BATTERY CARE
The two type of batteries we use for our Airsoft guns are as we know them Ni-Cad batteries and Ni-MH batteries
Ni-Cad batteries (Nickel Cadmium)
It is best to discharge Ni-Cad batteries before recharging them because this type of battery has what they call a "Memory Effect". This means that if you do not discharge the battery after use you will shorten the run time of the battery. For example if you use 50% of the battery each time you use it and recharge it without discharging you will end up with the battery giving you only 50% of useful output. So to get the best out of your Ni-Cad battery USE IT - DISCHARGE IT - RECHARGE IT
Ni-MH batteries (Nickel Metal Hydride)
The "Memory Effect" does not apply Ni-MH batteries, so you can use the battery and recharge it without having to discharge, although it will do no harm to discharge and then recharge it. So if your battery has no outer markings to let you know what type it is you are safe to do as you would with a Ni-Cad battery.
Charging your batteries
Allot of Airsofters only have the small chargers, the ones where the charger unit plugs straight into the socket and have a fixed output. With this type of charger its very important to monitor the charge time as the charger will continue to charge the battery which can lead you to overcharging and damage the battery.
There is an equation you can use to work out how long you need to charge your battery for best results
For example, if you use a 3,000mAh battery and have a 300mA charger you would use the following
3000 divided by 300 times 1.4
= 10 times 1.4
= 14hrs charge time
Or a 600mAh battery and have a 100mA charger you would use the following
600 divided by 100 times 1.4
= 6 times 1.4
= 8.4hrs charge time
so that is THE mAh OUTPUT OF THE BATTERY DIVIDED BY THE OUTPUT OF THE CHARGER TIMES 1.4
By far the best type of charger to buy would be one with DELTA PEAK. This type of charger will charge the battery and detect when it has reached maximum charge and switch off or switches to pulse charge to keep the battery topped up.
Most modern chargers can trickle charge or fast charge batteries but it is not recommended to continually fast charge your batteries as it builds up too much heat and can lead to damaging the battery, (with my charger I can charge one of my 3000mAh batteries in about 1hr and 20mins on fast but after this the battery is hot to the touch) .
BATTERY OUTPUTS
Batteries come in various different sizes and power outputs. By far the most common in the Airsoft world is the 8.4v battery which is used in 99% of all standard AEGs.
If you wanted your battery to last longer you would choose one with a high mAh rating or if you wanted a higher rate of fire (ROF) then you would go for a higher voltage output
for example:
8.4v 600mAh compared to a 8.4v 3000mAh will give you the same ROF but the 8.4v 3000mAh will last more than 4 times longer than the 8.4v 600mAh
If you wanted a higher ROF then you would use something like a 9.6v or 10.2v battery (WARNING using a higher voltage will put more stress and ware on your AEGs gearbox and is not recommended unless your AEG has an upgraded gearbox).
EASY UPGRADES.
I think for the first Gun Tech article we'll deal with cosmetic upgrades as some Airsofters don't like the idea of opening up and messing around inside their gun(s). It’s probably not a good idea if you’re not mechanically minded ;-)
Cosmetic upgrading of your beloved gun means that you can bolt on various external additions without pulling the weapon to pieces.
Once you've bought your gun of choice, the idea of changing the look of the weapon becomes more enticing because of what you've seen on TV, web sites or even at your local Airsoft site.
We'll start with my favourite weapon of choice the M4
In standard configuration
1/
Then for a slightly more tactical look with the handguard removed and R.A.S fitted
2/
2a/
The R.A.S allows for anything with a 20mm mount to be fitted to the gun and below with the forward grip
3/
3a/
Then with addition of a torch
4/
4a/
You could also fit a scope of which there are many to choose from, I prefer the Aim Point ML2 Style without the carry handle
5/
5a/
Or if you prefer a different type of aiming device a laser might suit
6/
There is also the choice of silencers of varying shapes and sizes
7/
For additional fire power how's about the M203 Grenade Launcher
8/
And finally if you want the extreme, get yourself a C-Mag and choose from manual or electric feed, or a simple Mag Clamp for a quick changeout
9/
9a/
As you can see from the photos above, you can greatly change the look and style of your weapon to suit the look or style of play you prefer, whether it be as a regular soldier or one of the various special forces from around the globe.
Whatever you're preference there is a vast variety of Airsoft equipment out there to choose from, so don't be scared to bolt it on, it can always come back off.
If you have any questions or need advice on cosmetic upgrades, why not pop into our forum where myself 'Colibub' and the rest of the guys hang, you're more than welcome.
