Single-switch adapted laser tag blaster with wheelchair mount

We ordered the Squad Hero Light Force Edition following research on switch-adaptable laser tag sets. Our son has limited mobility (shoulders & above) but can access a single-switch while driving his power wheelchair. Oscar has been loving a switch-adapted water blaster from MMC, so we are hopeful this can be next!

Link:

https://wonderfunbrands.com/products/squad-hero-rechargeable-laser-tag-set-of-4-150-ft-reach

AI suggested actions for the switch:

For a single-switch setup on the Squad Hero Light Force Edition (where pressing one external adaptive switch both fires and reloads), the internal electronics need to be wired so a single signal activates both functions without locking up the blaster's microcontroller.

1. Wiring Scheme Options

• Parallel Soldering with an Auto-Reload Mod (Simplest Hardwire): Soldering a 3.5mm mono jack directly across both the trigger and reload button contacts in parallel can work if the blaster allows simultaneous inputs. On Squad Hero, when ammo empties, the trigger signal is ignored while the reload pulse refreshes the clip.
• Two-Stage / Latch Switch Box (Recommended for Clean Operation): Using an external switch interface box (such as a two-channel adaptive switch interface) allows a single physical button to send two distinct signals:
  • Short Tap: Sends a trigger pulse (fires).
  • Hold / Long Press: Sends a reload pulse.

2. Step-by-Step Installation Process

1. Open the Blaster Shell: Remove the housing screws on one side of the blaster to expose the main circuit board, battery connections, and internal switch contacts.
2. Locate the Terminal Pads: Identify the PCB trace pads behind the Trigger momentary switch and the Reload push button (located at the bottom base of the handle grip).
3. Solder the 3.5mm Mono Jack:

• Drill a small hole in an empty spot on the plastic casing to mount a panel-mount 3.5mm mono female jack.
• Run leads from the jack terminal pins directly to the solder pads of the trigger and reload contacts.

1. Insulate and Reassemble: Ensure all custom wire connections are insulated with heat-shrink tubing to prevent shorting against the internal lithium battery or main board, then screw the casing back together.

Regarding the mount for the blaster:

A heavy-duty clamp with either a flexible gooseneck arm or a locking articulating arm should work well.

Thanks for considering!

Nick & Alex