ASCU V2 - Airsoft Control unit - MOSFET kind of unit

darkslider

So..... having upgraded my Gearbox and Motor to get an increased ROF I discovered that the anti-rev latch in the gearbox kept jamming and couldn't be reset without opening the box. With this in mind I went looking for a solution that would enable me to remove the anti rev latch and essentially remove the issue.

I started looking at MOSFET and PTW type set ups and came across the Airsoft Systems Control Unit (ASCU). I decided to give this a shot as it was in it's 2nd incarnation, hence the V2, and was designed built by a computer engineer and a gun designer in Bulgaria.

The unit works on ALL version 2 gearboxes, except the ICS two piece units.

Hear comes the science bit.....
Having looked at some other MOSFET type units, (a lot of which were pure rubbish), this unit seems like it goes far beyond the usual MOSFET duties.
The ASCU has a MOSFET, but it is only one of its components. The main
difference between the ASCU and all other MOSFETs, is that the ASCU has a
Sensor Unit, that completely replaces the original switch assembly in the
gearbox, this Unit monitors the movement of the cut-off lever,
converting its actual position to electronic signal, that very accurately tells the Control Unit when the full cycle of the sector gear is completed, the Control unit via its MOSFET stops the motor at this exact moment,
each time, shot after shot. No matter the firing mode, semi or auto, no matter
the battery type and voltage, no matter how fast you tap the trigger, the ASCU will always manage the gearbox to complete the full cycle, and will stop it at the exact same time when the cycle has finished and the piston has reset. Once the unit is installed, the following parts can be removed from your gearbox:
anti-reversal latch, the trigger stop lever and the cut-off lever spring.

After installation there's no setup or programing.
It is just Plug & Play. It is programmed for semi, 3 round burst (squeeze and release trigger on fully auto), fully auto, but can be re-configured if required. There's also a battery cut off to prevent you completely draining the cells in the battery.

Verdict: I really like this. It's a great piece of kit. The control unit fits in my G&P marine stock along with an ASG 2000mah battery. It replaces the entire trigger switch assembly with a tiny circuit baord and a micro switch and also the Anti Rev latch is gone! It's pricey enough @about €90 but it's a robust unit that's plug and play and easy to install.

Things to look out for:
The gauge of the wiring is quite high to deal with the big lipos, so you need to be careful when feeding it past the motor hole in the gearbox, otherwise you'll end up with minced wires - a little locktite to hold things in place here works wonders.
The micro switch is part of a circuit, so for those of you who like a lot of lube in your box (oooo er) bear in mind the grease is a conductor and the unit won't work if it gets greasy. It won't fry though, just a matter of cleaning.

Foot Note: To install this unit you must have a selector plate with the small piece of metal at the opposite end to the selector switch facing into the gearbox. Other wise it won't work. Also, you need a motor with good strong magnets (neodymium type) for the cycling system to work properly.

Link:
http://www.redwolfairsoft.com/redwolf/airsoft/Accessories_AEG_Misc_Gearbox_Parts_Airsoft_Systems_Smart_Control_Unit_Version_2_For_Gearbox_Ver_2.htm

clubberlang12

Nice write up. Had one of these. "Had" being the operative word. Died on me with in a week of installing. When it was working it was a very nice upgrade. But by far the biggest draw-back of these is the customer service you receive, or lack of i should say. Emailed Airsoft Systems a couple of times to try and figure out the failure but never received any return mails. Another small down-side is that if you use the buffer tube as the battery compartment, the thyristors can take up a fair bit of room in there and limit the number of positions the stock can operate with.

But am very interested to see how they work long-term, so keep us updated.

darkslider

I can understand that. I was rebuilding my gearbox at the time of installation and went a bit mad with the lithium grease. some of it got on the back of the circuit board and the thing appeared to be dead - I was really p155ed at this, thought it might have been the unit and they do state that unless it's professionally installed the warranty's void, even though they supply full instructions for installation.

As it turns out, any kind of short will make the unit appear dead as there's all kinds of safety cut offs in the circuitry. It took a fair amount of trouble shooting to realise it was the trigger circuit shorting and after a lot of cleaning with cotton buds (of the unit and the gearbox), boom! we were back in action.

So far it's done 3 or 4 full days skirmishing and not a peep. Love the trigger response and the 3 round burst keeps the expenditure of BB's under control when the ROF is quite high.

One other thing I noticed, the battery cut off on a 1600mh NIMH was quicker than I expected, hence my upgrade to the 2000mh NIMH.

StevieGriff

Nice write up mate, have one of these on the way from Redwolf to be pop into my SR-25 to hopefully end to woeful wiring issues I've been having with it.

THE MINDER

Just thought I'd throw my opinions/experiences in here regarding these units-
Firstly I have fitted three or four of these ASCU units and luckily(touch wood)unlike clubberlang I have had absolutely NO issues as yet-I've also used the same amount of AWS Raptors/Stealths also but have had a number of issues with them-that being said Frank from AWS has always responded quickly and satisfactorily:) Incidentally the Raptor unit will be discontinued over the next few months to be replaced with something new.This makes me wonder a little as to the why??
Anyway both units work a dream when set up and working correctly-I must add though it is my opinion that although not necessary it is preferable to upgrade your internals if so required to get the full benefit of these units.

I have to say my preference goes to the ascu but this of course is subject to housing the unit in the stock tube and using something on the lines of a cranestock.The unit is very much more robust but more importantly I love the feel and response of the trigger unit.Hopefully I wont need to use aftersales as I have heard similar stories to clubberlang regarding the lack of response from them:)

Of course if the setup requires a stocktube configuration I have no hesitation in fitting the Raptor unit:)