This includes problems relating to the powerswitch, LED, battery, and solenoid not clicking issues. Please refer to the other Troubleshooting pages for information about Vision or general leaking/shooting problems respectively.
Listed are the gun's symptom along with a series of possible causes, and how to remedy them. The possible causes are in a specific order, more likely first with the less likely causes lower down the list. When diagnosing problems, you should try each item listed in order.
Ion won't turn on.
· Replace the battery.
· Verify that the power switch is functional. Separate the frame from the body and examine the surface of the board. The power switch at the top-right of the board needs to look EXACTLY like the programming switch in the bottom-right. Oftentimes the small, white, raised button will break off the switch and prevent the button from working. The cover of the switch can also fall off and prevent it from working.
below are pictures of damaged switches on Shocker circuit boards. The switch is the same, although the board is shaped different.
If the switch is damaged, you'll need to get it repaired. Send it into SP, myself, or someone else qualified. If you have considerable soldering experience please check the Powerswitch Repair page in the Related Links section for a guide on how to repair yourself.
· Check the main capacitor for damage, often caused by grip panel screws. If damage is apparent, the capacitor or entire board would need to be replaced. This requires moderate/advanced soldering experience to do yourself.
· Plug the battery into the connector and push the power switch manually using your finger. If the red LED lights after approximately two seconds, then the problem is you're not pushing the external ION jewel hard enough to turn the gun on. Reassemble it and try again. If the red LED doesn't light, there is an electronics problem and the board will need to be repaired or replaced (send it into SP).
Can't enter programming mode (stock board)
· Verify that the programming switch is functional. This is the exact same as the above condition. If the switch is damaged, you'll need to get it repaired. Send it into SP, myself, or someone else qualified.
· Inspect the circuit board for any damage or other debris that may be interfering with the circuit. If you are unable to diagnose the problem, send the gun into SP for repair.
Solenoid doesn't fire when you click the trigger.
· If the LED doesn't blink each time you pull the trigger, the trigger microswitch isn't being actuated. Adjust the trigger and check to see if the switch is broken (take the board out and push it with your finger). If the switch is broken, it will need to be replaced (requires advanced soldering abilities).
· Replace the battery (very common). "Dead" batteries occur around 7 to 7.5 volts with most boards. At this point, the board may turn on but the solenoid probably won't click.
· Verify that the dwell setting is at least 12 blinks or 10 milliseconds (also very common).
· Check the main capacitor for damage, often caused by grip panel screws. If damage is apparent, the capacitor or entire board would need to be replaced. This requires moderate/advanced soldering experience to do yourself.
· Check the solenoid coil (red wire wrapped around the solenoid) for damage. Make sure the coil wraps around the bottom of the solenoid and connects to the silver pins sticking through the board (see following picture). The wire connects to the silver terminals on each side of the solenoid. If either of the the coil wires are broken, the solenoid will need to be repaired (or replaced).
Board shuts off when you fire the solenoid.
· Replace the battery.
· Check the main capacitor for damage, often caused by grip panel screws. If damage is apparent, the capacitor or entire board would need to be replaced. This requires moderate/advanced soldering experience to do yourself.
· Inspect the board for any visual damage, scratches, or other debris. Pay special attention to the two silver prongs that hold the bottom of the solenoid to the board; if either comes in contact with the circuit board components below, this problem could occur.
· board is internally damaged and needs to be replaced. Send it into SP or purchase a new one yourself.
Ion turns itself on and off at will.
· The powerswitch on the circuit board is defective or may be bouncing. The switch would have to be replaced.
Related Links:
· Vision malfunction
· Shooting/leaking troubleshooting
· Powerswitch repair