Introduction: How to Defuse a Time Bomb Game
This idea just came to me out of the blue. I couldn't really find anything quite like it. The original idea was much more involved, so this is a simplified version of the game.
This is a "time bomb". You have to defuse it before the clock counts down. It uses the accelerometer, sound detection, touch sensors and more to make it difficult to defuse.
Step 1: Circuit
This is another perfect application of the Circuit Playground Arduino board! We're going to make use the built in accelerometer to detect if the bomb is upside down or not, or bumped to hard. The microphone is used to detect too much noise. We'll also use the neo pixels to indicate how much time is left in addition to the countdown. Finally, we will use the built in touch ability.
The quad alphanumeric display is designed to fit on top of a feather arduino, but its perfectly usable without. Simply connect the power and ground, and the SDL and SCL to the Circuit Playground.
Another nice trick we are employing here is using Play-Doh to simulate the explosive. There's no Play-doh in Fritzing so you just see wires. Play-Doh makes a decent conductor due to its water and salt content! So the Arduino can detect if the clips are connected or not, through the grounded Play-Doh.
Step 2: Parts List
Circuit Playground (https://www.adafruit.com/product/3000)
Quad Alphanumeric display (https://www.adafruit.com/product/3132)
Aligator clips (https://www.adafruit.com/product/1592)
Wire
Cardboard
box (approximately 5" x 4")
4 AA battery holder
Play Doh
4 resistors (around 220Ohm)
Double sided tape or glue
Paper
Step 3: Container
Any suitably sized box will work. I knew there was a reason I kept this nice container that my wallet came in. Its just the right size, 5" x 4".
Cut a piece of cardboard to just fit inside the container. Everything will be mounted on this so it can be removed easily.
Step 4: Attach Components
For the alphanumeric display, cut a rectangle into the cardboard and push it through from underneath. The circuit board will press up against the underside. A dot or two of hot glue on the top will hold it in place. Attach wires to the four pins (3v, gnd, SDA and SCL) and pass them through to the front side with a hole. Please see https://learn.adafruit.com/14-segment-alpha-numeri... for assembly and pin guide for this module.
The battery holder is secured to the backside with some double sided foam tape. I used the tape because it adds about a 1/16" gap between the battery and the cardboard. I poked another hole for the wires to go through.
On the opposite corner to the battery, glue a small strip of cardboard. This will support the whole thing along with the battery holder, it also will hold the Play-Doh in place.
Push the Play-Doh into place, and then insert the four resistors into the Play-Doh and into the cardboard. Use a drop of hot glue on each resistor to hold it in place on the cardboard.
Back on the top side, cut a finger hold and a tab to fold up. This is what you will use to remove the bomb later.
Step 5: Code
The code is available here:
Step 6: Instructions and Cover
Print out, cut and attach the instructions and labels. I used double sided tape.
Here is the text for the instructions attached to the inside of the lid:
So you’ve got a time bomb (sorry, we lied on the cover…)
Congratulations! Or maybe not.. You are the proud new owner of a time bomb. If the clock is already ticking down, you probably don’t have much time left.
If you would like to avoid the mess and fuss of an explosion, you may be able to defuse this bomb before the time runs out. Please read on if this is the course you wish to take. And good luck! Let us know how you do (if we don’t hear from you, we will assume it did not go well).
You may have noticed the circular array of lights on the main board. They will be lighting up one after another. When they are all lit, the bomb goes off. We probably should cut down on the verbage due to your lack of available time, so, let’s get to the point.
The first thing you need to do is carefully remove the bomb from the box. It is very sensitive so don’t drop or bump it. For further instructions, locate the defusing instructions on the top of the bomb.
For the two pages attached to the top of the bomb:
Page 1:
Slowly flip the bomb over. You’ll see four coloured wires with clips. You must remove these in order. Do it quickly, do it quietly.
White. Blue. Green. Red.
Now reconnect them:
Green. White. Red. Blue.
Slowly flip the bomb back over.
Page 2:
Now push the right button on the circuit board. Flip the middle switch. Then push the left button. The lights will flash in a color sequence. You must repeat this sequence by touching the same colored clips. Carefully place the bomb back in the box and close the lid.
Congratulations, you have successfully defused this bomb! If you are still reading this, however, you probably haven’t put the lid back on. Please do so before the time runs out!
The box lid cover:
Attachments

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14 Comments
1 year ago
Hi our bomb isn't responding to the crocodile clips and just carrys on counting down
Reply 1 year ago
I am wondering if your play-doh is not conducting well enough to create the necessary circuit? Try it without the play doh (connect the resistors directly to ground).
3 years ago
Hi, i have a few issues. do you have a way i can contact you please, would really love your help on this.
Reply 3 years ago
Happy to help?
Reply 3 years ago
Few questions,
does the 4 resistors connect to the ground pin, via the play-doo, so ground to play-doo then 4x 220ohm in to it then the leads from the other end of resister to the pins.
i have bypassed the play-doo and used a bread board, the neg common.
don't seem to be able to diffuse the bomb, maybe im doing something wrong.
Reply 3 years ago
yeah that is how it goes. The play doh conducts from the resistors to the ground wire. I guess I didnt put a clear photo of that.
Reply 3 years ago
ok so you can't use a com ground, has to have the play doo there. but just checking it goes from the play doo ground via 4 resistors then the 4 fly leads
Reply 3 years ago
just think of the play doh as a wire connecting the four resistors to ground. Play doh is conductive... I mean I am sure there is some resistance so its more of a semi conductor but it gets the job done in a bomb-like way. :)
Reply 3 years ago
ok fab, do you have any more pics, seems im still missing something as its still not working. would you be up for a Skype call or a video call.
5 years ago
awesome!
is something like a minispeaker with a nerve-wrecking tone and an explosion-sound in possible?(like you find in the singing birthday cards)
Reply 5 years ago
The circuit playground does have a small speaker, though its not very loud. I didn't get it in the video but it does beep annoyingly as it counts down, and it attempts to make an explosion sound when you lose.
5 years ago
It would be really funny to make a bunch of disposable versions of these and leave them lying around!
Reply 5 years ago
I'm planning on anonymously placing it on my brothers desk at work. I'm sure he will "pay it forward" around the office...
5 years ago
Seems like fun :)