power tubes

The power tube is a stationary component within the reveiver that houses the power valve.  Gas is continuously fed to the power tube from the ASA via the tombstone (in the A-5), but is prevented from flowing by the normally closed power valve.  When the cocked hammer (rear bolt) is released by the trigger, the long bolt spring propels the hammer into the valve pin, which then briefly allows gas to flow.  The gas forces the front bolt into the paintball.  The velocity of the ball is determined by the amount of gas allowed into the receiver, which is, in turn determined by gas pressure and how long the valve is open.

The front velocity adjuster (FVA), which is screwed into the power tube near its opening to the tombstone, decreases gas flow by creating turbulence--it's just an obstacle.  Maximum velocity is obtained when the FVA is flush with the inner surface of the power tube, rather than all the way out.

There is a great animation of the function of the power tube on the A-5 Owner's Group forum.

triggerhappy1 wrote: No, your desribing the valve. The valve is totalty differant than the powertube. The powertube just houses the valve.

Try re-reading my post.

I dont really have a problem with anything you said, but Im trying to point out that its not the powertube that does what the valve does, its the valve that does all the work. For example, "gas is continuously fed to the powertube.." Id just feel better if you had said valve and not powertube, because obviouly the gas is not fed to the plastic, but the valve inside.

No hard feelings, i just get a little technical somtimes.

w00t go smitty!

Too bad it doesnt move because my computer sucks.