Electronics Retrofit ZDSPB.com > Tech index > Electronics Retrofit

This page is geared for custom board installations using multi-purpose electronics (or similar). The term multi-purpose board refers to any board designed for no single marker in particular; they're instead designed to be retrofitted into any marker you may have, within the confines of the board's hardware and programming. Below is a reasonably complete list of all past and current multi-purpose boards. Some of them aren't available, some are, you will have to read the details for the boards. Further down the page you will find information for other boards, and some generalized tips for the actual installation process.

KM2 Morlock board, original (discontinued; obsolete)
The original multi-purpose controller, long since discontinued. Its small size allowed it to fit inside any marker available at the time (2000-2004). The programming is understandably outdated to today's standards, however still able to perform the basic functions and match the essential current-day features (debounce, firing mode, eye delay, etc).
Morlock original
KM2 Mini-Morlock and Predator-Morlock boards (no longer available)
These were updated versions of the original Morlock, and were the most common version available. They feature a slightly smaller circuit board size combined with improved adjustments. This version Morlock was available from two sources, TAG Sportz or KM2 direct. The board hardware was the same between these two distributers, however the programming was slightly altered. The TAG version was commonly called the Predator board and used AFA programming. The board from KM2 direct was commonly called the Predator-Morlock since it was based off the TAG version, but came with a few less features (mainly, Predator boards had ABS dwell support and also offered more firing modes, but these were the only main differences). Both boards featured KM2's distinctive numerical programming method. However, since this board is also slightly older, the programming is also a bit outdated to today's standards. It hasn't been updated since 2005ish and some new enhancements simply aren't present. This was the last version Morlock board available, and seems to have been essentially discontinued sometime in 2006-2007. Finding the correct manual for this board is a nightmare since it changed literally every month.
Mini-Morlock
Mini-Morlock
KM2 PredatorII board (no longer available)
PredatorII boards were released slightly ahead of the Mini-Morlock (above) as an exclusive TAG Sportz board. They're physically identical to the Mini-Morlocks, except the PredII uses individual connectors instead of the Morlock's one main connector. After using this board for several weeks/months, the install centers (myself included) decided the individual connectors were too messy and ultimately inferior to the Morlock's single main connector; this board was thus discontinued. At that point, TAG begun installing their Predator code onto regular Mini-Morlock boards (above) and they were used from that point onward.
Predator2
KM2 Micro-Morlock board (not released)
KM2 begun development on this board in 2006 but it suddently ceased mid-way through for no apparent reason, and the developer has since quit paintball (or so we assume). The board was intended to be a successor to the last version of Morlocks, but this was somewhat cloudy since there weren't really any definitive goals in mind for the project other than making the board smaller. Nevertheless, the board was never released, and likely never will.
no picture
available
Vaporworks Chaos board 2k6 (discontinued; obsolete)
This board was originally designed for Bushmasters, however also makes a great multi-purpose controller too. Discontinued and replaced with the newer version (below).
Chaos 2k6
Vaporworks Chaos board 2k7+
Current version of the popular multi-purpose Bushmaster Chaos board. Slightly redesigned hardware from the previous version, but overall the same item. The installation process for these boards is very similar to a Morlock since they use a similar connector (the hardware for the connector is actually the same, however the wiring is different). Personally I find the programming method to be a little slow, however the fact that these boards are small enough to be useful, and actually available seems to make them a very good multi-purpose package.
Please note that even though this is often marketed as a multi-purpose board, the solenoid transistor is actually quite undersized. This board can run most indirect-acting solenoids, but cannot operate most direct-acting ones (no MAC solenoids, no Ion solenoid, some Humphrey solenoids, etc).
Chaos 2k7
WAS Micro-Equalizer (not released)
Multi-purpose board which was planned for release in 2004/2005, just before the company was sold. This board was said to replace WAS' current line of upgrade circuitry, despite this being obviously impossible for some markers due to their switch operation, LED placement, etc.
The pictures to the right show the board with a precrimped harness ready to accept Intimidator hardware (top) or AKALMP hardware (bottom) as example markers for installation. Taking into consideration the outdated programming from 2004, these boards did indeed appear to be promising, if not for that single massive easy-to-misalign connector it used. But it doesn't matter sicne these weren't released.
Micro-Equalizer Micro-Equalizer
Amcfall multipurpose board (not released)
These two multi-purpose boards were never intended for sale, however they're a notable addition to this list. Developed by tinkerer Amcfall and associates.
Amcfall boards top Amcfall boards bottom
Scenario Dreams Universal T-board
Small board developed along the same T-board programming methods and features. It's low-markup pricetag makes this board particularly popular. This board uses a momentary power button (membrane pad standard), relocated 5-mm multicolor LED. The downside is the increased number of wires for the switches and LEDs.
The board can operate a dual-solenoid marker but must be returned and re-flashed with altered firmware. SD reportably provides this service and is rumored to provide the programming image for tinkerers that have the ability to reprogram microcontroller ROM memory at home.
Universal T-board
TCF Proclus board, original (discontinued)
Multi-purpose board designed by myself for use in customer projects. Comparable to other multi-purpose boards in programming; it's notable features include dedicated frame/body connectors, a mounting style using a pair of LEDs for board status and operation (it was chiefly designed to be placed in the rear of the grip frame, after some slight milling if necessary), support for any solenoid configuration (including overlapping solenoids), adjustable solenoid pulse settings, 24v max input voltage. Reprogrammable and multifunctional; available with custom programming for additional switches, LEDs, eyes, etc.
This board is no longer available.
Proclus topProclus bottom
Proclus board, v8 (avilable in the future?)
Proclus redesign, similar to the original version but with more modern features. These include enhanced programming, compatibility with virtually any marker (even Minis), and expanded installation options. If a developer would like to have a batch of these boards produced for retail, contact me and I will provide information.
no picture
available
APE Universal Rampage board (not released)
This had been hinted for future release around mid 2007, but there haven't been any tentative information or details towards it in the time since.
no picture
available

Development Information:
Here is a chart containing information on the installation and operation of boards that actually made it to full production.

Board type: Manuals: Wiring diagram:
Morlock board original Manual Diagram
See also - Morlock manuals
Predator-Morlock board
from KM2 direct
Manual
Official Manual
Predator-Morlock board
from TAG Sportz
TAG Predator AFA 3.0
TAG Predator AFA 5.0
TAG PredatorII board TAG Predator AFA 2.1
TAG Predator AFA 3.0
Diagram
See also manual
Chaos 2k6 board Manual Wiring diagram
See also - Bushmaster wiring
Chaos 2k7 board Manual
SD Universal T-board Manual See manual
Eye wiring

Alternatives to Multi-Purpose Boards:
The following table displays boards which aren't designed for multi-purpose use, but may still be good candidates for an electronics retrofit. Most of these are small enough so they may fit in a variety of custom projects.

Diablo Wrath board
Small size, especially once the capacitor is removed. There are also aftermarket Wrath boards available (pictured to the right is the SD T-board for Wraths).
Wrath
Dye DM4/5 board
This board is relatively large compared to the others in this list, but can still be useful if you have a lot of space available in your project marker. DM chips are also very easy to find, and aftermarket chips are somewhat cheaper since you're just paying for the chip and code.
DM4/5
FEP Quest board (uses DM4/5 chips)
This board uses DM4/5 chips but the circuit board itself is slightly smaller. However, these are more difficult to source since there isn't a large volume of Quest parts available. They also offer slightly different hardware than the Dm4/5 boards, notably the trigger and power switches are integrated to the board, and would therefore likely have to be relocated.
ICD Freestyle board
This board is very small however the downside is it uses a specific mounting point for the trigger and power switches. If you're tricky, though, you may be able to remove the switches and relocate them elsewhere. There are also a few developers that offer an aftermarket reflash for Freestyle boards, as well as one or two aftermarket boards (such as the NoX board pictured to the right).
Freestyle Freestyle
ICD Bushmaster boards
See Chaos boards in the above table for multi-purpose electronics.
System-X NME boards
These boards are long and thin, but can sometimes be suited for a custom project if there is enough room inside the marker. I've also seen people carve out the inside of their grip panels in order to fit this board in position (although that tends to leave ugly results). This board uses Molex Milli-grid connectors, like a Bushmaster or Morlock board.
NME NME
Ion board
These are common for electronics retrofits since they are very easy to obtain (given the low resale value of Ions and Ion parts). However, it should be noted that stock [and most aftermarket] Ion boards are designed for use ONLY with the stock Ion solenoid. These boards use a special solenoid pulse signal (PWF) which may be insufficient for some indirect-acting solenoids. The main downside to these boards, in my opinion, is that they don't offer many disconnects for the marker's peripherals (solenoid, powerswitch, etc) so you would have to add your own if you wish to use them.
Ion

Features of the Custom Install:
I've created a separate page for this: Features of the Custom Install.