Description
ARES Electronic Gearbox Programmer
The ARES Electronic Gearbox Programmer is a small hand-held unit used to set up ARES rifles fitted with the company’s Electronic Firing Control System (EFCS) gearbox. Instead of opening the gearbox or changing hardware, you plug the programmer in between the rifle and the battery and choose how the selector behaves and which battery type the electronics should expect.
ARES built the EFCS around an on-board control unit, so the programmer is the tool that unlocks the options already inside the gun. It is a useful thing to keep in a kit bag if you own an EFCS rifle, play at sites with different fire-mode rules, or swap between NiMH and LiPo batteries.
What it does
According to retailer listings for this programmer (ARES code E-GB-P01), it lets you set the battery type to match the pack you are running, and choose one of several fire-mode combinations for the selector. The listed combinations include safe/semi/auto, safe/semi/three-round burst and safe/burst/auto, which makes it easy to remove full auto for a semi-only game or add burst for CQB.
An indicator light on the programmer shows the mode you have selected. The settings are written to the rifle when you press the ENTER button; the unit flashes and then beeps to confirm that programming has finished, after which you unplug the battery and the rifle.
How to connect it
The programmer has two connection leads. With the unit facing you, one side connects to the rifle and the other to the battery, so the programmer sits in line between the two while you make changes. Always follow the order of steps in the ARES instructions and make sure the rifle is set to safe and pointed in a safe direction while it is powered.
Listings state that it works with NiMH and LiPo batteries of 2 to 3 cells. Make sure your battery connectors match those on the programmer leads, or use a good-quality adaptor.
Key features
- Programs ARES EFCS (Electronic Firing Control System) gearboxes
- Selects battery type to suit the pack in use
- Choice of fire-mode combinations including burst
- Indicator light shows the selected setting
- ENTER button with flash and beep confirmation
- Connects in line between rifle and battery
- No need to open the gearbox
- Compact enough to keep in a kit bag
Compatibility
Designed for ARES rifles with the Electronic Firing Control System gearbox. One retailer lists it specifically for the ARES M4A1 EFCS carbine, so check that your rifle is an ARES EFCS model before ordering. It will not program standard mechanical-trigger AEGs or other brands’ MOSFET units.
Care and maintenance
Keep the programmer dry and store it in a small pouch or box so the leads and connectors are not crushed. Check the wires and plugs for damage before each use, and never connect it with a damaged or swollen battery.
Unplug the battery as soon as you have finished programming, and store batteries off the rifle when not in use.
Who is it for?
It suits owners of ARES EFCS rifles who want to change fire-mode options or battery settings for different sites and game types, and techs who set up these rifles for customers.
Please note: No battery is included. Always wear eye protection when test-firing a rifle after changing its settings.
