GOG eNMEy + SMAV-3

[gnarlynick]

Participating in the POP 2026 build got me looking more into the utilization of a SMAV-3 valve in a GOG eNMEy. The OEM valves for those markers are essentially impossible to replace should they break and that got me thinking about longevity of these markers.

Has anybody successfully integrated a SMAV-3 into an eNMEy, specifically? I know they've been used for mech Ion conversions. The hose connections seem simple enough, but I was more curious on placement of the valve itself and how to actuate it. My first thoughts were to orient it into the grip frame vertically where the current valve actuating rocket resides. That way, the existing trigger design could still actuate the valve without modification. Obviously the grip frame would require modification to allow the valve to occupy the space of the rocket; it could probably even be made to thread into the grip frame without the need of a mounting frame to be designed and made. I haven't actually done any measurements yet to see if that space can support the valve in that orientation and allow everything to be reassembled. This is just initial thoughts on this option.

I probably won't be doing this for the POP build itself since the budgetary constraints are so tight, just moreso curious what can be done down the line to keep these markers operating on third party parts when the OEM parts inevitably fail.

[OpusX]

I have had similar thoughts...think I'll hangout for the chat.

Edit to add search for alternative componets also.

Here are compact 3-way stem/miniature pneumatic valves comparable to the Clippard SMAV-3 (sub‑miniature, 3-way, ~#3‑56 ports, ~1/16" barb, ~51 L/min @100 psi):

- Clippard SMAV-3 / M‑SMAV-3 — (reference; match in size/function)
- Clippard MAV series (other SMAV variants) — same family, same form factor with different actuation/options
- Lee Company 3‑way Microvalves (e.g., Lee 26 series) — subminiature metal valves, similar flow and pressure ratings, compact bodies
- SMC LVM or LVM1 series micro 3‑port valves — small footprint, 1/8" or sub‑miniature ports; check port/thread sizes
- Festo VEM/VMH micro valves (small 3‑way stem-style options) — compact, low mass, similar function
- Parker/UDT subminiature 3‑way valves (Mikro/Micro series) — small threaded mounting and barb options
- Asco (Emerson) miniature 3‑way solenoid valves (small port options) — slightly larger but similar function in compact packages
- Koganei micro stem valves — very small 3‑way stem valves used in instrumentation

[Magmoormaster]

I've been curious as well. I do like the idea of mounting it vertically where the rocket currently resides, that would probably be the easiest. That said, since the end barb is the inlet, I think you'd need to change it to a 90* barb. That said, I think the biggest challenge is that the stock gun uses different size hoses. It looks like the hose from the VASA to the valve is 5mm OD, and 4mm from the valve to the sail. I'm not sure how to deal with that.

[The Hobbit]

3d printed housing that mounts the valve in the standard valve location?

[gnarlynick]

I don't think that'll work as the actuator would be parallel to the trigger.


The SSC Ion kit mounts it through the grip frame at a diagonal and the trigger comes into contact with the actuator

[The Hobbit]

Ok, not super familiar with them.

[RedLeaderSB]

If it’s just a mounting question, can autococker 3 ways work?
barb size mismatch, low flow maybe?

[OpusX]

If it’s just a mounting question, can autococker 3 ways work?
barb size mismatch, low flow maybe?

Well using some search magic --> https://www.pbnation.com/showthread.php?t=3212000
EDIT: Also autococker 3way mods from zdspb --> https://www.zdspb.com/customwork/mechion.html

[ChoSanJuan]

I was always told that the pressure threshold was way higher than what a cocker 3 way can handle. Now I wish I would have jumped on the pop build to try this out. :/

[Jordan]

I was always told that the pressure threshold was way higher than what a cocker 3 way can handle. Now I wish I would have jumped on the pop build to try this out. :/

It is - i tried it. The 3way gets very difficult to actuate properly at the pressures needed for an Ion to shoot at velocity.

[gnarlynick]

Gonna do some experiments...

[Magmoormaster]

Sweet!! I’m excited to see how that goes.

Also your inner body is gloss? That’s interesting, all of mine are matte.

[gnarlynick]

Only one of the three I have were matte

[Magmoormaster]

Any update on this, gnarlynick?

[gnarlynick]

Unfortunately, no. Haven't had the free time to get into this yet.

[gnarlynick]

An update: I did some fitment checks and mostly everything seems to be good.

I've decided to mount the SMAV-3 where the rocket actuator used to be in the trigger frame. Seems to be the path of least resistance and won't require the existing trigger mechanism to be redesigned. To do this, the frame needed some minor modifications to fit the SMAV-3:

1. I had to expand the hole to 1/4" to allow the threaded end of the SMAV-3 to slide through.
2. Also, with a Dremel, I had to shave off a bit of plastic material where the top grip screws thread into the grip frame.

After this, I had to remove the trigger to be able to slide the SMAV-3 into the now 1/4" hole and secure the nut from within the grip area. It was a little difficult to maneuver the trigger back in, but it makes constant contact with the SMAV-3 actuator and requires barely any movement to actuate the SMAV-3 with a trigger pull. Certainly not a lighter trigger pull, though. First photo below is the trigger as it sits idle. Second photo below is after maybe a millimeter of trigger pull to fully depress the actuator.



Everything inside has enough clearance for the upper body to be assembled. I purchased an Ion QEV from ANSGear. I placed the Ion QEV, one of the banjo fittings and the vertical ASA fitting inside the upper. Everything just needs plumbed up.


Speaking of the upper, the Ion QEV threads in without any modifications and I repurposed the banjo fitting that used to go where the QEV now is for the rear connection. The hoses included with the SSC mech Ion kit fit both of those barb fittings.


The "problematic" part is the vertical ASA fitting. The SSC mech Ion kit tubing ID is 2.5mm while the OD of that fitting is 4mm. I'll have to see what tubing options I may have or if I can source that fitting in the smaller OD. Maybe I can heat up the end of the 2.5mm ID tubing and squeeze it over the existing fitting. The fitting threads into the vertical ASA with a 10-32 UNF thread pitch; not sure how common that fitting is at the moment...


Once that vertical ASA fitting gets sorted, I should be able to cut all the tubing to proper lengths, plumb everything in and actually pressurize the system and do some test shots. Overall, not too difficult since most of the hard work was already done in the original effort to convert an Ion to a mech.

I'll research that fitting, if anyone already is familiar with that part and can provide more info, I'd appreciate the assistance.

[Calvin]

This is super exciting. I was just discussing these platforms and options for reconditioning the stock valves yesterday with StaticShocked. Having a known parts list and methodology to convert to currently available hardware is a far better option. Keep up the good work!

[gnarlynick]

Thanks! I don't like how scarce and seemingly fragile the OEM valves are for these. Simply replacing a leaking hose can be dissasterous, as I and others have found out during the POP builds. If it can all be replaced with COTS parts (and have a better trigger feeling than stock), this has a contender on being one of my more favorite markers.

[Calvin]

I totally agree with that sentiment. Without the POP contest I never would have even considered trying this platform. Having played a couple days with them now, I am very committed to keeping a stable of them on hand going forwards.

[gnarlynick]

Did the discussion you had with StaticShocked have any good alternatives?

[Calvin]

It was focused on the possibility of making a model of the casing that could be sent off to be printed in aluminum via SLS. At that point you could tap the holes for commercially available barbs. That left sourcing the diaphram disc (not sure if thats the proper term) via conversion from a dye rize part or making one.

[Calvin]

I havent made any parts with it, but my understanding is that you end up with parts proximate in strength to what a cast part if the same material would be. I doubt 200psi would be a problem for an aluminum printed part. That said, I like your method more.

[devilzcall]

sls metall is literally laser melting, so if the process is done right, the resulting part is pretty much identical in strength to the material in billet form. more of a problem is warping or splitting, which can hit your part pretty bad if you try to achieve low wall thicknesses. Also very interesting is Binder jetting for metal powder, which means printing a ''green part'' on a fairly simple printer that gets sintered in an oven after printing, evaporating the binder and crystallizing the metal. JLC offers both processes for reasonable prices.

[gnarlynick]

Ah, I hadn't considered using a metallic material. I still automatically associate 3D printing with polymers. I'd imagine you would also be able to get the armature disc inside the the valve machined or printed, similarly. It just appears to be an aluminum disc with holes punched through it and some plastic or rubber circle in the center that forms a seal. The rest of the internals are just a washer and an o-ring.