Miniature High Pressure Air Compressor for Tank Refills??

[splat15k]

Is there anybody who doesn't like this idea???????????

I think it's a massive winner. The best part about it from a marketing standpoint is that it isn't marker-specific and nearly every player could benefit from owning one. These things should sell very well.

Side note: Tom, I cry every time I see your ideas stolen; please get a patent or two on this baby, even if you decide not to make them in the end.

[Sumthinwicked]

yea i know right

[stondroopy]

I think this is a great idea. I know there is more R&D but perhaps there can be sizing options? Small lunch box compressors for the guy who just needs a tanks fill and something say maybe double the size for scubas? I use Vair compressors when I bag trucks I always wondered if those could be used somehow to fill tanks

[JKR]

Is there anybody who doesn't like this idea???????????

I don't think there is!

I floated the idea to some friends via email a couple of days ago. Of the three to reply so far, all of them are interested. One even commented that at approx $250-$275, he felt that it was a good deal and expected it to cost more. One of the others wanted to know if he could order one yet.

Let's hope this becomes a reality.

I would like to see, however, an estimate on the lifespan of the unit before needing a rebuild. Also, I think the unit should be shipped with the parts for one rebuild since it seems that it will be needed from time to time.

[zondo]

From the other "Tom Kaye" thread:

I am pleased with the response to the mini-compressor. I am working on it now.

Maybe......

AGD

Man, I love this forum..

[Wrathbringer]

I'm curious about the ETA on this thing, though my gut tells me it's probably at least a year out. It still has to go through a lot of work before production starts...

[FiXeL]

It will probably take a while to develop the concept into a functioning model. The applications for a compressor like this are not just limited to paintball too.

This will be quite a challenge, since the compressor has to be small, needs to automaticly drain condensation, and be relatively silent in its operation. The most silent air compressors i've seen so far are for airbrushes, and yes they are small but still too loud to keep them running overnight.

But then again... a fridge also uses a compressor...

I would definatly want one, because with this beasty ear protection is mandatory.

[luke]

What is the price of this unit?

[magmonkey]

I would be all about this.
for the general masses this would have to be idiot proof
there would have to be some way to lock it into 3000 psi position so no one can come along after it has been started and mess with it . a 2:00 am surprise of a tank overpressure would not be welcome.
it would also have to be kind of a set and forget type of system, because you know there will be some one down the line that will set it up and go on vacation for a week

[FiXeL]

What is the price of this unit?

http://www.bauergroup.com/en/produkt...ior2/index.php

The tank for the fuel holds a bit more than a gallon, and should be good for atleast 3 hours of running the compressor, maybe even more.

Since the local diving shop went out of buisness, i was forced to get one. This one was for sale at the time, and the price was affordable. This thing has been running for years before i got it, and bauer compressors have a lifetime warranty if you have it serviced every year.

Currently it's coupled to 2x 10 liter 4500 psi scuba's with double valves on it. So the compressor can be permanently hooked up, a filling hose between both tanks, and a fill station on the last valve. I have a third scuba that i want to hook up, but it needs hydro and a double valve installed.

It's not the most ideal setup, but for our field (small woodsball field) it can guarantee the first 10 fills at 3000 psi before the compressor has to top off the scuba's again.

[mostpeople]

I might be able to cut it down to 24 hours but probably not to 12 hours for an 80 cu inch tank. Each piston has a LOT of pressure on it during the compression stroke so the motor gets bigger quickly and things like heat build up come into play. Faster will always mean more expensive.

The other option is that I sell just the compressor without the motor. You hook up your own via a pulley and fan belt.

The components would have to be rebuildable with average hand tools. One of the big problems with high pressure compressors is the wear and tear.

The electrical consumption will be minimal. Something like a 100 watt light bulb.

AGD

Good ideas tom. Glad to see you are thinking, it is obvious to a lot of us that you still have interest in the sport, which is awesome.

However this idea, as going_home said, is impractical. I would not buy it. When I shoot a mag, I am at 2000 psi by the end of the first game, which means you need to refill before every game.

Sorry to say this, but I want you to be aware of all sides to this, including the negative ones :(

I am much more interested in the curving marker you were talking about earlier

[mostpeople]

Make it the size of a case of paint, able to run on car/wall outlet, and cut it to 30 min, and I would buy it.

[JKR]

Good ideas tom. Glad to see you are thinking, it is obvious to a lot of us that you still have interest in the sport, which is awesome.

However this idea, as going_home said, is impractical. I would not buy it. When I shoot a mag, I am at 2000 psi by the end of the first game, which means you need to refill before every game.

Sorry to say this, but I want you to be aware of all sides to this, including the negative ones :(

I am much more interested in the curving marker you were talking about earlier

Perhaps you wouldn't buy it but you are missing most of the market for this compressor idea of TK's. When I go out to play renegade with my 'Mag, I take my 72cu in/3000 PSI tank with me and use it for most, if not all, that day of play. For renegade players who generally shoot less than half a case a day of play (which is a large percentage) and have poor access to fills, this idea would be a great thing!

[chafnerjr]

... cut it to 30 min, and I would buy it.

That's the thing that makes compressors expensive. You can buy those systems now if you don't mind spending a few thousand dollars. TK's trying to get it under $300. Time is the trade off

[SR_matt]

That's the thing that makes compressors expensive. You can buy those systems now if you don't mind spending a few thousand dollars. TK's trying to get it under $300. Time is the trade off

TK is also trying to make it almost silent, if the silent part is ignored speed can come up, but others living in the same area might not like it

as to the amount of air consumed by a player, with a 45/45 filled pretty close (probably 4400 after the cool down) i got off about 600-650 rounds with the hardest spring in, shooting 260-280 with a very loose barrel/paint match, with the lightest spring and a good fit i can probably push 8-850, it would be great for a player that just wants renegade ball but that is only part of the market, the tinkering is a huge part and those that have to pay per fill, heck when i go to a scenario game it would be nice to go out in the morning and not have to stand in an air line to get 3k barely

-matt