Eclipse Etek

The Eclipse Etek, also styled ETEK, is a family of electronic paintball markers developed by Planet Eclipse, a British paintball equipment manufacturer based in Manchester, England. Developed during 2006 and commercially introduced around 2007, the Etek was designed as a more affordable alternative to the company's Eclipse Ego tournament marker.[1]

The Etek retained the Ego's general stacked-tube, ram-driven electropneumatic operating system while incorporating different components, materials and electronic controls to reduce manufacturing costs. Five principal generations were produced, culminating in the Etek 5, introduced in late 2014.[1][2]

History

Development

Following the introduction of the Eclipse Ego for the 2005 tournament season, Planet Eclipse explored the possibility of producing a lower-priced marker using existing components and engineering work.

The company had already invested in developing the Ego's body, internal mechanisms and related manufacturing processes. Reusing selected elements reduced the development costs of a new marker.

According to a retrospective published by Planet Eclipse in October 2017, the first Etek prototypes were tested during late 2006.

The British team Sandbaggers used early versions during the Campaign Cup at Crystal Palace in London.

Planet Eclipse subsequently began selling the Etek around 2007.[1]

Original Etek

The original Etek incorporated an electronically controlled ram-driven firing mechanism related to the Ego platform.

The marker used a stacked-tube body, pneumatic rammer, solenoid and poppet-type valve.

To distinguish it from the higher-priced Ego, the Etek incorporated simplified electronic controls and different external components.

The original marker used an LED-based programming interface rather than the more elaborate display systems offered on premium Ego models.

Planet Eclipse also offered optional upgrades, including the STAR trigger frame, allowing additional electronic functionality.[3]

Etek2

The Etek2 was announced during late 2007 and became available through dealers during 2008.

The second generation incorporated revisions to the body, trigger frame, regulator, low-pressure regulator and electronic system.

Planet Eclipse also introduced a redesigned on/off air system and a two-piece Shaft barrel.

The company's published technical specifications identified a complete marker weight of approximately 1 kg, including the barrel, regulators and air-system fittings.[3]

Etek3

The Etek3 was introduced in 2009.

Planet Eclipse announced its dedicated Etek3 product website on 18 December 2009, reporting strong demand during the model's initial availability.[4]

The Etek3 was produced in two principal configurations:

Etek3 LT, incorporating selected fibre-reinforced polymer components.
Etek3 AM, using additional machined aluminium components.

Both retained the same general ram-driven operating system.

The distinction allowed Planet Eclipse to offer differently priced versions of the marker.[2]

Etek4

The Etek4 was introduced in 2012.

Like the preceding Etek3, it was offered in two principal versions.

The Etek4 LT incorporated fibre-reinforced polymer components, while the Etek4 AM used additional aluminium components.

The marker retained the Etek family's stacked-tube, ram-driven operating system.

Planet Eclipse also offered electronic upgrades for selected Etek configurations, including display-equipped control systems.[2][5]

Etek5

The Etek5 was introduced in late 2014.

It represented the fifth principal generation of the Etek family.

Unlike the Etek3 and Etek4, the Etek5 was not divided into separate LT and AM versions.

The model incorporated an updated body, electronic control board, regulator arrangement and ergonomic components.

An optional OLED display upgrade was available for the Etek5, providing an alternative to its standard LED programming interface.[2][5]

No subsequent Etek6 model is documented in Planet Eclipse's published marker range.

Operating system

The Etek is an electropneumatic paintball marker using a stacked-tube, ram-driven mechanism.

Its principal operating components include:

An electronic trigger and control board.
A solenoid controlling pneumatic operation.
A rammer that operates the bolt and valve assembly.
A poppet-type valve regulating the release of compressed air.
High-pressure and low-pressure regulation systems.
An electronic anti-chop eye system.

The marker uses compressed air supplied from a refillable pressure cylinder.

Its basic operating principle is related to the Ego rather than the spool-valve architecture used by the Eclipse Geo.

The Etek family also used interchangeable barrels, electronic firing modes and programmable marker settings, with individual features varying between generations.[3][5]

Models

Model	Introduction period	Notes
Etek	2006–2007	Original marker developed from the Ego platform
Etek2	2007–2008	Revised body, regulator, electronics and air system
Etek3	2009	Available in LT and AM configurations
Etek4	2012	Revised platform, available in LT and AM configurations
Etek5	Late 2014	Fifth generation with optional OLED display

The introduction periods reflect manufacturer statements and historical product documentation. Prototype testing, product announcements and commercial availability did not always occur in the same calendar year.[1][2][3][4]

Position within the Planet Eclipse range

The Etek occupied a different position in Planet Eclipse's range from the premium Ego models.

Although both used ram-driven electropneumatic operating systems, the Etek incorporated cost-reducing design decisions and more limited standard electronic features.

The Etek was also distinct from the company's other marker families:

Eclipse Ego: Premium ram-driven electropneumatic markers.
Eclipse Geo: Electronic spool-valve tournament markers.
Eclipse Etha: A separate marker family introduced for the recreational and intermediate market.
Eclipse Gtek: Electronic spool-valve markers using the Gamma Core operating system.

The Etek provided an additional option for players seeking electronic tournament equipment without purchasing the highest-priced Ego models.

References

External links