Modu-Shooter
Modu-Shooter is a homemade 2-player shooting gallery run on Arduino technology made for a university Maker Lab unit.
One player can shoot, while the other player can control the target's movement in both X and Y directions.
I had to self-learn Arduinos in a couple of weeks for this project.
Project Duration: 6 Weeks
Introduction
This set is aimed towards young families with children who like to throw home-based parties.
Not everyone has the time to organise or travel to outside events!
The "Modu" stands for Modular. The visuals of the set can be easily switched out to fit whatever themed party you have.
Specifications
Coded in C++
Gameset Body
x2 Arduino Uno
x1 Joystick
x2 5V Stepper Motors
x1 Photo-Resistor
x1 Audio Buzzer
x1 16x2 LCD
Laser Gun
x1 Arduino Nano
x1 14 Seg Alphanumeric Display
x1 Laser Emitter
x1 Audio Buzzer
Features
The game can be played in 3 main modes, and each mode can support 1 or 2 players.
GAME MODES
Time Mode
Shoot the target as many times as possible in 30 seconds. Unlimited ammo.
Ammo Mode
Shoot the target as many times as possible with just 10 shots.
Both Mode
10 shots with reloading and a 30 second limit.
Calibration Mode
For the user to manually move target to the centre so the game knows the start position.
PLAYER MODES
1P - Computer Control
Game system will randomly move the target.
2P - Joystick Control
The target's movement can be controlled with a joystick.
The gun uses a laser to hit the target, and the target uses a photoresistor to detect it.
Sound feedback plays when the gun is fired and the target is hit.
The target's X and Y movements are controlled by pulley belts and 2 stepper motors.
Reflection
This project was the first time I worked with electronics and Arduinos, so I learnt a lot about how they work in the process.
Changes if I were to do it Again
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Utilise an Arduino Mega instead of 2 Arduino Unos. Figuring out how the 3-way communication would work between the 2 Arduino Unos and the Nano was one of the hardest parts in making this game work. I had to use 2 Unos due to the lack of pins, but the Mega would allow for more.
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Change the laser-photoresistor system to infrared. A laser would be too dangerous considering the fact that this set is aimed towards a young demographic.
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Use a 12V stepper motor instead of 5V. Or have the 5V stepper motors be powered from an external stronger source. Both stepper motors are currently being powered by the same 5V source from 1 Arduino. As a result, they are extremely slow. Upgrading the stepper motors and getting a stronger power source would make them move much faster, thus giving the 2nd player more control over the game.