Laser Tag C12 – Messages

This tutorial will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

The message packet comprises a header followed by 24 bits (3 bytes), which can be interpreted using the following table. This structure significantly expands gameplay options by incorporating game objects such as power-ups.

New Feature

Save the project as LaserTag_C12_Messages

Libraries, Variables, Setup() & Loop()

There is nothing to address in these steps, as they primarily involve new code without the introduction of any new libraries or hardware.

New Tab – MilesTagMessage

Create a new tab named MilesTagMessage and copy the following code into it.

void milesTagMessage(){

switch (results.value){
    case 0x8300E8: Serial.println("Admin Kill"); adminKill(); break;
    case 0x8301E8: Serial.println("Pause/Unpause"); pauseGame(); break; 
    case 0x8302E8: Serial.println("Start Game"); startGame(); break;
    case 0x8303E8: Serial.println("Restore defaults"); startGame(); break;
    case 0x8304E8: Serial.println("Respawn"); respawn(); break;
    case 0x8305E8: Serial.println("Immediate new game"); startGame(); break;
    case 0x8306E8: Serial.println("Full ammo"); fullAmmo(); break;
    case 0x8307E8: Serial.println("End game"); gameOver(); break;
    case 0x8308E8: Serial.println("Reset Clock"); resetClock(); break;
    case 0x8309E8: Serial.println("Reserved"); break;
    case 0x830AE8: Serial.println("Initialize player"); startGame();break;
    case 0x830BE8: Serial.println("Explode player"); explodePlayer(); break;
    case 0x830CE8: Serial.println("New game (ready)"); startGame(); break;
    case 0x830DE8: Serial.println("Full health"); fullHealth(); break;
    case 0x830EE8: Serial.println("Reserved"); break;
    case 0x830FE8: Serial.println("Full armour"); armour = bodyArmourMax; break;
    case 0x8310E8: Serial.println("Red Team = 0"); teamID = 0; break;
    case 0x8311E8: Serial.println("Blue Team = 1"); teamID = 1; break;
    case 0x8312E8: Serial.println("Yellow Team = 2"); teamID = 2; break;
    case 0x8313E8: Serial.println("Green Team = 3"); teamID = 3; break;
    case 0x8314E8: Serial.println("Clear scores"); break;
    case 0x8315E8: Serial.println("Test sensors"); break;
    case 0x8316E8: Serial.println("Stun player"); disarmPlayer(); break;
    case 0x8317E8: Serial.println("Disarm player"); disarmPlayer(); break;

  }
  if (((results.value >> 16) & 0xFF) == 0x8A){ // clips pickup from 0-15
    Serial.println("clips picked up");
    mp3.playFileByIndexNumber(12); //add ammo
    if((clips + results.value >> 8) > 0xFF){
      clips = 0xFF;
    } else{
      clips += (results.value >> 8) & 0xFF;
    }
    Serial.print("Clips now at: ");
    Serial.println(clips);
  }
  if (((results.value >> 16) & 0xFF) == 0x8B){ // health pickup mapped
    Serial.println("health picked up");
    mp3.playFileByIndexNumber(11); //medical
    int addHealth = healthMapped(results.value >> 8);
    if((health + addHealth) > respawnHealth){
      health = respawnHealth;
    } else{
      clips += addHealth;
    }
    Serial.print("Health now at: ");
    Serial.println(health);
  }
  if (((results.value >> 16) & 0xFF) == 0x8C){ // flags pickup from 0-15
    mp3.playFileByIndexNumber(13); //blip
    Serial.println("flag " + String((results.value >> 8) & 0xFF) + " picked up");
    flagID[results.value >> 8] = true;
  }
  if (((results.value >> 16) & 0xFF) == 0xB4){ // team restore
    Serial.println("Team " + String((results.value >> 8) & 0xFF) + " respawn detected");
    if (((results.value >> 8) & 0xFF) == teamID){
    respawn();
    } else{
      explodePlayer();
    }
  }  
}

void adminKill (){
  health = 0;
  dead();
}

void fullAmmo(){
  shotsLeft = magSize;
  clips = magazines;
  mp3.playFileByIndexNumber(12); //add ammo
}

void explodePlayer(){
  mp3.playFileByIndexNumber(15); // Explode sound
  health = 0;
  dead();
}

void clearScores(){
  memset(recPlayerHit, 0, maxHits);
  memset(recTeamHit, 0, maxHits);
  memset(recDamageHit, 0, maxHits);
  memset(recZoneHit, 0, maxHits);
  hitNo = 0;
  mp3.playFileByIndexNumber(24); //blip
}

void fullHealth(){
  mp3.playFileByIndexNumber(11); //medical
  health = int(respawnHealth);
}

void disarmPlayer(){
   shotsLeft = 0; 
   clips = 0;
   mp3.playFileByIndexNumber(2); //disarm
}

Code Explanation:
The code in this section corresponds to the message table above.
if (((results.value >> 16) & 0xFF) == 0x8C) checks whether Byte 0 is equal to 0x8C, indicating that it is a flag.
flagID[results.value >> 8] = true; assigns the value of Byte 1 to the array flagID[].

Modify Code – IR tab

Code Explanation:
The Message package consists of 24 bits, which can be easily accessed using results.bits through the IRremoteESP8266 library.

Christian Devotion

In laser tag, command messages serve as the invisible orchestrators of gameplay, transforming simple taggers into complex instruments of strategy. With a single digital signal, a tagger can suddenly gain health, receive additional ammunition, unlock a respawn capability, or become involved in a flag capture mission. The beauty of the laser tag command system lies in its ability to create diverse gameplay experiences. One moment, the game may feature a classic capture-the-flag scenario; the next, it could evolve into a multifaceted mission with numerous objectives and shifting rules.

The variety of power-ups in laser tag mirrors the range of spiritual gifts that God distributes among believers. In the game, some players might receive a shield upgrade, others may gain health, while some could enhance their weapons. Similarly, God bestows a diversity of gifts upon His people:

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 (NIV)
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

When various game objects are used, players in laser tag must adapt their strategies rather than everyone performing the same role. They should capitalise on the potential power-up that a team member has received.

Consider how each power-up enhances a player’s effectiveness in the game. Similarly, spiritual gifts are not about comparison but about fulfilling one’s unique role in God’s grand strategy. God’s purpose in giving us spiritual gifts is to build up the church, so we should strategise on how to best utilise the gifts He has given us.

1 Corinthians 14:12 (NIV)
12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

God has intentionally created us with diverse gifts so that Christians can work together to serve one another and the broader world. Problems may arise when we mistakenly believe we are gifted in a particular way, leading us to think we excel at something when we may not. It is always wise to approach gifts with humility, seeking input from others about where they believe you would best serve. Therefore, seek wisdom from God and others regarding where your strengths lie, so that as a church family, you can best capitalise on the gifts God has given you to serve the church and others.