LASERWAR represents the 10th X-Generation

On October 28, in Moscow, we officially presented to laser tag fans the 10th generation of LASERWAR equipment called X-Generation.

All those who were with us on this historic day for the company were able to learn about all the new products at first hand. The rest had to languish in anticipation of publications on the company's Internet resources. There is still a video report from the presentation waiting for you. Meanwhile, we offer to read a detailed story about the benefits of the tenth generation, prepared by our editors.

A little bit of history

Year by year, we grow above ourselves and indulge our customers with innovative developments. This time we present you a completely new product – the result of longstanding work, which has absorbed the experience and knowledge of our specialists.

We know full well what you expected most from our equipment – the ability to pick up game statistics online. And we say YES! 10th generation equipment can do it. To begin with, it is worth explaining what preceded the introduction of this advanced technology.

Within two years, since 2015, we have been working on the equipment system Cybertag for indoor arenas. We improved it directly during operation, basing on the customers’ requirements. Having received invaluable experience of collecting statistics in the «arenage», we decided to use similar technology in outside laser tag. Well, now we are ready to present it to our customers.

Unique module

For the new equipment generation, we have developed a unique module called X-Сore. At its heart — the combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. This is a breakthrough solution for the entire global laser tag industry, and LASERWAR is the first company using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in tandem.

What are the advantages of such a solution?

X-Core combines two advanced technologies - Wi-Fi-standard 802.11n and Bluetooth v.4.2 BR/EDR and BLE.

Wi-Fi standard 802.11n with a frequency of 2.4 GHz guarantees higher bandwidth, wide range and high rate of the wireless network. It will provide the best performance and will allow streaming very large amounts of information. Thanks to this Wi-Fi standard, the module is able to transmit data at speeds up to 150 Mbps. Of course, the actual speed will be less, but it will still reach a record 20 Mbps. At that rate, recording the parameters of the weapon takes a fraction of a second. Moreover, sound downloading and firmware updates will be several times faster than in previous generations of laser tag platforms. In addition, Wi-Fi routers are available to everyone today, which means you do not have to buy expensive radio bases and create an additional network for laser tag. Recommended routers for the «ten» are already available for order in the LASERWAR online store.

Bluetooth v.4.2 BR/EDR and BLE enables our electronics to connect with mobile phones, smart watches, tablets. This is the future of laser tag and big scenario games.

We are well aware that modern laser tag clubs often hold several games in a row, which means that the equipment must work out a full game day without recharging. The new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module will not drain energy from the batteries indefinitely: we have provided special power saving modes. This will allow the taggers to stay longer in the game.

Another major asset of the X-Core module is the 240 MHz processor. For the first time in a non-arena laser tag, we use such a powerful «hardware». This is a guarantee of speed and stability of module operation.

The module is also equipped with 16 MB flash memory. With such a memory capacity, statistics can be stored and used for several weeks.
 

New boards

We have not just released a new module. We have created a special 10-generation board for it. It is the same size as the ninth generation boards, so it can be integrated into all the equipment where it was used. At the same time, the ten’s board accommodates 1.5 times more elements. Careful layout of conductors and components allowed optimizing the board heating. This is necessary for reliable devices operation in the most severe frosts or in high humidity conditions.

In addition, the location of the board on the blanks is ideal for auto-mount. The whole new board series is assembled by robots on an automated line. We fully control all processes, maintaining a high level of quality at all stages of electronics assembly.

The retail price of the new board is $90. Nevertheless, within the trade-in campaign, LASERWAR customers will be able to get it 33% cheaper. You heard right: we give new boards cheaper than the previous generation devices. Boards of the tenth generation will cost only $60 each.

Advanced software

User abilities and work effectiveness depend heavily on the quality and functionality of the software. LASERWAR company is justifiably proud of released software. A staff of qualified programmers works on our software on a daily basis. At the same time, we provide our developments to customers absolutely free.

For generation X we have released the latest software – LASERWAR online configurator. It features an intuitive interface and a user-friendly tile design. Thanks to this, the user can easily navigate in all sections of the configurator.

We tried to make the program not only attractive but also convenient for daily use. Thus, the configurator allows you to change the weapons settings online, without the need for additional manipulations with the equipment. Just turn on the weapon, and the options available for changing in a particular game set are displayed on the computer screen. Furthermore, the program shows the charge level of taggers and headbands. To start the battle you need to press three buttons: «Start game», «Random distribution» and «Run scenario». The program is as user-friendly as possible.

The configurator will display online statistics of the completed games with the ability to display on an external screen. With the help of the program, the owners of laser tag playgrounds will be able to manage their own arena, view what equipment was used in games and control the rental of equipment, as well as be able to upload statistical data to the social network.

In combination with our smart devices, the new configurator will allow you to create a lot of unique scenes. We will not limit ourselves to standard «Zombies» or «Vampires». In the tenth generation, we will expand the game world concept using all kinds of laser tag directions. There will appear and the possibility of characters «upgrading» and the Stalker scenario, and many RPS characters, and other options. All this will bring laser tag to a new level.

The application is available in the Windows Store, where it can be downloaded absolutely free. The software updates automatically, which means you do not have to worry about the relevance of the software.

It is important to note that the new configurator will work only on licensed versions of Windows.

LASERWAR online configurator is a kind of framework around which the whole LASERWAR world will be built over time – with a global map, with club ratings, announcements of games. Now some sections are in finalization. In next updates, we will increase the functionality and add new features – from the option of quick replacement kits to a special system of global statistics and much more.

Compatibility

When developing equipment, we adhere to the principle of backward compatibility. Even years after the purchase of LASERWAR devices, our customers can upgrade for little money. In this way, we help the rental clubs owners to keep their equipment up-to-date.

For example, if you use the ninth generation headbands with the ability to program the firmware, then while switching to the tenth generation, you will not have to buy new ones. With the help of the online configurator, you can update the headband firmware for free.

Summary

Just a couple of years ago we could not even dream of such opportunities for outdoor laser tag. However, technology is developing at a rapid pace, and we are trying to keep up with the progress. Matter of fact, the tenth generation LASERWAR is already a reality.

Moreover, now we can confidently state that LASERWAR is the only company on the market that has technologies of offline (generation 4-9), online (generation 10) and real-time (Cybertag) statistics on various specialized platforms. Each technology comes along with a unique and incredibly user-friendly software.

Let us also recall that LASERWAR is a full-cycle company. This means that everything – from the manufacture of printed circuit boards to new products testing is done on the basis of the company by the hands of our employees. We use only certified technology and give a guarantee on your product. Therefore, buying our equipment for laser tag, you can be sure that you get a safe, high-quality and high-tech equipment.

We want the mention of laser tag to cause positive emotions and to be certainly associated with the LASERWAR brand in any corner of the world. The tenth generation is another big step that brings us closer to this goal.