Uploaded June 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This is a video tutorial describing how to create a "reverse geocache" GPS location-based outdoor escape room puzzle, in which players must carry a physical object (which could be a dragon's egg, an EMP transmitter, a remote receiver of broadcasts from distant galaxies...) to a particular real-world location defined by latitude and longitude coordinates in the Arduino code. Once the object is within a specified proximity of the target location (say, within 10 metres), the Arduino triggers a relay which unlocks a maglock, opening up the box and revealing its contents.
Hardware used:
- Arduino Nano, ~$2 from, e.g. banggood.com/custlink/mGGmwdTDmU
- GPS Module, ~$5 from, e.g. banggood.com/custlink/GmDRRAguz4
- Improved GPS Ceramic Antenna, ~$5 from, e.g. banggood.com/custlink/DKGyRAQ3mK
- 5V relay module, $2 from: banggood.com/custlink/mDD3bOqeP5
- 12V cabinet-style failsafe maglock, ~$10 from e.g.: banggood.com/custlink/vvmmNaz4Sm
- 16x2 LCD Display with I2C backpack, ~$3 from e.g. banggood.com/custlink/3m3dRN4T22
- 12V LiPo battery pack, ~$15 from e.g. ebay.co.uk/itm/4800-20000mAh-Rechargeable-Portable-Power-Li-ion-Battery-DC-12V-For-Camera-PVD/174315363467
- 12V-5V Stepdown convertor, ~$1 from, e.g. banggood.com/custlink/m3GYRA0TwP
Timings
00:00-02:49 Introduction and overview
02:50-04:01 Setting the target location
04:02-06:01 Demonstration
06:02-11:01 Component overview - LiPo battery, GPS module, and antenna
11:02-18:58 Hardware and wiring diagram
18:59-45:41 Arduino code
45:42-48:16 Wrapup
To download the code, wiring diagrams, and further information on this and all my previous escape room tech projects, see patreon.com/playfultech
This is a video tutorial describing how to create a "reverse geocache" GPS location-based outdoor escape room puzzle, in which players must carry a physical object (which could be a dragon's egg, an EMP transmitter, a remote receiver of broadcasts from distant galaxies...) to a particular real-world location defined by latitude and longitude coordinates in the Arduino code. Once the object is within a specified proximity of the target location (say, within 10 metres), the Arduino triggers a relay which unlocks a maglock, opening up the box and revealing its contents.
Hardware used:
- Arduino Nano, ~$2 from, e.g. banggood.com/custlink/mGGmwdTDmU
- GPS Module, ~$5 from, e.g. banggood.com/custlink/GmDRRAguz4
- Improved GPS Ceramic Antenna, ~$5 from, e.g. banggood.com/custlink/DKGyRAQ3mK
- 5V relay module, $2 from: banggood.com/custlink/mDD3bOqeP5
- 12V cabinet-style failsafe maglock, ~$10 from e.g.: banggood.com/custlink/vvmmNaz4Sm
- 16x2 LCD Display with I2C backpack, ~$3 from e.g. banggood.com/custlink/3m3dRN4T22
- 12V LiPo battery pack, ~$15 from e.g. ebay.co.uk/itm/4800-20000mAh-Rechargeable-Portable-Power-Li-ion-Battery-DC-12V-For-Camera-PVD/174315363467
- 12V-5V Stepdown convertor, ~$1 from, e.g. banggood.com/custlink/m3GYRA0TwP
Timings
00:00-02:49 Introduction and overview
02:50-04:01 Setting the target location
04:02-06:01 Demonstration
06:02-11:01 Component overview - LiPo battery, GPS module, and antenna
11:02-18:58 Hardware and wiring diagram
18:59-45:41 Arduino code
45:42-48:16 Wrapup
To download the code, wiring diagrams, and further information on this and all my previous escape room tech projects, see patreon.com/playfultech
