Hi, I am trying to develop a hardware and software program for a shooting gallery. The gallery will have animated targets using various methods of movement such as servos and pneumatics. The target sensors are LED as for the gun transmitters. I am looking for a control system. Something PC controlled. Each target needs to be individual, up to 70 targets per display. Its a tall order, I know, but the current method involves an insane amount of wires, programing, hoses, etc. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks, Ren
That sounds great, but I need a seperate microcontroller for each target? And is there a software available to program the actions of the target using Arduino Diecimila.? Will this board support 12v valves, solenoids, sounds, or do I need add ons? Thanks Ren.
Currently we use a board with a ton of stuff…audio amp card, memory card, power to the card, led extensions for targets, data links and so on. Right now all audio is stored individually, then sent to computer speakers for amplification. I would like to have a single “brain” to control it all. All targets answer to one computer or controller. When a target is hit then the “main” recognizes it and starts the actions and audio. The other theory is to have “plug and play” targets. A self contained target with only one data link and power cable, but then audio becomes a problem. Cost becomes an issue also. I’m trying to keep this around $100.00 per target.
Usually we would suggest a Phidget Interface kit, but with such a high number of sensors a custom solution may be required.
By multiplexing inputs on a microcontroller, you could have excellent results. This involves using an external IC to provide multiple inputs on 3 microcontroller pins (74HC165 Shift Register ICs, for example, can be used for this, allowing 8 inputs per IC which can be daisy-chained). Using a triggered focused modulated IR LED strategy for the gun and matching IR receiver on each target, the micontroller would receive a signal when a target is hit, store it in a matrix and send the data to a computer. You could then even use the same microcontroller to actuate the reaction part of your system in realtime, totally bypassing the PC.
In theory, one Arduino could support the entire system using the aforementioned multiplexing strategy for inputs, and a similar strategy for outputs, perhaps on an I2C bus. Mind you, you may opt to use multiple Arduinos and have the communicate with each other. This is the beauty of microcontrollers: flexibility. We can help you select the appropriate technology if you wish, but would require more details. You may opt to submit a ticket to the support center for this.
You would need to isolate the arduino from high voltages and currents using external modules such as motor controllers and/or Relays. A bit of planning would be involved so knowing specifics about the actuators (ex: voltage and amperage requirements) is crucial to selecting an appropriate control method. We suggest working on each subsystem seperately, and integrating it all together for a complete system. Of course, this will involve a bit of experimentation, as your system is quite unique.
Sounds like a fun project!
Interesting Ren,
In terms of audio, there are other solutions we offer in our Audio Synthesis category.
The MP3 Playback module may interest you. You could also swap out SD cards for different sound effects as needed and it interfaces directly with microcontrollers.
Also, if you want to integrate effects directly into the targets, less expensive solutions exist such as the SpeakJet. Of course the effects would not be pre-recorded like with the MP3 module but the sound effects may be worth a look.
Can you provide a bit mroe as to what exactly it is you are looking to accomplish? For example - make a computer-controlled setup that responds to infrared? Reset the targets via computer etc.?
Else, a solution will be having tiny iPOD (other marks because iPod is expensive) and the sound will be record in each unit and played in repeat mode for each painting. And have tiny speakers.
What about a little button to activate the energy on the tiny iPod to play the sound… I’m sure it’s possible with arduino or an other microntroler.
Good luck.
Another question. I purchased a Servo City 8 servo controller and the software to run it…now can I use other software on this controller? The software doesnt allow simultaneous movements. One at a time. I know its basic but is there anything else out there which will work with this?