Editing Bob Long Intimidator (section)

== Operating system ==

The Intimidator is an electronically controlled, open-bolt, pneumatically operated marker.

Its operating mechanism uses a solenoid-controlled pneumatic ram to move the bolt and operate a poppet valve.

When the trigger activates the electronic circuit board, the solenoid redirects compressed air to move the ram forward.

The ram advances the bolt, chambers a paintball and opens the poppet valve, releasing compressed air to propel the paintball through the barrel.

Air is subsequently redirected to retract the ram and bolt, allowing another paintball to enter the breech.[3]

The operating system differs from mechanical blowback markers, which use a spring-loaded striker and blowback pressure to recock the mechanism.

=== Electronic controls ===

Intimidator models incorporated programmable electronic circuit boards controlling firing behaviour.

Depending on the generation, settings included:

* Firing mode.
* Rate-of-fire limit.
* Solenoid dwell.
* Trigger response.
* Anti-chop eye operation.
* Tournament lock settings.

Early models used electronic displays and external adjustment controls, while later versions incorporated revised circuit boards and operating interfaces.

The Intimidator platform supported manufacturer and aftermarket electronic systems, including Bob Long's Frenzy boards and products developed by Wicked Air Sportz, Virtue and Tadao.[3][9]

=== Anti-chop eyes ===

An important feature of the Intimidator was its electronic anti-chop eye system.

Infrared sensors positioned near the breech detected whether a paintball had entered the firing chamber.

The electronic board could prevent the marker from cycling before a paintball was correctly positioned, reducing the likelihood of paintballs breaking during loading.[3]

Later models introduced revised optical detection systems, including the optional four-eye configuration available on the Protégé and G6R.[1][4]