Lose or Defuse

🚨 WARNING! Don't do anything illegal! Check the laws in your jurisdiction before building or transporting this device! 🚨
⚠️ CAUTION! This repo and included code is out of date with final specs listed below. Libraries are missing as well. Will revise with the next prototype build. ⚠️

"Lose or Defuse" is a hands on game device that simulates the experience of defusing a bomb. It's designed to provide players with an exciting and suspenseful experience, similar to what you might see in action movies. The game is timed and players have only 3 lives, adding to the pressure and excitement. The game also has customizable settings, so you can play multiple rounds and have different experiences each time. To win, players must correctly enter a pin number, press a sequence of labeled buttons and cut or disconnect the correct wire. The game offers a fun and challenging experience that tests player's nerves and skills.

This repo contains the Arudino control software and build instructions/options for the game hardware.

Use cases:

• Escape rooms
• Paintball CTF
• Employee team building
• Family game night

How it works

The game is initiated by the event organizer who sets the initial parameters, such as the pin number, the wire that needs to be cut, and the length of the countdown timer. The game is secured by a keyed switch that prevents players from resetting or turning off the game.

Once the timer is started, the controls are locked, and the game enters gameplay mode.

To win the game, players must successfully pass three challenges. However, players must be careful because they only have three lives, which can be lost at any time during the three challenges if they guess incorrectly.

Prerequisites

• Install or reset the "cut wires" before turning on device.

Initialization

1. Device is powered on by the keyed switch
2. Installed "Cut wires" detected by logic board
3. Arduino pins are set
4. hd44780 displays setup prompt
5. Device waits for key input to start setup

Setup

1. User selects the "cut wire"
2. User sets 4 digit pin for keypad
3. User sets timer (1-99 minute(s))

Features

• Tamper proof keyed power switch
• Fully(almost) configurable options on start up
• Cut a wire just like in the movies 📽
• Three "lives"
• Sassy and eccentric onscreen dialog

How it's made

Software

Built in Arduino C.

Hardware

Electrical

• Arduino Mega 2560
• Hitachi 16x4 LCD
• 4 digit timer LCD
• Belkin battery bank (inaccessible battery bank needs to be able to detect current draw)
• 10 key keypad
• 4x cherry long throw rocker switches
• 4x buttons off an old shirt or jacket
• Belkin USB power bank
• LED Rocker Switch
• Larson Scanner Kit
• 1x Red LED
• 1x Green LED

Future Optimizations

This was a prototype build and some of the messiest code I have ever written. 🍝

Next version

• Handcrafted components and brackets will be recreated as 3d printed models.
• Companion website/app to generate storylines and automated presets for game logic.
• Modular design to fit in a standard sized waterproof case.
• Larger LCD for countdown timer.
• Intrusion switch detection.
• Use of off the shelf i2c solutions to simplify layout and cabling
• Adapting design to use a smaller Uno or Nano board.

Finale

• LiPo battery system to allow higher current draw for a vibrating motor on "detonation"
• Upgraded sound system (louder and with wav file playback support.)

Installation

Download all files from /src, libraries(not included), and flash to Arduino over USB.