An Arduino-based laser tag system for quadcopters

Parts list on Mouser

The Aruduino Micro was chosen for its built-in USB port for easy updates and customization. Other boards, such as the Arudino Pro Mini, would require a FTDI cable for programming.

The Vishay TSOP4838 was chosen for:

• Insensitive to supply voltage ripple and noise
  • No additional capacitor is required in the circuit
• Improved immunity against ambient light
  • Unlike the cheaper VS1838B, Vishay's TSOP* line of receivers won't be triggered unintentionally by sunlight †
• Wide angle of half transmission distance ϕ = ± 45°
  • This means hits can be detected over 90 degrees
• Most sensitive at 950nm wavelength is a close match to the chosen IR laser
• The TSOP34438 was tested and did not produce reliable results

The Aixiz 980nm 5mW laser module was chosen for:

• Focusability
• 980nm wavelength is a close match to the IR reciever
• It's a laser

That said, the IR laser was almost too precise. The Vishay Semiconductors TSTS7100 5° 50mW IR LED can be subsituted for the laser for more forgiving aiming.

I had planned to port this project to off-the-shelf OSD hardware and take advantage of the MSP serial protocol to do things such as:

• Fill the screen with Xs when the player is hit
• Temporarily lock controls when hit
• Draw the name of the attacking player
• Track shots fired/remaining ammo
• Set player name
• Start/restart game when quad is armed
• Disarm the quad when killed
• Detune the quad when damaged

And more. The options are unlimited once you have control of the FC, and it eliminates the need for PWM input as the AUX switches will be available to the OSD hardware.