Editing Eclipse Gtek (section)

== History ==

=== Original Gtek (2015) ===

Planet Eclipse introduced the original Gtek in late 2015.

The marker incorporated a new spool-valve operating system known as the '''Gamma Core''', which was subsequently adopted in several other Planet Eclipse marker families.

The original Gtek used a combination of aluminium and composite components, an electronic trigger system and an LED-based programming interface.

It was designed to provide electronic tournament-marker functionality at a lower price than Planet Eclipse's premium Geo and Ego models.[1][2]

The Gamma Core subsequently became an important component of the company's electronic and mechanical marker development, including the [[Eclipse Etha]] and EMEK families.

=== Gtek 160R (2016) ===

The '''Gtek 160R''' was announced in August 2016 and formally detailed on 1 September 2016.

It retained the original Gtek's Gamma Core operating system while incorporating a revised aluminium body, electronic controls and air-transfer system.

Unlike the original Gtek, the 160R used an all-aluminium external construction.

The model introduced an OLED display as standard equipment and incorporated an AT Pipe system to transfer compressed air between the marker's regulator and grip assembly without an external macroline hose.

Its published operating pressure was approximately 135 psi.[3]

The 160R remained a spool-valve electronic marker despite its more elaborate construction.

=== Gtek 170R (2019) ===

Planet Eclipse introduced the '''Gtek 170R''' at the Paintball Extravaganza trade exhibition in February 2019.

The marker retained the Gamma Core drivetrain while incorporating substantial changes to its body and air-transfer arrangement.

The 170R eliminated the 160R's exposed AT Pipe in favour of an internal air-transfer system routed through the grip frame.

The regulator was incorporated into the grip frame, while the battery was repositioned into the foregrip.

Other features included an OLED display, revised ergonomics, updated feedneck and a light-pipe breech sensor system.

The 170R was designed for compatibility with an optional mechanical trigger frame.[4][6]

=== Gtek M170R (2019) ===

The '''Gtek M170R''' was announced alongside the electronic 170R in February 2019.

It was a mechanically operated version of the same general marker platform.

Unlike the electronic model, the M170R used a mechanical three-way valve to operate the Gamma Core drivetrain without an electronic firing board or battery.

The mechanical version was intended for recreational play and mechanical tournament competition.

Planet Eclipse also offered a mechanical frame kit allowing compatible electronic 170R markers to be converted for mechanical operation.[6][7]

=== Gtek 180R (2023) ===

The '''Gtek 180R''' was introduced in April 2023.

It represented a substantial revision of the Gtek R-series platform, incorporating the '''OP-R Core''' drivetrain.

The OP-R Core was derived from the OP Core used in the Planet Eclipse CS3, rather than being a direct continuation of the earlier Gamma Core mechanism.

Planet Eclipse described the OP-R Core as a double-decoupled spool-valve system.

The 180R operated at a nominal pressure of approximately 120 psi and incorporated revised pneumatic components, electronic controls and ergonomics.

Its standard features included:

* OP-R Core spool-valve drivetrain.
* Quick-release bolt mechanism.
* OLED electronic display.
* Internal air-transfer system.
* S63 three-piece barrel with interchangeable PWR inserts.
* Tool-free grip and foregrip access.
* Light-pipe breech sensors.
* POPS air-system fitting.

The marker was also compatible with an optional 180R-specific mechanical trigger frame, allowing conversion from electronic to mechanical operation.[5][8]