Fire Pong Details - Computerphile

TL;DR

A group of hackers discusses the process of creating a fire pong game for the EMF camp, including the challenges they faced and their unique solutions.

Transcript

so we actually wore fireproof overalls during the event I mean that's not so appropriate now but everyone within the boundary was supposed to wear these and to stop being on fire and fortunately they were not necessary so they're actually oil rig workers boiler suits other a work of genius clearly crazy insane genius where did it start where did th... Read More

Key Insights

• ❤️‍🔥 The idea for fire pong came from the desire to incorporate fire into a project after attending Burning Man.
• 🫢 Developing the game required experimenting with different components, including gas igniters and spark gaps.
• 👾 Ensuring the game was fun and safe for players was a priority during the development process.
• 🫢 The team had to learn about gas fittings and create custom parts to make the game work effectively.
• 😩 Safety measures, such as wearing fireproof overalls and setting up fencing, were implemented to protect participants.
• 😎 The game required careful consideration of pressure levels, cooling systems, and power requirements.
• 😒 The use of differential signals and checksums helped ensure robust and safe communication between components.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the idea for fire pong come about?

The idea came from attending Burning Man and being inspired by the presence of fire there. We wanted to create something similar for the EMF camp.

Q: What were some of the challenges faced during the development process?

One challenge was figuring out how to ignite the gas effectively. We also had to design a spark gap without expensive ceramic tubes. Additionally, we had to make sure the game was enjoyable and safe for players.

Q: How did you ensure the safety of participants?

We required everyone within the game's boundary to wear fireproof overalls. We also set up fencing to maintain a safe distance between the flames and the public.

Q: What were some interesting components used in the creation of fire pong?

We used gas igniters, spark gaps, Raspberry Pi, and various sensors to control and monitor the game. Additionally, we had custom-made parts, such as adapters for the gas cylinders.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The idea for fire pong came from seeing fire at Burning Man and wanting to incorporate it into a project.

• The team experimented with different components to create the game, including gas igniters and spark gaps.

• The game had to be both fun and safe to play, with special attention given to designing the gameplay and ensuring proper safety measures.