Bluetooth Firework Controller

For this insructable we will be creating a bluetooth enable firework controller. We will start with the following parts for this build:

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Firebeetle https://www.dfrobot.com/product-1590.html?search=firebeetle

Resistors used https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/vishay-bc-components/AC05000001008JAC00/PPC5W1.0CT-ND/596682

Switch https://amzn.to/2XhNiOC

Fuse Clips https://amzn.to/2LxtG6U

Relay module https://amzn.to/2xqMfla

Battery Terminals https://amzn.to/2J57hfU

Lithium 18650 Battery Holders https://amzn.to/2xrN8ty

16AWG Silicone Wire https://amzn.to/2XjD3tc

2 way jack speaker terminals https://amzn.to/2FYgyED

Butt Splice Crimps https://amzn.to/2J5rjqB

Key Switch https://amzn.to/2JiSqxe

Low Voltage Buzzers https://amzn.to/2J2pKte

5-cell Balance Cables https://amzn.to/2XjdXL4

Panel Meter https://amzn.to/2xonnu6

18650 Samsung Cells https://www.batteryjunction.com/samsung-inr18650-25r.html

Step 1: Need to Cut Out Top for Wire Jacks

First thing you will need to do is get a large ammo box from Walmart and put some rectangular cutouts in the top. Since the relay module we have is 8-channel we will make cutouts appropriate for 8 ports.

Make sure you de-bur the holes so that you don't cut the insulation on the wire.

Step 2: Insert the Connectors

Now you will need to insert the connectors after you have soldered some wire on to them and use shrink wrap to cover solder joints to avoid shorts. I used self tapping Philips screws to attach. Also you will need to use a meter after you get all installed to check for shorts to the case. I found a few so just make sure.

Step 3: Mark and Cut Hole for Meter and Switch

Next you will mark out and cut the holes for the volt/amp meter and two switches.

Step 4: Mount Relay Module and Terminal Blocks

Now we will mount the relay module and the terminal blocks to the lid of the ammo box. I used 4-40 screws and nuts to mount. I started with servo tape but it did not stick so I recommend screws.

I also recommend the 3d printed standoffs that I used.

Step 5: Make Connections

Now we will wire up all the electrical now that we have everything mounted up to the lid and to the face of the box. Make connections as in the schematic.

Now you will have to create a LM7805 regulator for the DF robot firebeetle to convert the 21V from the battery down for the firebeetle.

Step 6: Flash the Code

Now you will need to flash the code to the device.

In order to do this you just need to go to the git hub link and click on the software folder and download the arduino ino code:

https://github.com/misperry/Firework_Controler

Once you have downloaded the code you can load it onto the firebeetle. If you need help on the arduino ide settings you can visit the DFrobot link below for instructions: https://wiki.dfrobot.com/FireBeetle_ESP32_IOT_Microcontroller(V3.0)__Supports_Wi-Fi_&_Bluetooth__SKU__DFR0478

Step 7: Setting Up the App

You will need to download an app to be able to send ASCII characters via bluetooth to the firebeetle. The app that I used for this is for android in the google play store link below: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=next...

You will first need to connect your firebeetle to your phone via your settings menu.

Once connected you will launch the app.

In the app you will press the connect button and choose ESPtest32 id from the menu. (or whatever you named it in the code)

Once you are connected it should give you an indication of the successful connection.

Now you can configure the custom buttons on the app. You will simply go to the Preference button and then you can name the buttons by going to "Name" .

Then you will click on "command" and this is where you will leave the default ASCII-HEX set to ASCII

In the command field you will enter the serial character you will send to the firebeetle. In the case of the default code a "1" will be port 1 fire, "2" will be port 2 fire, etc.

Once you have set up the buttons you should be ready to go.

Step 8: Building the Battery

Now we will need to build the battery. For this we will need to build an 18.5V nominal 10Ah battery. For this we will be using 20 samsung lithium batteries.

CAUTION: When using batteries be sure to take safety precautions. Remove all jewelry, or cover it up with electrical tape, and make sure you do not have any metal tools that could cause a short.

This will be a 5S4P pack. 5 batteries in series to get the voltage rating and then 4 parallel strings of the 5 series to get the 10Ah rating.

We will be using pure nickel tabs for welding these batteries. We will also be using the Sunkko battery welder that I featured in a review:

Step 9: Welding

Welding settings that I am using is:

Power set to 7

Pulses set to: 8P

two welds per cell

Make sure you leave extra length on the series welded tabs so that you can solder wire to for the overall pack connections.

Step 10: Assemble Battery Pack

For this you will need to 3d print out the case. You can download the STL files from my git hub under the MECH folder and then STL folder.

Last things that we need to install on the battery will be the balancing wires along with the undervoltage alarms.

Once the wires and the alarms are installed you will insert it into the 3d printed case. Install the screw terminals in the lid of the box and attach the voltage leads for the overall pack to these two terminals.

Step 11: Making Igniters

Now we will make the igniters. You can cut the wire that you will need to use as long as you would like them to be. Just make sure they are at least 16AWG wire.

Using red but-splice connectors crimp the 1ohm 5W resistor to the wire leads. Once crimped I used the steel clothes clip to clip it onto the resistor. This will be used to hold the fuse of the fireworks to the resistor.

Step 12: Make Connections to Fireworks

Now we will make the connections to the fireworks. Simply clip the fuse of the fireworks to the resistors. Ocne set up you should be able to connect via bluetooth and then use the app to ignite the fireworks.

Step 13: Finish

Thanks for checking this awesome project out. This works great.

Final thoughts would be to make sure when you charge the battery you charge it using a balance charger like the one listed below. https://amzn.to/2LyN03U

Also check out the video: