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SAMCO converts the electronics inside a PlayStation 1 Namco light-gun shell into an infrared-tracking USB HID mouse/light gun for flat-screen displays. The original project pairs a microcontroller with an IR positioning camera; the exact parts depend on which SAMCO build guide and board revision you follow.
What the SAMCO project does
The original SAMCO build uses an infrared positioning camera to track the gun relative to infrared emitters, then presents its aiming input to a computer as a USB HID mouse. That mouse-style input is intended for LCD flat-screen TVs and monitors, rather than relying on the light-sensing method used by older CRT light guns. The project is documented on Arduino Project Hub and Hackster.io.
It is a DIY electronics conversion, not a standalone commercial gun: the project repurposes a PS1 Namco gun shell and replaces its original electronics with a microcontroller-based system.
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Parts and tools in the original SAMCO documentation
The project pages describe several component options and inventories. They should not be treated as one universal cart: use the schematic and build guide for the specific board and revision you intend to assemble.
#1 Best Overall
- 2Pcs Digital 38khz Ir Receiver Sensor Module + 2Pcs Ir Transmitter Sensor Module Kit for Arduino Electronic Building Block
- Working voltage 5V
| Item | What the original project documents |
|---|---|
| Controller | Arduino Micro or Adafruit ItsyBitsy M0; Hackster also says the code can work with Arduino Leonardo. |
| IR camera | DFRobot Gravity IR Positioning Camera. |
| IR emitters | Emitters are included in the project inventories; Hackster lists two. |
| Resistors | Arduino Project Hub lists a 100-ohm resistor; Hackster lists two 100-ohm resistors. |
| Board | SAMCO PCB. |
| Tools and supplies | Soldering iron and soldering supplies/flux, cordless drill or driver, and Arduino IDE. |
The original project’s component listings are on Arduino Project Hub and Hackster.io. In particular, “DFRobot Gravity IR Positioning Camera SEN0158” is a useful model phrase when identifying the camera, but the current listing and exact compatibility with a given SAMCO revision are not established by those project pages. Match the camera and wiring to the guide you are following.
Why parts lists differ between SAMCO versions
The SAMCO repository says the project was ported into OpenFIRE. Later derivatives also document different controller and emitter choices, so their parts should not be silently substituted into the original SAMCO instructions.
Rank #2
- 1. 100-Piece IR Kit – 50 Emitters + 50 Receivers: 5mm 940nm infrared LED and phototransistor set. Enough for prototyping & production.
- 2. Standard 940nm ir led Wavelength: Stable & Reliable Industry-standard peak wavelength. Works well for obstacle avoidance, remote control, and proximity sensing.
- 3. Perfect for Arduino & DIY Robots: Ideal for smart car, line follower, obstacle avoidance robot, and Raspberry Pi/STM32 projects.
- 4. Easy to Use – Breadboard & PCB Friendly: Standard 5mm round lens, 2.54mm lead spacing. Solderable and plug‑and‑play on breadboards. Can be used to build infrared led strip.
- 5. Low Power, Long Life: Forward voltage 1.2‑1.5V, can be driven directly by MCU I/O pins. Low current consumption.
Original SAMCO build
The original documentation centers on Arduino Micro or ItsyBitsy M0 options, the DFRobot Gravity IR positioning camera, a SAMCO PCB, and IR emitters. Hackster lists two emitters and two 100-ohm resistors; use the schematic for the exact build rather than assuming every listed quantity applies to every option.
SAMCO-derived RP2040 version
The ir-light-gun-plus derivative documents an RP2040-compatible controller, DFRobot SEN0158 camera, and four IR emitters. It recommends SFH 4547 emitters with 5.6-ohm resistors, describes regular Wii sensor bars as a possible short-distance option, and lists a solenoid, 5V rumble motor, and SPDT switches as optional additions. Those are recommendations for that derivative, not universal SAMCO specifications.
Rank #3
- Can be used for 3-5V DC power supply modules. It has red power indicator.
- IR Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module can be widely used in robot obstacle avoidance, obstacle avoidance car, line count, and black and white line tracking and so on
- The output port OUT sensor module can be directly connected to the microcontroller IO port, you can directly drive a 5V relay
- It has a pair of infrared transmitting and receiving tube, tube infrared emit a certain frequency, when detecting direction meet with obstacles (reflecting surface), reflected infrared receiving tube, after the comparator circuit processing, green indicator will light up, at the same time signal output interface to output digital signal (a low level signal).
- Packed with high quality box.
The derivative also notes that board pinouts vary and documents issues involving calibration during serial activity and camera initialization. Check its own setup instructions if you choose that firmware; those caveats should not be assumed to apply to every original SAMCO build.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How SAMCO relates to OpenFIRE
The original IR-Light-Gun repository announces SAMCO’s port to OpenFIRE. OpenFIRE is later project lineage, not simply another name for every SAMCO board or firmware revision. The creator-associated Samco Online page presents hardware categories including GunCon conversion kits, haptic kits, IR sensor kits, and cord kits. Check the product’s current details for stock and compatibility; a category listing alone does not establish that a kit fits a particular legacy SAMCO build.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ❃❃Dynamic current: 3-5mA
- ❃❃Note： not included battery (you can use the CR2025 )
- ❃❃Product detailed size: remote control 85 x 40mm line length about 175mm
- ❃❃Effective life: 20,000 times
- ❃❃ for Arduino suite by ultrathin Mini infrared wireless remote control infrared remote control and 38 KHZ infrared receiving module.
Rank #4
- Complete Infrared Sensor Kit 20✅ 10 Pairs (20PCS) 3mm IR Emitter & Receiver Diodes – Includes 10 matched pairs of round-head infrared LEDs (940nm wavelength) and phototransistors, ready for obstacle detection and signal transmission.
- High-Sensitivity & Wide-Angle Detection 20🔧 30° Beam Angle & Fast Response – Emitter forward voltage: 1.2-1.5V (20mA), receiver collector current >0.5mA (tested at 5V). Ideal for proximity sensing and line-following robots.
- Arduino/Raspberry Pi Compatible 20🤖 Plug-and-Play with Breadboards – Pre-bent leads for easy prototyping. Works seamlessly with common microcontrollers (e.g., ESP32, STM32) and sensor modules.
- Durable Anti-Interference Design 20🛡️ Black Epoxy Lens for Noise Reduction – Minimizes ambient light interference. Operating temperature: -25°C to +85°C, suitable for indoor/outdoor projects.
- Organized ESD-Safe Packaging 20📦 Labeled Bags + Circuit Diagram – Components shipped in static-proof bags with a reference wiring schematic for quick setup (e.g., IR remote controls, automatic faucets).
What to check before building
- Choose the exact SAMCO guide or derivative first; do not mix a controller, camera, resistor, or emitter recommendation from one revision into another without checking its schematic.
- Confirm the controller’s pinout, USB HID support, and firmware instructions for the selected build.
- Verify the IR camera model and emitter arrangement listed by that build.
- Check that the PCB and conversion instructions suit the PS1 Namco shell you plan to modify.
- For later OpenFIRE-related hardware, confirm the specific kit’s compatibility rather than inferring it from the project lineage.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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