The Angel™ is an electro-pneumatic open-bolt marker. This simply means that the pneumatic cycling of the marker is controlled by electronics and the bolt remains in the open position until the firing sequence is initiated. All Angels™ generally operate in the same manner with the same basic components. Different models vary in their component design and location but they all use the same principles of operation.

Everything begins by turning the marker on and ensuring that it is in the SAFE mode. Next, attach an air source to the marker and turn it on and/or open the on/off valve. The air pressure now enters the inline regulator on the marker and is regulated to the markers usable pressure, which varies by model and velocity setting.

Note: The Angel's™ velocity is increased and decreased by adjusting the pressure that enters the marker via a velocity adjustment screw on the inline regulator.

Once the air pressure leaves the inline regulator, it enters the markers air chamber. The air pressure has two ways it can travel from here, to the valve and to the low pressure regulator. At this point the exhaust valve is held closed by spring pressure because the marker is not cycling. So the only route the air pressure can take is through the low pressure regulator (LPR) at this time. The air enters the LPR and is reduced in pressure to around 80-95 psi, depending on which model you have, and continues to the 14-way solenoid valve. When the air arrives at the 14-way solenoid valve it is directed to the ram's forward air passages which, in turn, pushes the ram to it's rear cocked position. The marker is now cocked and ready to begin the firing sequence which is activated by the trigger. At this point, the marker is switched to it's LIVE setting and can begin the firing sequence.

Before continuing, let's dispel a common misnomer about Angels™. Many people believe that because the low pressure regulator is set between 80-95 psi that this makes the marker low pressure. This is not so. The LPR pressure is used to cycle the ram via the 14-way solenoid valve and not to fire a paintball. The pressure from the inline regulator is what fires the paintball.

Now let's cover the firing sequence. When the trigger is pulled, it depresses a micro-switch. The micro-switch sends an electrical signal to the circuit board to begin the firing sequence. Now, depending on the circuit board's settings and whether an anti-chop system is activated, an electrical signal is then sent from the circuit board to the 14-way solenoid valve. The 14-way solenoid valve shuttles it's spool valve and sends air pressure to the ram's rear air passages which, in turn, accelerates the ram forward. At this time a few things happen. The hammer is attached to the front of the ram and has a groove machined in it. The bolt has a pin that rides in this groove. So as the ram is accelerating forward, so is the bolt. At the same time the bolt reaches the breech, the hammer opens the exhaust valve and releases an air charge through the valve and into the bolt. The air is then channeled through the bolt and accelerates a paintball out of the barrel.

Now the circuit board sends an electrical signal to the 14-way solenoid valve to re-cock the marker. The 14-way now shuttles it's spool valve and sends pressure back to the ram's forward air passages. The ram moves to it's cocked (rear) position and completes the re-cocking sequence. At the same time, the bolt, being attached to the ram via the hammer, is pulled back allowing another paintball to enter the breech. This completes one firing and re-cocking sequence of the marker.

Now that you have read this and watched the animation above, you should have a fair understanding of the basics of operation of an Angel™.

Here are a few statements to clear some questions that may have come up.

1.) The above animation depicts an Angel™ LCD's firing and re-cocking sequence. Component design and location can vary between models.

2.) Depending on the circuit board's user adjustable settings and whether or not an anti-chop system is activated determines when, and how often, the firing sequence begins. For example, if the anti-chop system does not detect a paintball in the breech it will prevent or delay cycling of the marker until a paintball is detected.

3.) If you have any questions about the components of an Angel™ then visit our Description of Components page here.