Introduction: Laser Tag Kit Without Arduino Under $10 (800 Rupees)

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Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to play laser tag. Seeing how expensive a laser tag set is, I decided to make my own from scratch without using an Arduino or any sort of microcontroller, which seemed overkill for this project. I used a 555 timer IC to create a 38kHz signal that goes to an IR LED, which activates the receiving circuit consisting of a buzzer, an LED, and the IR receiver. The range is about 7-10 meters indoors.

The enclosure for the gun and the vest is completely 3D printed, and the circuit can be soldered on a prototyping board. I've ensured that the assembly is easy so that anyone can put it together at home.

the estimated cost of one set is under Rs. 800 or $10(including 3d printing cost. )

NOTE: after re-estimating the cost, one gun and vest cost less than 500 rupees combined. This thing is surprisingly cheep. the analog approach to laser tag was a good idea. please feel free to change the design of the gun or vest. you can add more functionality (like a health system) to the vest using some other ICs. this is probably my most functional project ever. It has taught me that sometimes simpler is better.

Supplies

GUN:

  • Resistor - 1k
  • Resistor - 22k
  • Resistor - 100 ohm
  • Ceramic Capacitor - 102
  • Push button switch
  • IC NE555
  • IR LED
  • 3.7v Battery
  • tp4056 charging circuit
  • screws

RECEIVER:

  • IR receiver
  • Buzzer
  • 3.7v battery
  • Red LED
  • tp4056 charging circuit

Attachments

Step 1: 3D Print the Parts

I have provided all the main parts to be printed in the 'Supplies'.

List of parts to be printed:

  • (1x) gun-1.stl
  • (1x) gun-2.stl
  • (1x)vest-1.stl
  • (1x)vest-2.stl


Step 2: Gun Circuit

To create a 38kHz (since the receiver only detects 38khz ) signal using a 555 timer IC, you need to set it up in astable mode, where it oscillates continuously. This involves connecting two resistors and a capacitor in a specific configuration. Connect a 1k ohm resistor (R1) between the discharge pin (pin 7) and VCC (positive power supply), and a 22k ohm resistor (R2) between the discharge pin (pin 7) and the threshold pin (pin 6) as well as the trigger pin (pin 2). Place a 1nF capacitor (C1) between the threshold pin (pin 6) and ground (pin 1). The capacitor charges and discharges through the resistors, creating a timing cycle. The combination of these components determines the frequency of the output signal on pin 3, resulting in approximately 38kHz.

i have provided a schematic of the circuit above.

in the image of the physical circuit, the orange wires are connected to a switch and the output of the 555 timer IC. The red and black wires are for positive 3.7v and ground respectively. (if you can read resistor color code please ignore the values)

Step 3: Assembling the Gun

After printing the parts, they should look like the above image. Insert a push button in the trigger hole. connect it to the output of the 555 timer as mentioned in step 2. connect the 3.7v li-ion battery to the tp4056 and its output to the 555 timer's power input. make sure to add a on/off switch between the tp4056 module and the circuit as shown in the image.

use screws to cover the gun from the sides and insert the IR led into the hole in front of the gun.

Step 4: Vest Circuit and Assembly

the vest is much easier to assemble than the gun. the IR receiver is hooked up to a buzzer as shown in the schematic. you can add an led in parallel to the buzzer if you want. there is no need for a transistor switch because the IR receiver is powerful enough to power both the buzzer and the led. with the 3d printed enclosure, assemble all the components as shown in the images. i have used a small 3.7v lipo battery connected to tp4056 module. the output of the module goes into the IR receiver. use another on/off switch in series output of the tp4056 module.

the vest attaches to your clothing using a safety pin.

Step 5: Finished Product.

as mentioned above the range of this set is about 7-10 meters indoors. the range decreases drastically outdoors. you can add lenses, reflectors, or use a heigher voltage battery to improve the accuracy or the range of gun.