Parts / Solenoid Armatures

Solenoid Armatures

This is a much smaller page than the other Parts categories, because there are really only two options here. See Electronics for how to actually disassemble and clean the solenoid.

What the armature actually does

Labeled solenoid assembly, fully broken down — banjo fittings, LP hose, Vision wiring harness, solenoid head, coil, housing, armature, bracket, trigger microswitch, and 9V battery connector

The solenoid is the link between the Ion's electronics and its pneumatics — an electromagnet-based, normally-open, three-way valve (one input, one output, one exhaust) soldered directly to the circuit board. The armature is the small internal plunger inside it: when the solenoid fires, the armature moves to vent the air that's holding the bolt open, letting the bolt close forward. It's a wear part — the seals on it degrade with use over time, same as any other o-ring-sealed component on the marker.

Armature options

Currently sold Discontinued Unclear / not confirmed

Aftermarket Armature Keion Doss An individual maker producing new armatures, sold informally through the Facebook Smart Parts community rather than through a retail storefront. Currently the only aftermarket source for a new armature.
OEM Armature Smart Parts / GOG Confirmed discontinued at both Fearless Paintball (out of stock) and ANSgear — the linked page is filed in their "Paintball Graveyard," exact quote: "the manufacturer has discontinued this product and there is no chance of ever receiving it." New old stock does turn up on eBay, though — worth checking before assuming you need an aftermarket replacement.

Never lubricate the armature. Clean it dry — any lube on the armature or inside the solenoid can prevent the valve from moving freely and cause it to stick or fail to fire, consistent with the "no lubricant" rule already covered on the Electronics page.

OEM and Keion Doss armature photos are mine. Trigger microswitch identified as an Omron D2F-FL (25g lever switch) per zdspb.com, used with permission — see the disclaimer for attribution terms.