design. It also allows for some interesting parts color combination possibilities and unusual feature upgrades.

How difficult is it to access the Vision sensors for cleaning?
No tools are required. Each eye cover has a knurled latch. Pressing down on the latch releases the eye cover to swing open.

What prevents the eye covers from getting lost in a staging area?
The Impulse Vision eye covers are hinged to the marker frame. They are not removed during normal maintenance, instead they are opened.

Do the eye covers pop open from a paintball hit, or gas pressure when shooting?
No. Inside each eye cover, a small o-ring acts as a spring, securely holding the eye cover latch in the locked position.

How difficult is it to re-seat the Vision sensors in the body after cleaning?
It is not difficult at all, because it is automatic. Both the Vision emitter and detector sit in pockets within the eye cover, held in place by a pair of brackets. As the eye cover is opened, they swing out with it, exposing the optical surface for cleaning, and the Vision beam path in the body. When the Vision eye cover is closed, they are perfectly re-aligned to the body.

How complex is removal of the pressure balanced valve core?
No tools are required, the valve housing can be unscrewed by hand for removal of the vale spring and valve core. If the housing has been over-tightened, it may be removed with an allen-wrench.

How complex is removal of the body from the grip frame?
The rubber grip must be removed, the Vision system and solenoid valve unplugged from the circuit board, two grip frame screws removed, and the grip may be removed from the body. The gas transfer linkages unplug from the Impulse body, and plug back in automatically as the two parts are rejoined.

How complex is separation of the upper body from the lower body?
With the body off the grip frame, and the bolt lifted out, three screws are removed, and the two pieces separate easily.

How complex is removal of the bolt?
It is very simple, just lift up on the bolt pin and slide the bolt out the back of the body.

How complex is removal of the firing piston?
One allen wrench is needed to unscrew the rear cap from the Impulse. After the bolt has been removed, the firing piston is free to slide out the back.

Does the Impulse include a Q-Lock feedneck?
Yes, that is a standard feature.

How complex is removal of the Q-Lock?
One screw clamps the Q-Lock securely in place.

What is different between the Impulse barrel back and The Freak barrel back?
Functionally, the parts are the same. The Impulse barrel back features a different external design. Some of the first photographed and released Impulse markers were shown with The Freak barrel back.

Can parts of the Impulse be mixed-and matched with different color combinations like they were with the Classic Impulse?
Yes, the Impulse has a very modular design. Even the body is built with an upper and lower section.
_________________
Bill Mills - Technical Editor, WARPIG.com

[pigtech]

And this flyer was also included in the press materials:




_________________
Bill Mills - Technical Editor, WARPIG.com

[julianwalker]

oh man that gun is beautiful

[WetBiscuit]

Looks like to me there's not much in common with the old and new Imps.

[pigtech]

They work on the same principle, a ram moves the bolt and pushes the poppet valve open.
_________________
Bill Mills - Technical Editor, WARPIG.com

[pntball sniper]

I hadn't seen the flyer yet. Thanks for that post. I have been intrigued by this gun since I saw the release a couple of days ago.
_________________
Visit the paintball sniper for cheap paintball

[dangerousbeans]

Nice. Any idea what it'll cost?

[pigtech]

Probably pretty close to the $999 price listed in the press release.
_________________
Bill Mills - Technical Editor, WARPIG.com

[dangerousbeans]

Ahh, I didn't catch that as I skimmed the release. A bit out of my league then.

[Sirr Killed A Lott]

are we going to see a warpig review any time soon ?
_________________

[pigtech]

We're in the qeue for when press samples are available. That may be a while yet.
_________________
Bill Mills - Technical Editor, WARPIG.com