Close

Status Update #6

A project log for LightArms - A Budget Laser Tag System

A relatively simple, inexpensive laser tag system with customizable game modes

ben-larsonBen Larson 01/28/2021 at 06:500 Comments

It's been a while, but I have a lot to report on:

First off, the Magnum gun worked, but wasn't durable enough to survive some playtesting. Because of that, along with some of the parts no longer being easily available, and my ambition to add improvements, I have designed a new gun, named "Broadside". It has fixes and new features, and uses screws for assembly rather than plastic welding with a 3D printing pen. While the total price of construction has basically doubled (as far as I can tell, considering that I'm using some components from the old gun for the new one, and ordered different quantities of different parts), it has some big new hardware features, namely WiFi and an LCD screen. Please note that neither of these are required for core functionality, so both can be left out for a cheaper version of the gun with fewer features, and I intend to make sure the firmware supports guns with or without these components. Also, the new gun design uses generic, easily-acquired parts when reasonable. Everything should be easy to find on LCSC, Aliexpress, and Banggood. I'll add links at some point, likely after I've more fully verified the design. I expect I'll eventually even get around to writing some assembly directions.

As I think I've already said, feel free to message me if you want to build my guns. With COVID-19 restrictions, I have more time than motivation anyway. (Remember it was supposed to be 2 weeks to flatten the curve?)

Discussions