Creating a focusing array has been a troubling task. The original plan was to calculate and print a single holder in a cone-shaped tube then make fine adjustments until it was perfect and hope each emitter and lens worked together all right. This idea was probably doomed from the beginning since I’m not ordering every single lens from the same vendor and there were bound to be variances. A design from the Clockwork Theremin project could work. This used machine screws secured to a face, like the front of the tagger, and allowed a plate-mounted potentiometer to move along the screws, like a plate-mounted LED. By using three screws it would also be possible to adjust the distance of each point and aim the LED for optimal output. The picture doesn’t show the implied machine screws.
All of the holes in the front array were placed even if some of them may not be the correct diameter yet. There will be two LED slots right on the front which will feature flash simulators so the tagger lights up brightly with each shot. At least one of the LEDs will be red for a muzzle flash effect. The second LED will with red for increased brightness or white so the tagger can be used as a flashlight while holding the trigger. Another hole was placed for an inexpensive red laser module which will activate the same time as the flash simulators as regular laser taggers do. This could possibly be turned on for use as a spotting laser but it will not be considered accurate. Finally, one hole was placed for running wires out to an infrared sensor. At first, this tagger will only have a single sensor on the front but a vest will be added which will have an array of sensors and lights.
The printed parts were assembled and installed on a length of PVC. Overall, the structure felt durable and looked like it should. Some of the aesthetics could be improved but a layer of paint may be all that's necessary.
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1.
Completed projects from year 2.
Completed projects from year 3.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
Moving model of focusing array pieces
Close-up of the potentiometer holder used on the Clockwork Theremin
All of the holes in the front array were placed even if some of them may not be the correct diameter yet. There will be two LED slots right on the front which will feature flash simulators so the tagger lights up brightly with each shot. At least one of the LEDs will be red for a muzzle flash effect. The second LED will with red for increased brightness or white so the tagger can be used as a flashlight while holding the trigger. Another hole was placed for an inexpensive red laser module which will activate the same time as the flash simulators as regular laser taggers do. This could possibly be turned on for use as a spotting laser but it will not be considered accurate. Finally, one hole was placed for running wires out to an infrared sensor. At first, this tagger will only have a single sensor on the front but a vest will be added which will have an array of sensors and lights.
Complete spinning model
The printed parts were assembled and installed on a length of PVC. Overall, the structure felt durable and looked like it should. Some of the aesthetics could be improved but a layer of paint may be all that's necessary.
Holding tagger
Rear of tagger
Front of tagger
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1.
Completed projects from year 2.
Completed projects from year 3.
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2017-02-27 (M)
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