What is a Delay Timer and Its Functions?

A delay timer is an additional modification component found in a No. 2 gearbox of an airsoft gun. It directly influences the operation of the tappet plate nozzle, primarily by extending the opening time of the nozzle to allow BB pellets more time to enter the three-way junction, thereby improving feeding. Many individuals may inquire whether the use of a delay timer is essential in addressing premature unlocking issues or if installing one could mitigate or improve such concerns. It should be noted that simply adding a delay timer does not resolve premature unlocking issues; in fact, improper use of delay timers may exacerbate such occurrences. Additionally, while some may believe that an insufficient tappet plate stroke can be rectified by adding a delay timer, standard delay timers only alter the opening and closing timing of the nozzle and do not affect the tappet plate stroke. Therefore, to effectively address premature unlocking issues, the replacement of a tappet plate sector gear remains necessary. Some players may resort to placing a piece of pen shaft on the tappet plate shaft to adjust the stroke, albeit this method requires meticulous polishing of the tappet plate to avoid detrimental effects such as increased friction between the tappet plate and the gearbox, potentially leading to premature wear and tear. Moreover, this approach does not significantly extend the delay time. Alternatively, there are more scientifically sound methods, such as replacing the tappet plate sector gear, to modify the tappet plate stroke.

Is a Delay Timer Necessary?

From the perspective of how a delay timer affects the opening and closing of the nozzle, it is theoretically advantageous to have a longer delay time for improved feeding. However, prolonged delay times may lead to issues such as double firing. The selection of a suitable delay timer depends on various factors, including gearbox configuration. Different gearbox configurations result in varying motor speeds and, consequently, changes in delay time requirements. Generally, gearboxes with higher rates of fire necessitate longer delay times. Furthermore, concerning how a delay timer affects the closing of the nozzle, some players may encounter situations where using regular translucent BB pellets results in minor fragmentation, while using matte pellets does not. In such cases, an appropriate delay timer that ensures a gradual and consistent nozzle closing speed can reduce or eliminate fragmentation issues, as excessively fast nozzle retraction can cause significant deformation to BB pellets, compromising trajectory accuracy. Therefore, the selection of a delay timer that matches the gearbox's actual conditions is crucial.

Another critical consideration is the initial force angle on the tappet plate after installing the delay timer. The optimal initial force angle on the tappet plate should be a parallel rearward force; however, different delay timers may yield inconsistent initial force angles on the tappet plate. Some delay timers may exert a diagonal force on the tappet plate upon contact, leading to the tappet plate being forcibly pressed against the gearbox's limits, resulting in increased friction and potential damage to the tappet plate.

When selecting a delay timer, it is advisable to choose one that exerts the correct initial force angle. If possible, DIY modifications to the delay timer based on actual conditions are recommended. One popular modification involves removing the left red portion of the delay timer to create a groove. Following this modification, adhesive may be required to secure the delay timer to the gear, preventing detachment. As observed, this modification significantly improves the initial force angle between the delay timer and the tappet plate.

In conclusion, a delay timer serves a distinct function from a tappet plate sector gear; while a delay timer does not address premature unlocking issues and only alters the timing of the nozzle's opening and closing, a tappet plate sector gear can influence the tappet plate's stroke, thereby improving or resolving premature unlocking problems. Many times, feeding or fragmentation issues do not occur, and delay timers are specifically used for gearboxes experiencing feeding issues. Therefore, delay timers are not mandatory for every gearbox. The selection of a delay timer should be based on the gearbox's actual conditions.