Friday, May 3, 2013

LTAR: Accessory Prototypes


These are two Prototype platforms for working on custom accessories for the Lazer Tag Augmented Reality System.  These are add-on accessories to the basic LTAR taggers for easy installation and use, inspired by the LTX Combo Mount that was designed, built, and fabricated by my heroes at CTDYNE.  The first is a design platform exploring the possible integration with a Nerf Longstrike CS-6 stock and the removable cover on the top-back side of the LTAR blaster.  The second is a stock LTAR that is being fitted with custom-fabricated parts designed in SketchUp and then 3D printed with a Nylon-based Plastic.  This video gives a short overview of the two separate design processes that each blaster is going through.  The White one is focusing on permanently modifying parts of the blaster to make for a solid add-on while still retaining the shell of the LTAR itself.  The black one is focusing on developing parts that will replace pieces on the LTAR that can be added to the blaster without modifying or changing the shell.

The white blaster should have most of the kinks worked out of it before our Season 8 Opener on May 9th.  It'll likely see action then.  The black blaster will probably be used, but in it's stock form without the testbed pieces.  The N-Strike Stock adapter for the back is merely a mock-up for test fitting (hence it's frame-like structure).

Stay tuned for more developments!

11 comments:

  1. Looking good! Both are excellent ideas that are looking like they'll turn out well. Looking forward to the end result!

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  2. Wow, both are very cool. I continue to be in awe of your creativity and skills.

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  3. Replies
    1. ShapeWays https://www.shapeways.com/search?q=LTAR

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  4. Thanks for having this awesome blog filled with awesomely informative/inspiring works!

    I'm loving how you are working with the modularity of the existing systems.

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  5. Impressive design and execution. That stock invites sniper-optics mods for the LTAR.
    - Duncan

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  6. How comfortable is that Longstrike stock on your hands? Also, is it long enough to be comfortably used as a shoulder stock?

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    1. I too am wondering the same thing. I just got my
      NERF Retaliator Shoulder Stock in the mail today. Depending on the length of your arms it might be uncomfortable. I wear a Medium/Regular BDU top and am 18" from armpit to wrist. The stock is 8 1/8", seems as if so long as you keep your elbow down instead of out (hitting tree branches and corners of buildings) it should be fine. I saw on ebay the other day that someone from Australia saw selling a custom extension 14.68. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nerf-Elite-Retaliator-Stock-Adapter-/271419492291?pt=AU_Toys_Hobbies_Outdoor_Toys_Structures&hash=item3f31dcc7c3

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    2. My bad, you commented on the Long Strike. I just got a N-Stike Elite Stockade and on a Nerf I like it better than the Retaliator Stock because it's 1 3/4 inches longer and I don't stick out my elbow as much. I'd still like to know about the Longstrike I haven't been able to find a length, but it still looks cool.

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  7. I do hope you're being careful with that nylon-based plastic. There's a lot of debate in the RepRap world about the safety of nylon filament. Some varieties are known to give of some rather nasty fumes when you heat them up, and it's hard to find out which ones are which.

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  8. I've suggested to Xalien that the newer design should be a combination of a 3 rail attatchment and have the top rail be an iron sight weiver rail that lines up with the front sight on the LTAR people that want to save for expensive sights but use their excessory until they can afford one. The side rails could have the Cree Ultrafire Q5 with a pressure switch on one side and an open spot for a laser sight on the other. :D

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