Uploaded March 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Now that I've got some of the basic infrastructure set, it's time to get on and start making some playable elements so that this starts to look more like a game rather than a networking test. In this video:
00:00:00-00:03:56 Resolving the 5V-3.3V PJON level shifting issues - logic level convertor with pulldown resistors, or voltage divider with diode - but don't get distracted by the pursuit of the "optimum" solution, just get something that works and move on!
00:03:57-00:10:49 Selecting an LED to display the status of each module to assist in development and in gameplay. I'm hoping to use PL9823 progammable LEDs, which work like Neopixel (WS2812), but come in a standard 5mm LED form factor. So they can be animated between any RGB values, flashed etc. as a way to indicate the different status of each puzzle.
00:10:50-00:16:20 Updating the puzzle controller Arduino code to include the PJON network registration and indicating the puzzle status through different LED patterns. On startup, the master controller attempts to pin every device ID and keeps track of which ones respond (in much the same way an I2C scanner detects the address of any connected I2C device) so it knows which modules are in use. Modules are initially brought online in a disabled state, but these can be brought online by the master controller, and the LEDs change pattern to guide the player as to what the current "head" of the game progress is and be able to have some sort of directed gameflow (rather than all the puzzles be available and solveable from the outset).
00:16:20-00:22:40 Rewiring the network into a centralised "star" network design and supplying a separate power supply to prevent trying to draw current to power all the separate puzzle controllers via USB and the thin traces of the ESP32 Vin port
00:22:41-00:27:50 Demonstration of system initialisation, puzzle solving, and reset, with status indicators and network messaging.
Created with the generous support of my amazing Patreon donors. You can find more details about all my escape room tech projects at patreon.com/playfultech
Now that I've got some of the basic infrastructure set, it's time to get on and start making some playable elements so that this starts to look more like a game rather than a networking test. In this video:
00:00:00-00:03:56 Resolving the 5V-3.3V PJON level shifting issues - logic level convertor with pulldown resistors, or voltage divider with diode - but don't get distracted by the pursuit of the "optimum" solution, just get something that works and move on!
00:03:57-00:10:49 Selecting an LED to display the status of each module to assist in development and in gameplay. I'm hoping to use PL9823 progammable LEDs, which work like Neopixel (WS2812), but come in a standard 5mm LED form factor. So they can be animated between any RGB values, flashed etc. as a way to indicate the different status of each puzzle.
00:10:50-00:16:20 Updating the puzzle controller Arduino code to include the PJON network registration and indicating the puzzle status through different LED patterns. On startup, the master controller attempts to pin every device ID and keeps track of which ones respond (in much the same way an I2C scanner detects the address of any connected I2C device) so it knows which modules are in use. Modules are initially brought online in a disabled state, but these can be brought online by the master controller, and the LEDs change pattern to guide the player as to what the current "head" of the game progress is and be able to have some sort of directed gameflow (rather than all the puzzles be available and solveable from the outset).
00:16:20-00:22:40 Rewiring the network into a centralised "star" network design and supplying a separate power supply to prevent trying to draw current to power all the separate puzzle controllers via USB and the thin traces of the ESP32 Vin port
00:22:41-00:27:50 Demonstration of system initialisation, puzzle solving, and reset, with status indicators and network messaging.
Created with the generous support of my amazing Patreon donors. You can find more details about all my escape room tech projects at patreon.com/playfultech
