Black Talon Concepts (BTC) "Spectre" Drop-in MOSFET
Mar 15, 2014 21:06:33 GMT -5
Post by triggs (SABR) on Mar 15, 2014 21:06:33 GMT -5
Full Album Review - Black Talon Concepts "Spectre" MOSFET
Black Talon Concepts (BTC) “Spectre” Drop-in MOSFET
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Internals review
- Performance
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Overview
Normally I shy away from sponsored reviews, since I think it keeps reviews more unbiased, but when I was offered the chance to review the much coveted BTC "Spectre" I really couldn't turn the offer down. So here we are with a brand new Black Talon Concepts “Spectre” Drop-in MOSFET.
For those interested in a complete install guide. You can find the accompanying guide HERE for installing the BTC Spectre in a KWA 2GX Gearbox.
Accessories
Since the majority of the product is the MOSFET itself, there really isn’t much that could be included. I think it’s a great touch, that they include a female Deans T-connector to male Mini-Tamiya style converter for the included male Deans T-connect that comes soldered to the Spectre MOSFET, generally most companies that use Deans assume the buyer will already have them or swap it themselves. So the included converter is indeed a nice touch.
Also included is a small screw to replace one of the gearbox screws to keep the selector plate from falling out (more on this later).
Finally is a 4 page (2 pages back to back) manual on installing and programming the Spectre (more on this later).
Externals Review
Can I just say how much cooler the red PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is compared to the black PCB on the BTC Chimera? Besides the bright red PCB though, there isn’t too much to say about the looks of the unit itself.
However, it is worth mentioning the odd looking spring on the upper PCB. The purpose of this unassuming spring is simply to make sure the second PCB stays connected properly to the base PCB. When assembling the shell it’s easy to unseat the PCB which may impact the function of the unit (let’s face it, no one likes to take their gearbox multiple times during a “simple” install).
Internals Review
The Spectre is designed as a complete replacement for the traditional trigger contacts and instead features a small micro-switch mounted to the PCB. The largest impact of the micro switch compared to a normal trigger contacts is a vast increase in the response time from when the trigger is pulled, to the time the gearbox cycles.
The Spectre also features a micro-switch that replaces the traditional cutoff lever. Normally the cutoff lever acts as a mechanical stop that trips the trigger contact and only allows the rifle to fire one round in semi (in full auto the cutoff lever is disengaged allowing continuous fire). Due to the engineering of the Spectre, the micro-switch cutoff “lever” allows for a much more accurate and precise stopping of the cycle. This comes in handy for some of the advanced functions of the Spectre unit (more on this later).
Since the traditional trigger contacts are gone, the Spectre features 2 small switches on the outside of the PCB that must be depressed in order to “unsafety” the gearbox. On a traditional trigger this would involve the selector plate bridging a pair of contacts that act as a secondary cutoff in case of a short circuit. For the Spectre, these switches simple have to be depressed by the selector plate to activate semi or full auto.
NOTE: As noted in the manual and other reviews. Classic Army rifles may experience some issues with the cutoffs, the CA shell is slightly wider and requires more material on the selector plate to compensate. BTC recommends simply wrapping the arm of the selector plate with electrical tape to make up the difference.
I did not have any issues with the Guarder selector plate and the KWA 2GX shell.
Performance
If you read any of the other reviews of the BTC Spectre that have come out since its introduction they have been nothing short of stellar.
Since the Spectre is a fully computerized MOSFET, which unlike a basic MOSFET, allows for a number of customizable features not traditionally available to players without large or clunky setups.
The Spectre features:
Dynamic Braking – Prevents overspin of the gears and motor to allow precise and complete revolutions of the gearbox to prevent the spring being left compressed after use. This is also (incorrectly) known as “Active Braking (A/B).”
NOTE: Something I discovered after installation was the differences between this MOSFET system and the OEM system. Originally I had no issues with “overspin” (an overly powerful motor cycling the gearbox more than one time per trigger pull). However, the Spectre had a good amount of overspin and was firing a two round burst (not intentionally mind you). To fix this I simply had to enable “light or medium motor braking” depending on the rifle I tested it in.
Standard Safe-Semi-Full Auto firing modes, what you would normally see on a AEG, are set as the factory defaults. The manual refers to them as safe, selector position 1, and selector position 2.
2-5 round burst - User selectable 2, 3, 4, and 5 rounds per trigger pull.
- Each selector position can be separately assigned a 1-5 round burst depending on user preference
Semi Auto with Ramping – Tapping the trigger 5 times in 1 second puts the rifle in full auto, ignoring the fact that rifle is set in semi (whether safe-semi-full auto or semi-semi). It's the same basic idea as a paintball gun with ramping.
Burst/Auto Hybrid – The rifle is setup for 3rnd burst (whether assigned to selector position one or two), but by continuing to hold the trigger down the rifle ignores the burst programming and continues firing in full auto.
Precocking – In this mode the piston is cocked, leaving the spring compressed. As soon as the trigger is pulled, the piston is released and the rifle cycles into the pre-compressed position once again. The advantage to this mode is strictly in semi, which allows for near instantaneous firing, quicker than the normal Spectre trigger response, and lightning fast compared to the traditional trigger. Great for sniper rifle setups where you want performance like a bolt action sniper rifle.
NOTE: Due to the difference in motor strengths, and gear timing, the user must set the cycle delay manually to their individual rifle. I had to set a 60ms delay to get an almost complete compression
Delay based Rate of Fire (RoF) Control – Basically it allows you to adjust the RoF of your rifle from its maximum to whatever slower or realistic rate you may wish by adding a set millisecond delay between gearbox cycles.
Programmable Fuse – Some players chose to run without a fuse. This is normally fine, but if you wish to have the safety of mind that your setup is protected in the event of a short circuit a fuse is a must. An electronic adjustable fuse allows you as the player to dictate when it trips.
Note: By default the factory sets the fuse at 60 amps
LIPO/LiFePO4 monitoring – This handy feature monitors your LIPO/LiFePO4 battery pack for you and safely cuts off the system if the battery starts to run low.
Hopup sensor compatibility – The Spectre has a small 2 prong plug that is designed to integrate with the Airsoft System hopup sensor which cuts off firing when the sensor indicates an empty mag, preventing dry firing. The Airsoft Systems unit also includes a bolt release switch to more closely replicate a PTW.
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
I tried the Spectre in two different setups. One in a field battle rifle, and one in a sniper rifle.
The field rifle performed very well. I personally like just the simple safe-semi-full auto, but the finer details of the system such as the dynamic braking is where the system shines. I may have to go back and setup the selector position 2 as a long burst mode just to try it, but for now I’m simply happy enough with controlling the “burst” manually.
The sniper rifle setup was certainly more interesting. Setting up the rifle for safe-semi-precock semi took a little more time due to the cycle delay, and it’s a bit tedious having to program-test-program-test and having to unplug the battery every time, but once done, it’s a very interesting feature.
The only thing I came across that I really did not like about the system was the removal of the safety lever that normally would physically stop a trigger from moving when in safe mode. Since the Spectre is a complete drop-in kit you have to remove it. The rifle won't fire due to the selector plate design, but it's still very weird feeling to have a rifle that feels like it has no safe mode.
Externals Score: 10/10
Ok there’s nothing I can take points away with. It’s a red PCB which looks cool against the black KWA 2GX shell.
Internals Score: 10/10
Fair warning to techs, these things are a tad fragile. During testing some wire insulation got nicked by the gearbox which caused a short. Such is the price of an advanced computerized system like the Spectre I suppose. However, Frank was very quick to respond to my email and immediately sent me a new upper board with new wiring. I only needed to swap the upper PCB and we were back up and running. BTC's customer service is by far the best I have ever had.
Overall score: 10/10
I have to say I am extremely impressed with the new BTC Spectre, normally I would hold off on such a statement, and overall score, until I had given the item long term testing, but since BTC has such an established track record with the Spectre I feel like I can get away with it this time. To put this in retrospect I usually prefer “simple” MOSFET’s, it's just less to go wrong, and they can be more forgiving sometimes. But having tried the BTC I may just have to upgrade my other rifles, especially the ones that are short on space. And that is the biggest advantage. For any rifle that is short on space (example: A M4 with a LE stock that uses buffer tube LIPO's) having the MOSFET inside the gearbox saves space in the buffer tube for larger LIPO's, there aren't a lot of MOSFET's on the market that can save space in a small setup, and there are even less that have the options that the Spectre offer.
© Copyright triggs 2014
Black Talon Concepts (BTC) “Spectre” Drop-in MOSFET
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Internals review
- Performance
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Overview
Normally I shy away from sponsored reviews, since I think it keeps reviews more unbiased, but when I was offered the chance to review the much coveted BTC "Spectre" I really couldn't turn the offer down. So here we are with a brand new Black Talon Concepts “Spectre” Drop-in MOSFET.
For those interested in a complete install guide. You can find the accompanying guide HERE for installing the BTC Spectre in a KWA 2GX Gearbox.
Accessories
Since the majority of the product is the MOSFET itself, there really isn’t much that could be included. I think it’s a great touch, that they include a female Deans T-connector to male Mini-Tamiya style converter for the included male Deans T-connect that comes soldered to the Spectre MOSFET, generally most companies that use Deans assume the buyer will already have them or swap it themselves. So the included converter is indeed a nice touch.
Also included is a small screw to replace one of the gearbox screws to keep the selector plate from falling out (more on this later).
Finally is a 4 page (2 pages back to back) manual on installing and programming the Spectre (more on this later).
Externals Review
Can I just say how much cooler the red PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is compared to the black PCB on the BTC Chimera? Besides the bright red PCB though, there isn’t too much to say about the looks of the unit itself.
However, it is worth mentioning the odd looking spring on the upper PCB. The purpose of this unassuming spring is simply to make sure the second PCB stays connected properly to the base PCB. When assembling the shell it’s easy to unseat the PCB which may impact the function of the unit (let’s face it, no one likes to take their gearbox multiple times during a “simple” install).
Internals Review
The Spectre is designed as a complete replacement for the traditional trigger contacts and instead features a small micro-switch mounted to the PCB. The largest impact of the micro switch compared to a normal trigger contacts is a vast increase in the response time from when the trigger is pulled, to the time the gearbox cycles.
The Spectre also features a micro-switch that replaces the traditional cutoff lever. Normally the cutoff lever acts as a mechanical stop that trips the trigger contact and only allows the rifle to fire one round in semi (in full auto the cutoff lever is disengaged allowing continuous fire). Due to the engineering of the Spectre, the micro-switch cutoff “lever” allows for a much more accurate and precise stopping of the cycle. This comes in handy for some of the advanced functions of the Spectre unit (more on this later).
Since the traditional trigger contacts are gone, the Spectre features 2 small switches on the outside of the PCB that must be depressed in order to “unsafety” the gearbox. On a traditional trigger this would involve the selector plate bridging a pair of contacts that act as a secondary cutoff in case of a short circuit. For the Spectre, these switches simple have to be depressed by the selector plate to activate semi or full auto.
NOTE: As noted in the manual and other reviews. Classic Army rifles may experience some issues with the cutoffs, the CA shell is slightly wider and requires more material on the selector plate to compensate. BTC recommends simply wrapping the arm of the selector plate with electrical tape to make up the difference.
I did not have any issues with the Guarder selector plate and the KWA 2GX shell.
Performance
If you read any of the other reviews of the BTC Spectre that have come out since its introduction they have been nothing short of stellar.
Since the Spectre is a fully computerized MOSFET, which unlike a basic MOSFET, allows for a number of customizable features not traditionally available to players without large or clunky setups.
The Spectre features:
Dynamic Braking – Prevents overspin of the gears and motor to allow precise and complete revolutions of the gearbox to prevent the spring being left compressed after use. This is also (incorrectly) known as “Active Braking (A/B).”
NOTE: Something I discovered after installation was the differences between this MOSFET system and the OEM system. Originally I had no issues with “overspin” (an overly powerful motor cycling the gearbox more than one time per trigger pull). However, the Spectre had a good amount of overspin and was firing a two round burst (not intentionally mind you). To fix this I simply had to enable “light or medium motor braking” depending on the rifle I tested it in.
Standard Safe-Semi-Full Auto firing modes, what you would normally see on a AEG, are set as the factory defaults. The manual refers to them as safe, selector position 1, and selector position 2.
2-5 round burst - User selectable 2, 3, 4, and 5 rounds per trigger pull.
- Each selector position can be separately assigned a 1-5 round burst depending on user preference
Semi Auto with Ramping – Tapping the trigger 5 times in 1 second puts the rifle in full auto, ignoring the fact that rifle is set in semi (whether safe-semi-full auto or semi-semi). It's the same basic idea as a paintball gun with ramping.
Burst/Auto Hybrid – The rifle is setup for 3rnd burst (whether assigned to selector position one or two), but by continuing to hold the trigger down the rifle ignores the burst programming and continues firing in full auto.
Precocking – In this mode the piston is cocked, leaving the spring compressed. As soon as the trigger is pulled, the piston is released and the rifle cycles into the pre-compressed position once again. The advantage to this mode is strictly in semi, which allows for near instantaneous firing, quicker than the normal Spectre trigger response, and lightning fast compared to the traditional trigger. Great for sniper rifle setups where you want performance like a bolt action sniper rifle.
NOTE: Due to the difference in motor strengths, and gear timing, the user must set the cycle delay manually to their individual rifle. I had to set a 60ms delay to get an almost complete compression
Delay based Rate of Fire (RoF) Control – Basically it allows you to adjust the RoF of your rifle from its maximum to whatever slower or realistic rate you may wish by adding a set millisecond delay between gearbox cycles.
Programmable Fuse – Some players chose to run without a fuse. This is normally fine, but if you wish to have the safety of mind that your setup is protected in the event of a short circuit a fuse is a must. An electronic adjustable fuse allows you as the player to dictate when it trips.
Note: By default the factory sets the fuse at 60 amps
LIPO/LiFePO4 monitoring – This handy feature monitors your LIPO/LiFePO4 battery pack for you and safely cuts off the system if the battery starts to run low.
Hopup sensor compatibility – The Spectre has a small 2 prong plug that is designed to integrate with the Airsoft System hopup sensor which cuts off firing when the sensor indicates an empty mag, preventing dry firing. The Airsoft Systems unit also includes a bolt release switch to more closely replicate a PTW.
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
I tried the Spectre in two different setups. One in a field battle rifle, and one in a sniper rifle.
The field rifle performed very well. I personally like just the simple safe-semi-full auto, but the finer details of the system such as the dynamic braking is where the system shines. I may have to go back and setup the selector position 2 as a long burst mode just to try it, but for now I’m simply happy enough with controlling the “burst” manually.
The sniper rifle setup was certainly more interesting. Setting up the rifle for safe-semi-precock semi took a little more time due to the cycle delay, and it’s a bit tedious having to program-test-program-test and having to unplug the battery every time, but once done, it’s a very interesting feature.
The only thing I came across that I really did not like about the system was the removal of the safety lever that normally would physically stop a trigger from moving when in safe mode. Since the Spectre is a complete drop-in kit you have to remove it. The rifle won't fire due to the selector plate design, but it's still very weird feeling to have a rifle that feels like it has no safe mode.
Externals Score: 10/10
Ok there’s nothing I can take points away with. It’s a red PCB which looks cool against the black KWA 2GX shell.
Internals Score: 10/10
Fair warning to techs, these things are a tad fragile. During testing some wire insulation got nicked by the gearbox which caused a short. Such is the price of an advanced computerized system like the Spectre I suppose. However, Frank was very quick to respond to my email and immediately sent me a new upper board with new wiring. I only needed to swap the upper PCB and we were back up and running. BTC's customer service is by far the best I have ever had.
Overall score: 10/10
I have to say I am extremely impressed with the new BTC Spectre, normally I would hold off on such a statement, and overall score, until I had given the item long term testing, but since BTC has such an established track record with the Spectre I feel like I can get away with it this time. To put this in retrospect I usually prefer “simple” MOSFET’s, it's just less to go wrong, and they can be more forgiving sometimes. But having tried the BTC I may just have to upgrade my other rifles, especially the ones that are short on space. And that is the biggest advantage. For any rifle that is short on space (example: A M4 with a LE stock that uses buffer tube LIPO's) having the MOSFET inside the gearbox saves space in the buffer tube for larger LIPO's, there aren't a lot of MOSFET's on the market that can save space in a small setup, and there are even less that have the options that the Spectre offer.
© Copyright triggs 2014
