Editing Eclipse Etek (section)

== 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.