Airsoft Mine? Pt 4 | New Milestones Achieved and What's Next
In my ongoing journey to perfect the 3D-printed motion-detecting airsoft landmine, which I’ve temporarily started calling SK550, I'm excited to share the latest progress and some key developments. The project has come a long way since my last update, with several critical components redesigned, tested, and optimized. Here’s a breakdown of what’s been accomplished and what’s on the horizon.
Electronics Plate and Cover Redesign
One of the significant tasks I tackled was redesigning the electronics plate and its cover. The original design, while functional, needed refinement to better accommodate the components and streamline the assembly process. The new design moves some components around, making better use of the space and the overall package cleaner and more efficient.
Lightweight Flywheel for Enhanced Performance
To improve the mine's responsiveness, I printed a new flywheel using "AIR PLA," a lightweight filament that reduces the weight of the flywheel by 9.2%. This weight reduction reduces the time it take for the flywheel to get up to speed, making it more effective during gameplay. Every millisecond counts in airsoft, and this upgrade ensures the mine is as responsive as possible. i’m still looking for more ways to reduce the weight of the flywheel. if you have any suggestions lent me know in the comments below.
before and after weights of the flywheel. Left is standard PLA, right "AIR PLA"
Adding a Battery Port and Cover
To improve the usability and maintenance of the mine, I added a battery port and cover. This new feature allows for easier battery replacement without disassembling the entire unit, making field replacement or charging faster and more straightforward. The cover securely protects the battery, ensuring it stays in place during even the most intense airsoft battles.
Electronics plate cover with battery port
Completing the Electronics Package
After redesigning the physical components, I focused on finalizing the electronics package. This involved carefully assembling the components to ensure they work seamlessly together. The updated electronics package is now more robust and reliable, ready for intense airsoft scenarios. Now I need to work on Wire Management.
A mess of wires before any wire managment.
Transition from Arduino to ESP32
In a move to modernize the mine’s technology, I began transitioning from Arduino to ESP32. This shift is crucial as the ESP32 offers more processing power, better connectivity options, and overall more versatility for future enhancements. The transition is ongoing, but the early results are promising.
Size comparison of the Arduino Duemilanove and ESP32
Testing Bluetooth Functionality
One of the new features I tested was Bluetooth connectivity, and I'm thrilled to report success. I was able to connect to the mine from 50 feet away and send commands from as far as 120 feet. This extended range is a game-changer, offering more flexibility and strategic options in the field.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
While I’m proud of the progress made, there’s still a lot more to do. Here are the next steps I’ll be focusing on:
Redesigning Electronics for ESP32: With the shift to ESP32, the electronics will need a redesign to fully utilize the new microcontroller's capabilities. This will involve optimizing the layout and ensuring compatibility with the existing components.
Code Migration and Adjustment: The Arduino code needs to be adapted for the ESP32. This step is critical to ensure the mine functions as expected with the new hardware.
Exploring Radar Sensors: Based on community feedback, I’m considering switching from PIR sensors to radar sensors. Radar sensors could offer more reliable detection, especially in challenging environments, but I’m still weighing the pros and cons.
UV LED Ring for Night Play: To enhance night play, I plan to add a ring of UV LEDs in the mine. This addition will charge up tracer rounds, making them more visible in the dark, adding a new dimension to night games.
Blackout Function for NVGs: For those using night vision goggles (NVGs), I’m working on a blackout function that will make the mine invisible to the naked eye but still detectable through NVGs. This feature will add a stealthy element to night operations.
This project continues to evolve, and each step forward brings us closer to a fully realized, versatile airsoft mine. Stay tuned for more updates as I dive deeper into the next phase of development. As always, your feedback is invaluable, so feel free to share your thoughts on these new features and any suggestions you might have.
SK550 Airsoft Area Denial Mine
If you like this project and want to see more, please consider making a small donation. Your contributions really go a long way in the development.