Thursday, February 28, 2013

New ECHO BASE schematic

Here is a quick new schematic. This was done over at UPVERTER...

IR Emitter Design

Brian "TagFerret" Farley, the lead designer for Lazer Tag at Shoot The Moon, has shared with us detailed information on a better circuit design for IR emitters. This was originally posted on the Facebook Lazer Tag Modders group page.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Echo Base Schematic

I'm putting this out here for feedback from anyone.  Here is the current schematic for Echo Base - along with a parts list.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Two Steps Back

Well a little setback.  It appears that the Echo Base software is not quite finished.  I found a couple of bugs and am attempting to squash them. The base's lights are not performing as it should.  At first I thought it was a power issue. Unfortunately it's BOTH power AND software. 

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Echo Base now "IN-DESIGN"!

I'm glad to report that the software prototype of the new ECHO BASE device is finished.  I have a fully functional ECHO BASE on a breadboard with no attached computer or Arduino dev board.  It works great!  As you can see by the picture it's running off of a 9-volt battery.  I'm not sure if I should stick with that or use a 6-AA battery tray.  The AAs will last longer, I'm sure, but it's good to know it's functional like this.

Friday, February 22, 2013

When It's Good To Wait

Thanks to Niteraider for posting this question/suggestion in the forums...
The healing part should definitely be limited, though. It would take away from the gameplay if players kept returning to their base to be re-healed. Is there any limitation to the healing planned or set?
At first, I thought I wouldn't be able to come up with anything - or if I did, it would be too complicated. But I played around with the code a bit more today and found a way to discourage teams from "abusing" their base's healing function. 

Monday, February 18, 2013

Echo Base Code Updated

I was able to improve the code for my Echo Base mod.  Now MEGA-TAGS and shotgun blasts can do multiple damage or healing to the base.  This should make it easier to take out a base - one well placed 3 or 4 point mega shot should knock it out, thus neutralizing a full strength Echo Base!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

CODE POSTED: How to receive tags

I just posted code (or a simple "sketch" as Arduino calls it) into the forum page that shows how I detect IR TAG signatures.  It took me a while to figure this out, and it works really well. There may be others who are more adept with programming that could find ways to improve and/or streamline the code.  I'm always open to suggestions.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Parts ordered!

I finally pulled the trigger and ordered a bunch of stuff from MOUSER.  These parts will allow me to begin the design process for ECHO BASE as well as prototyping new projects.  I anticipate my shipment will get here next week.  So until then I'll be working on other aspects, such as experimenting with enclosure designs and sourcing Muriatic Acid to make my own PCB here at home.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Welcome!

This site is dedicated to expanding the capabilities of the official LAZER TAG gear with the ubiquitous Arduino micro-controller.  The devices listed on this site are concepts and over time I'll be showing my progress as I attempt to build them.  My vision is to give you instructions on how you can construct them yourself or possibly provide a kit for you to assemble.

I've been a Lazer Tag enthusiast since 1987 with the original WOW Lazer Tag system. However, this site will focus more on the modern LTTO, LTX and LTAR systems. While I would love for you to catch my vision for each concept item - I want to hear from YOU!  What features would you like to see? Do you have any ideas on how to implement them?  Please make full use of the FORUMS to voice your opinions. I am NOT a programming/electronics wiz - so any advice suggestions will be hugely instrumental to make these devices a reality.

If you wish to assist in any way with programming, electronic prototyping, PCB fabrication, final design concepts & construction- please let me know.  I'm happy to delegate any tasks to those who can help move these projects forward.

The micro-controller I'll be primarily using for these mods will be the Arduino.  There is so much support and web knowledge based on this popular chip. And for a novice like me, this will be essential.  As I gain more experience I may move on to other micro-controllers.

Great things ahead!

-Jammer