Yet another project from Hunter47

[hunter47]

Maybe I should make a mega thread.
I recently got a first gen GOG Enmey on Shop Goodwill.
I received it with a busted valve, so that'll need replacement.
The easy thing to do would be to replace it with a SMAV-3, which has been done and documented here often. However, I already have a second gen Enmey in working order!
Which got me thinking... Maybe I could turn this into an electro project. The tube is the exact same as the Envy, meaning it has provisions for eyes!
Deciding on solenoid, ranked easiest to hardest (imo):

1. Tippmann Stryker Solenoid
   1. https://ansgear.com/tippmann-stryker...w-hoses-74348/
      AFAIK the Stryker was basically an Ion, and this looks like an electromechanical version of the Enmey valve (and probably is just an Envy solenoid valve).
2. Armature based solenoid striking a SMAV-3
   1. This is the closest to an Ion, as I understand it. This design I think would be less simple than just using the Stryker noid, but would be much more user friendly.
3. Completely new off the shelf solenoid design
   1. Machine new VASA with solenoid mounting, to mount similarly as an eblade. Going this route, I could probably also use a manifold solenoid. I think it would look sick. With a manifold design, all the hose can be tucked away but still have a front mounted solenoid to show that the marker is definitely different.
   2. or 3D print a new body with solenoid mounting with lots of external hose mounting.

Deciding on controller, ranked easiest to hardest (imo):

1. Morlock mk4
   1. The only thing that gives me pause here is the price. I'm sure it's worth the price, but it's also a lot of money + features for what I need it for.
      I would use the Envy eyes if I used a Morlock.
2. Small MCU based custom solution
   1. I have a background in electronics/electrical engineering, so I'm open to doing it. This would be leagues cheaper than the Morlock if I keep the features light, but it's more time than I think I want to spend on this project.
      I'd probably run the marker blind if I went this way.
3. Sourcing an Envy/Ion/etc. board
   1. This I say is the most difficult because they're all discontinued, and don't have parts support.

My decisions are probably going to be guided where I want to go with this project - do I want an electro online as fast as possible for as cheap as possible? Do I want a tinkering project? What features am I ok with giving up? I'm not sure. Stick around to find out, or don't?

[Noobbuilder77]

saving this for future reference . I am currently sitting on a busted envy & excty , would love to see what others come up with here.