Ok. I don't know if this was a good idea or not and it kinda goes against my whole "if it ain't broke..." credo, but I did it anyways. I took the stock ratchet and modified it to function like the Vortex or JetClick ratchets. Why take the chance? Well, I planned on getting the JetClick upgrade so I figure why not try this out. Besides, someone might be interested in the results. So here goes.

It started after taking my setup apart to relocate the quick disconnect for the remote and to polish the internals. So then I think, let's see how hard it is to disassemble the cyclone (only cause I figure I'll be getting the JetClick). Not hard at all. Once apart, I examined the ratchet for any wear that could be of concern. There are a couple of noticeable areas of wear but nothing stands out as a problem.

These show the ratchet before the mod and a little wear on the teeth. The wear was pretty consistent on all teeth. I circled where the spring arm creates wear on the leading edge of the ratchet teeth and the excessive wear on one of the teeth.


Then I got to thinking, what makes the upgrades "upgrades"? Well, aside from using more resilient materials (Al, then coated in Teflon(TM)), it is the curved shape on the back side of the teeth that makes them do what they do better. Studying the motion of the ratchet, I determined that by curving the surface on the back side of the teeth it allows the ratchet to rotate with less resistance from the spring arm that presses against the ratchet.

This series of images shows a comparison of the teeth that have been modified (blue arrow) and those that have not (red arrow). Then finally the finished mod.


After deburring the edges I reinstalled all the components of the cyclone and oiled it well. I verified the action of the ratchet before closing up the cyclone.


The "ratcheting" is now VERY smooth and requires much less force when using the manual advance. In retrospect I should have measured the force necessary to ratchet the cyclone using a scale before the mod so that I can compare it after the mod. Now I can only measure the after. Either way, it takes much less force to advance the cyclone since the spring arm rides up over a curved surface versus an angular surface. If there was ever a technical requirement for the design, then I've just botched things up. But I'm gonna guess that won't be the case. I am getting a CO2 fill today and will test the mod with air this evening. Overall, I think I will be very satisfied with this simple mod until I order the JetClick. Hope this was informative.

Tools used:
Dremel rotary tool
Sanding disc

MG

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"Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess."

A-5, eGrip, 14" TruFlight QB, 12" PPS Black non-ported w/APEX tip, P90 Mod, X7 hopper, Barska 50mm Red Dot, Laser Sight, CMI remote w/ProConnect, CMI Regulator R-2000, SCI 88/4500, Dye LLP, Proto Switch EL, DIY ratchet mod, polished internals
FN-P90 Promo Video

Looks good. Somebody had posted this mod on the old OG site right before they moved to the PBOG.

I did it, but used a hand file and emery board.

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Huh, thats such a simple idea. I really can't wait to see the results. good job on thinking it up

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98% of paintballers...eh, who cares

Guess I am a little behind the curve on this one, but it seemed like a good idea anyways. I'll update the post with results tonight, hopefully.

MG

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"Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess."

A-5, eGrip, 14" TruFlight QB, 12" PPS Black non-ported w/APEX tip, P90 Mod, X7 hopper, Barska 50mm Red Dot, Laser Sight, CMI remote w/ProConnect, CMI Regulator R-2000, SCI 88/4500, Dye LLP, Proto Switch EL, DIY ratchet mod, polished internals
FN-P90 Promo Video

Interested in the results, keep us posted.

I was gonna ask if the same thing could be done to the Vortex mod. Then I had a thought........ look at the mod first I guess Tech T did pretty much exactly that didn't they.

Still a nice job MG!!!

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I noticed the other day on the palmer site that they did this to cyclone ratchets as well. Too bab I saw this after having ordered my vortex mod. Maybe I'll do this to my stock parts for backup. Grea t pictured post

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"Thank you A5OG"

This is sick!!
Im gunna do this in conjuntion to drilling my cyclone.... If you guys want i will post pictures and compair results Bps and what not.

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Hey Scope. Can you capture bps before and after the mods? THNX.

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"Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess."

A-5, eGrip, 14" TruFlight QB, 12" PPS Black non-ported w/APEX tip, P90 Mod, X7 hopper, Barska 50mm Red Dot, Laser Sight, CMI remote w/ProConnect, CMI Regulator R-2000, SCI 88/4500, Dye LLP, Proto Switch EL, DIY ratchet mod, polished internals
FN-P90 Promo Video

Yes sir i will...
Whats the best way to do this by the way...
My chrono doesnt measure bps.
I could either walk my W.A.S. up till i get chops...
I cant shoot anything higher then 15 right now (without 1 chop)
Ill just go up from there on my was board...
Ill prob record it also and open it up on an audio program just to get the exact numbers.

Any other ideas??

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