ZTAG Products & Technical Specifications

Core Product Line

ZTAGGER (Wearable Device)

Overview:
Wrist-worn wearable device that serves as the player interface for all ZTAG games. Contains IR sensors for tag detection, LED display for game state, and wireless connectivity to ZUES hub.

Hardware Specifications:

Microcontroller: ESP32-based (WiFi + Bluetooth capable)
Display: LED array (color-coded game states: red, green, white, etc.)
Sensors:
- IR (infrared) transmitter/receiver for tag detection
- Accelerometer (motion detection, activity tracking)
- Buzzer (audio feedback for game events)
Power: Rechargeable battery (charges in custom case)
Connectivity: WiFi (direct to ZUES), ESP Now (future mesh network)
Form Factor: Wrist-worn, adjustable strap, kid-friendly ergonomics
Durability: Designed for heavy outdoor use, sweat/weather resistant

Firmware:

Current Version: V3 (Version 3 generation)
Language: MicroPython
OTA Updates: Over-the-air firmware deployment capability (currently debugging issues)
Flash Memory: SD card slot for local firmware storage (recent distribution issues)

Manufacturing:

Partner: M5Stack (China)
Contact: Teresa (teresa@m5stack.com) for DHL shipments
Lead Time: Subject to Chinese New Year closures (Feb-Mar factory shutdowns)
Tariff Context: Import duty rates tracked by Gantom team (Lisa Phillips)

Current Technical Challenges:

OTA update failures at some sites (e.g., Millstone: 4/24 taggers not updating on brand-new system)
SD card distribution systemic failure (kits sent to district admins, not reaching operators)
Firmware crash during "Catch the Train" IR tagging feature
WiFi jitter in crowded environments (timing sync issues)

ZUES (Central Hub)

Overview:
Raspberry Pi-based central control unit that manages all ZTAGGERs in a session, runs game logic, and provides operator interface via connected tablet.

Hardware Specifications:

Computer: Raspberry Pi (model TBD, likely Pi 4 or Pi 5)
Connectivity:
- WiFi (communicates with 24+ ZTAGGERs simultaneously)
- Ethernet (optional for stable internet)
- Bluetooth (for tablet/iPad pairing)
Ports: USB, HDMI, power
Storage: SD card (operating system + game software)
Power: AC adapter + optional battery pack for portability

Software Stack:

Operating System: Custom Linux (Raspberry Pi OS derivative)
Game Engine: Python-based
UI Framework: LVGL (LittlevGL) — embedded GUI library
Control Interface: iPad/tablet app (wireless connection to ZUES)

Code5 Platform (Next-Gen Architecture):

Lead Developer: Malachi (with Ryan Summers assisting)
Goals:
- Faster game creation (modular architecture)
- Easier cartridge deployment
- Improved timing synchronization
- Better debugging tools
Status: Active development (2026 Q1-Q2)

Future Architecture (ESP Now Mesh Network):

Problem: WiFi jitter causes start/stop sounds to desync in crowded environments
Solution: One "Game Master" ZTAGGER bridges WiFi → ESP Now, all other ZTAGGERs use ESP Now mesh
Benefit: Sub-millisecond sync, no WiFi congestion, Game Master can be in-field (mobile control)

Operator Interface:

Start/stop games
Select game mode (Zombie, ZTAG League, Freeze Tag, etc.)
View player stats in real-time
Adjust game parameters (time limits, team sizes, scoring)

Complete System Package

Standard ZTAG Kit Includes:

24 ZTAGGERs (wrist wearables)
1 ZUES (central hub + Raspberry Pi)
1 iPad/Tablet (operator control interface)
Charging Case (holds + charges all ZTAGGERs simultaneously)
Accessories: Charging cables, manual, quick-start guide
Initial Training: 45-minute onboarding session with Steve

Pricing:

Standard System: ~$10,000+ (varies by district negotiation)
Non-Profit Pricing: Available for 501(c)(3) organizations (lower rate)
Extended Care Program: Insurance/warranty for high-use environments (ongoing subscription)

Warranty:

Standard Manufacturer Warranty: 1-2 years (hardware defects)
Extended Care: Covers accidental damage, wear & tear, no-questions-asked swap-outs
- Goal: Keep systems operational so kids stay engaged (revenue continuity)
- Allows product failure analysis (improve next-gen durability)

Software "Cartridges" (Games)

Current Game Library

1. Zombie Tag (Flagship Game)

Concept: Role-playing infection game
Mechanics:
- Players start as Humans (green LED) or Zombies (red LED)
- Zombies tag Humans to infect them (state change via IR detection)
- Last Human standing wins (or time limit reached)
Educational Value: Teamwork, strategy, cardiovascular activity
Player Count: Scales to 24+ players

2. ZTAG League (Rocket League Inspired)

Concept: Virtual ball soccer/basketball hybrid
Mechanics:
- One player's ZTAGGER flashes white (has "possession" of invisible ball)
- Other players tag them to steal the ball (IR tag transfers possession)
- Score by reaching opponent's goal zone while holding ball
Inspiration: Rocket League (cars + giant soccer ball video game)
Educational Value: Spatial awareness, offense/defense roles, score tracking
Tournament Potential: League-style format planned for summer 2026

3. Freeze Tag

Concept: Digital version of playground classic
Mechanics:
- Taggers freeze players (LED state change)
- Teammates unfreeze by proximity/tag
- Self-enforcing rules (no cheating debates)
Educational Value: Cooperation, endurance, rule-following

4. Red Light, Green Light (Squid Game)

Concept: Self-enforcing traffic light game
Mechanics:
- ZUES broadcasts "green light" (safe to move) or "red light" (freeze)
- Accelerometer detects movement during red light → player eliminated
- No human monitoring required (digital enforcement)
Pop Culture Tie-In: Squid Game Netflix series boosted awareness
Educational Value: Impulse control, listening skills

5. Catch the Train (Newest Feature)

Status: Recently deployed, experiencing IR crash bugs
Concept: TBD (IR-based chase/tag mechanic)
Development Notes: Firmware debugging ongoing (Feb 9 Steven meeting)

Future Software Monetization Model

"Nintendo Cartridge" Strategy:

Initial Purchase: System comes with base game library (like Duck Hunt + Super Mario with NES)
Additional Cartridges: New games sold separately (digital download to ZUES)
Pricing: $2,500-3,000 per new cartridge (includes PD training session)
Revenue Potential: Zero marginal cost (software duplication), high margin
Timeline: Platform capability expected within ~1 year (2026-2027)

Community-Created Games (Phase 2):

Vision: Enable teachers/Playmakers to create custom games
Platform: Code5 modular architecture enables rapid game authoring
Revenue Share: TBD (app store model, or free community contribution?)
Example: Beat Saber didn't exist when Meta launched VR — community built the killer app

Professional Development (PD) Bundled with Cartridges:

Value Proposition: Not just software, but training on how to run it effectively
Delivery: Steve-led webinar or in-person session
Why It Works: Teachers need confidence to deploy new games (reduces shelf-sitting risk)

Celebrity Product Line

Overview:
Separate SKU targeted at direct-to-consumer and entertainment markets (vs. education focus of main ZTAG line).

Status (Feb 2026):

Firmware relaunch planned
Discussion with Steven + Emily Baugher (Celebrity contact)
V3 relaunch logistics + shipping coordination needed

Market Positioning:

Home use, birthday parties, family events
Lower price point than education bundles (TBD)
Retail/e-commerce distribution (vs. B2B district sales)

Strategic Note: Education market is primary revenue driver. Celebrity is secondary until education model scales.

Accessories & Add-Ons

Charging Case:

Custom injection-molded case
Charges 24 ZTAGGERs simultaneously
Organized slots (prevents loss/damage)
Portable (handle for transport between sites)

Replacement Parts:

Individual ZTAGGER replacements (for damaged units)
Straps (high-wear item)
Charging cables
ZUES backup unit (for districts with multiple sites)

Custom Installations (Premium Tier):

Permanent Facility Integration: For partners with dedicated ZTAG spaces (e.g., Jae's Oregon gym)
Gantom Lighting Tie-In:
- Triggered lights (score effects, team colors)
- Fog/smoke machines (atmosphere)
- Floor sensors (goal zone detection)
- PTZ cameras + livestream setup (Twitch/YouTube)
Revenue Model: Custom quote (hardware + installation + programming)
Example Use Case: ZTAG League tournament arena with ESPN-style production value

Technical Roadmap

Short-Term (Q1-Q2 2026)

Fix OTA update bugs (Malachi + Ryan)
Resolve SD card distribution (systemic ops issue)
Debug "Catch the Train" IR crashes
Deploy Code5 platform beta (faster cartridge development)

Medium-Term (Q3-Q4 2026)

ESP Now mesh network architecture (reduce WiFi jitter)
Launch 2-3 new game cartridges (with PD training monetization)
ZTAG League tournament format (standardized rules, live scoring)

Long-Term (2027+)

Community game authoring tools (no-code game builder for teachers)
AI-driven game balancing (adaptive difficulty, player skill matching)
Cross-school competitions (networked gameplay, regional tournaments)
Wearable as general computing platform (ZTAG OS, third-party app ecosystem)

Competitive Differentiation

vs. Traditional PE Equipment:

Self-enforcing rules (no arguments, less supervision)
Digital engagement (speaks kids' language)
Data-driven outcomes (attendance, activity minutes tracked)

vs. Laser Tag:

Educational framing (not entertainment)
Wearable (not handheld gun prop — less violent imagery)
Outdoor-friendly (daylight compatible)
Platform (not single game)

vs. Video Game Trucks:

Active (not sedentary)
Grant-eligible (educational vs. entertainment positioning)
Recurring use (not one-time rental)

vs. Fitness Trackers (Fitbit, etc.):

Multiplayer (social, not solo)
Game mechanics (not just step counting)
Immediate feedback (not post-activity analysis)

SKU Matrix (For CRM / Inventory Tracking)

SKU Code	Product Name	Components	Price Range	Target Market
ZTAG-STD-24	Standard ZTAG System	24 ZTAGGERs + 1 ZUES + Case	$10,000+	Schools, Districts
ZTAG-NP-24	Non-Profit System	Same as STD	Discounted	501(c)(3) Orgs
ZTAG-EC-1YR	Extended Care (1 Year)	Warranty + Swap Program	TBD	Add-on
ZTAG-CART-LEAGUE	ZTAG League Cartridge	Software + PD Training	$2,500-3,000	Existing Customers
CELEB-V3-24	Celebrity System V3	24 Units (Consumer SKU)	TBD	Direct-to-Consumer
ZTAG-ZUES-SPARE	Spare ZUES Unit	Raspberry Pi + Software	TBD	Multi-Site Districts
ZTAG-TAG-SINGLE	Replacement ZTAGGER	Single Wearable Unit	TBD	Repair/Expansion

Document Version: 1.0
Last Updated: 2026-02-10
Sources: Meeting transcripts (Ryan Summers, Jae, Steven), MEMORY.md, technical discussions
Next Update Trigger: Code5 beta launch, new cartridge release, ESP Now deployment
Owner: Minnie-Research + Malachi (technical), Steven (field feedback)