The Remote...
Lets start with the remote control. Mr Cavill is wearing it on the right here.
Decided the best plan was to have the main 'weapon' broadcast its own WiFi network using an ESP32. The remote also has an ESP32 inside that looks for that dedicated network. I designed the enclosure in Fusion360. There was one available in Thingyverse, but I needed to alter the dimensions a little and by the time I had imported it and fiddled with it, it was quicker to draw it from scratch. To follow, I designed the PCB. This was tight... not much space going on in here. An ESP32, 7x tactile buttons, 1x toggle switch, 2x USB sockets (arm key), 5x LEDS, a 2.4" TFT screen, rotary encoder, and an MCP23017 to control all the various buttons. |
The remote has an arming key that powers up the unit. This is the only way to disarm the handset (like in the movie). If you 'Arm' the weapon with the toggle switch, the count begins and cannot be stopped. Only removing the key turns it off.
The rotary encoder sets the time. Press it to select hours, minutes or seconds. The buttons on the front also allow for shortcuts to select 1, 5 or 15 seconds. The arrow buttons will open and close the weapon core (when not armed). The MCP23017 multiplexer is to give me 7x inputs and 7x outputs, as the ESP32 is short on pins after adding a screen and other parts. The toggle cover is a MADLY expensive piece only available from limit places. It should not have the lock hole in it, but I could not find one in the manufacturers catalogue without a hole. I plan to fill in that hole, once I identify a close match for the paint colour. |
The arm key Micro-usb socket has a latch wired into it, so the power is held on if removed (and the weapon is armed).
The other Micro-usb socket on the arm key is used for programming the ESP32. The LiPo battery is charged inductively through the rear of the enclosure. My lovely laser cutter made a nice job of the front and back 2mm black Acrylic panels. I used a cheap strap off Amazon with a couple of triangle clasps from AliExpress. |
Graphics are just drawn up in Photoshop and then purchased Vinyl ones from Ebay. Huge sheet of them for £5.99.
Laid those over a Plasticard sheet to make a key membrane. Spaced it off with double sided tape.
Made a simple inductive 'shoe' charger for the remote until I know how I am going to incorporate a charger into the main weapon.
Laid those over a Plasticard sheet to make a key membrane. Spaced it off with double sided tape.
Made a simple inductive 'shoe' charger for the remote until I know how I am going to incorporate a charger into the main weapon.