Escaperoom

Intro

Escaperoom the game is a simple game concept. You are locked in a room. In order to escape, you have to solve puzzles within a limited amount of time. Inserting the right sequence in a small electronic box allows you to continue to the next level or, finally, to escape.

When I was playing this game I thought it would be fun to have a same kind of game in the (physics) classroom. Students are given numbered (physics) problems which have to be solved. Students then have to order them and pass the code into some kind of device. Only the right sequence will allow them to continue onto a higher level. However a wrong sequence should result in a time penalty and a second try. Such a device should be easy to change during the year. Otherwise students would write down the right sequence and would have no problems in escaping the next time.

I build such a device using two Arduino's. I have tried the game in class and it was successful enough to write an Instructable.

Step 1: What You Need:

2 Arduino uno’s

Screws and bolts from an Arduino case

4 digit 7 segment display

4 buttons

4 green LED’s

1 red LED

1 buzzer

Jumper wires

Breadboard

Resistors (220 Ω & 1 kΩ or 10 kΩ)

A little theabox

A lasercutter

Some wood

Step 2: Program It

If you like to find out yourselves how the program works, start with two buttons and 1 LED. Pushing the two buttons in the right sequence should light up the LED. If it works, you can extend the amount of buttons and add higher levels. I extended the program by building an alarm function which is called when the wrong sequence is inserted. This triggers the buzzer and a blink on the red LED.

For keeping the time I used this Instructable as a start. One Arduino (I call it the TIME Arduino) is almost totally occupied with keeping the time.

Secondly, I started communication between the two Arduino’s (don’t forget to connect the ground from both Arduino’s). If the wrong sequence is inserted, a HIGH signal is sent to the TIME Arduino reducing the time with 60 seconds. When the time has reached 0, a HIGH signal is sent from the TIME Arduino to the other Arduino. This triggers the final alarm, meaning that the time is up and they didn’t escape.

For those unfamiliar with programming, or unwilling to find out on their own, the Arduino programs are included in this instructable.

Step 3: Build It:

I bought a simple and cheap theabox. I measured the size of the lid and asked a friend to cut a new lid where the LED’s, display, and buzzer could be installed. I replaced the lid and installed all hardware. The scheme shows only the first parts. I think there is enough information on wiring buttons, LED’s and buzzers… Again, both scripts show which pins I used. All hardware was first tested using simple buttons and a breadboard. Later on I replaced the simple buttons with more fancier doorbell-buttons.

In the bottom of the box I drilled some small holes and fastened the Arduino’s using screws from a simple Arduino case. I then made the mistake by attaching the breadboard to the box. Next time, I would wire everything using the breadboard and then attach the breadboard (or leave it out and solder everything). The LED’s were attached to the box using some glue. However, smaller holes (5mm instead of 6 mm) would made glue unnecessary.

I developed 4 sheets with assignments for the students. They tested it and I solved some little codingbugs.

Step 4: Test and Improvements

You can easily alter the right sequence, think of different assignments or codes etc. using your own electronic escaperoom. This could also be done with just using paper, however. This is much more fun and as a teacher I don’t have to check whether the codes are right!

I have some improvements to make. Students sometimes get stuck and need a hint. I would like to add a hint button. This reduces the time, but allows them to continue.

Within two weeks I will make a small movie and add it to this instructable.

If you have any questions or other suggestions, please leave a post!