The Intimidator 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 Intimidators 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 attaching an air source that is regulated to 500 psi or lower. The air pressure now enters the torpedo inline regulator on the marker and is regulated to the markers usable pressure, which varies by model and velocity setting (approx. 200-300 psi).

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

Once the air pressure leaves the torpedo 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 poppet (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 50-100 psi and continues to the 4-way solenoid valve via a high flow barb and low pressure tubing. When the air arrives at the 4-way solenoid valve it is directed to the ram sleeve's forward high flow barb 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.

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 the anti-chop system is activated, an electrical signal is then sent from the circuit board to the 4-way solenoid valve. The 4-way solenoid valve shuttles it's spool valve and sends air pressure to the ram sleeve's rear high flow barb which, in turn, accelerates the ram forward. At this time a few things happen. The ram has a groove machined in it and 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 ram opens the poppet (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 4-way solenoid valve to re-cock the marker. The 4-way now shuttles it's spool valve and sends pressure back to the ram sleeve's forward high flow barb. 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, 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 watched the animation and read this, you should have a fair understanding of the basics of operation of an Intimidator.

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

1.) 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 Intimidator then visit our Description of Components page here.