Mechanical conversion for an ICD Freestyle?

[zinger565]

Okay, I've given up on trying to mech a Proto SLG. Just not gonna happen and not going to be reliable.

HOWEVER. Looking at the firing diagram for the ICD Freestyle (http://www.zdspb.com/media/tech/anim.../freestyle.gif) it's an unbalanced blow-foward spool. Essentially, all the LP air from the solenoid is doing is holding the bolt back. During the firing cycle, it's venting the LP air and allowing the bolt to move forward. I think one would be able to essentially replace the solenoid action with a normally open mechanical valve.

Why an ICD Freestyle?

1. I have a nostalgic love for ICD products.
2. I know there are probably a bunch out there collecting dust because of dead solenoids, which are no longer produced. If there is a relatively simple conversion kit available, it could give purpose to those markers.

Potential challenges:

1. It appears that all but the FS-Pro use a manifold mounted solenoid. Could create some interesting requirements, although a manifold can always be made and tapped.
2. It will not be a "quick change" like modern systems. This will be a semi-permanent conversion.
3. Parts availability. Lots of ICD Bushmasters floating around, not as many Freestyles.
4. According to the manuals, many of the Freestyles run the LP around 125-140psi, which is the upper end of some of the valves I've seen.

Ideally, I'm able to find a valve that can easily be mounted to the clamshell frame and hoses ran to the manifold. I'd prefer not to tap the body, so a new manifold would be machined. The Fabco MSV-2 is promising, but is normally closed. I may also be able to utilize electronic 'noid bodies without the circuitry.

[Super Nova]

Interesting, someone here did a mech PM. A mech FS would definitely be new.

[zinger565]

Yeah, I saw the mech PM. Stacked tube poppits are kinda tough IMO due to their reliance on dwell for the ram cycle. At least with the spool valve it's not *as* reliant on dwell. Though I imagine it will still be able to be short stroked.

[k_obeastly]

I've worked towards doing one in the past but was always thwarted. My FS is one of the earlier versions and was never finished from the factory. As I was unwilling to spend any real cash on it, and I didn't have all the parts, I tried making a few of the parts with mild success. I had to make my own design on/off for the bolt but never could get enough force from the air to open my on/off. I eventually gave up.

[Alexndl]

The big question is how will you seal the dump chamber when you fire. When not firing you need to provide pressure to the front of the bolt and the dump chamber, when you fire you need to seal the dump chamber and vent the air in front of the bolt. This kind of cycle cant be done directly with only a MSV2/SMAV3 seyup, you would need a 4 way valve and block the exhaust of the dump chamber.