KTag 32ESPecial Blaster Parts List🔗
Parts List🔗
We've packaged all the hard-to-find parts together in a kit, so you can get started more easily. Parts marked with the icon are included in the kit. We're working on a way for you to be able to order these kits online, but for now, if you want a kit, you have to talk to Joe.
Part Name | Included in the kit? | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
KTag 2024A Main Board | |||
KTag 2024A "32ESPecial" Main Board | Note 1 | ||
ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1 or similar (the latter are preferred--see the notes) | Note 2 | ||
MAX98357A Audio Amplifier Breakout Board | Note 3 | ||
JST PH 2.0mm Connectors (see the notes for what's needed) | Note 4 | ||
3W 8Ω Speaker with a JST PH 2.0mm Plug | Note 5 | ||
KTag 2024B Barrel Board | |||
KTag 2024B "Far Horizon" Barrel Board | |||
Four (4) Vishay TSAL6100 940nm IR Emitters | |||
One (1) Five-Pin JST PH 2.0mm Connector B5B-PH-K-S | |||
KTag 2024C Receiver Board | |||
KTag 2024C "Light Brigade" IR Receiver Board | |||
Three (3) Vishay TSOP34438 950nm 38.0kHz IR Receivers | Note 6 | ||
One (1) Six-Pin JST PH 2.0mm Connector B6B-PH-K-S | |||
Display Board (optional) | |||
One (1) Eight-NeoPixel Ring | Note 7 | ||
One (1) 3-Pin JST PH 2.0mm Pigtails of Length 30cm | Note 8 | ||
Everything Else | |||
FORMUFIT 1-1/4 in. Internal Ball Cap - Furniture Grade PVC - Clear | Note 9 | ||
Schedule 40 PVC Pipe (Nominal Size 1-1/4") | Note 9 | ||
Two (2) 2-Pin JST PH 2.0mm Pigtails of Length 30cm | Note 10 | ||
Trigger Switch | Note 11 | ||
Accessory Switch | Note 12 | ||
USB-C to USB-A Female (On The Go) Extension Cable | Note 13 | ||
USB Flash Drive | Note 14 | ||
A Short Length (2") Of Double-Sided Foam Tape | Note 15 |
Notes🔗
Note 1: KTag 2024A "32ESPecial" Main Board🔗
The source files for this board are available on the KTag Git server, here: https://git.ktag.clubk.club/Hardware/2024A-HW
Note 2: ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1 or Similar🔗

Note that the official board from Espressif is narrower, longer, and has USB-micro connectors rather than USB-C.
There are boards available similar to the ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1 which have a USB-OTG jumper on the backside. This feature, lacking on the original dev board from Espressif, allows the USB-OTG port to be powered from the dev board. KTag makes use of this feature to power a USB flash drive. It is still possible to use the original DevKit, and the 2024A has holes to accommodate either type of board (the original boards are 0.1" narrower than the boards with the jumper), but try to get a board with the jumper.
Here are some examples of boards that have the jumper:
- AITRIP 3PCS ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N16R8 ESP32-S3 ESP32 WROOM-1-N16R8 Development Boards
- Top Tech Store ESP32-S3-N16R8 with Cable
Don't get the Lolin S3 board from Wemos!
The S3 board from Wemos, while a very nice dev board in its own right, has a different pinout than either the DevKit from Espressif or the other similar boards we've been using. Until we have a PCB that can accept this board, you'll want one of the others mentioned above.
Note 3: MAX98357A Audio Amplifier Breakout Board🔗
This daughter board is used to generate audio output. They are available widely. Here are a few possible sources:
- Adafruit I2S 3W Class D Amplifier Breakout - MAX98357A
- HiLetgo 3pcs MAX98357 I2S 3W Audio Amplifier Board DAC Decoder Breakout Module Class D Filterless Audio AMP Board
- High Quality MAX98357 MAX98357A I2S 3W Class D Amplifier Breakout Interface I2S DAC Decoder for Audio
Note 4: JST PH 2.0mm Connectors🔗
The following are required:
- Three (3) two-pin connectors B2B-PH-K-S for the speaker, the trigger, and the accessory switch.
- Two (2) three-pin connectors B3B-PH-K-S for the display and effects NeoPixels (optional).
- One (1) five-pin connector B5B-PH-K-S for the barrel board connection.
- One (1) six-pin connector B6B-PH-K-S for the IR receiver board connection.
Note 5: 3W 8Ω Speaker with a JST PH 2.0mm Plug🔗
This is the one we use, because it fits nicely inside the PVC pipe:
Note 6: IR Receivers🔗
The Vishay TSOP34838 is an acceptable alternative to the Vishay TSOP34438. There may be others--please let us know if you find one.
Note 7: NeoPixel Ring🔗
These are widely available. Here are a few sources:
- 8 Bits WS2812 Addressable LED Ring with SM2.54-3P Wire, DC5V WS2812B 5050 RGB LED with Built-in Drivers Note that you have first have to remove (desolder) the wiring harness this one comes with.
- WS2812B DC5V LED Pixel Ring 8
Note 8: 3-Pin JST PH 2.0mm Pigtail🔗
These are only available in bulk. Recruit your friends!
- 20 Sets JST PH 2.0MM 3 Pin Female Single Connector with 300mm Wire 1007 26AWG
- 10Sets Micro Mini JST 2.0 PH Connector Male Female 3-Pin Plug With Wires Cables Socket 300MM 26AWG
Note 9: Schedule 40 PVC Pipe (Nominal Size 1-1/4")🔗
Our hardware stores sell two kinds of PVC pipe in 1-1/4". Schedule 40 has a pressure rating of 370 PSI. The other pipe is called SDR 26 PR160 (standard dimension ratio 26, pressure rating 160 PSI). Be sure you get the right stuff!
Here's what you'll need:
PVC Part Number | Type | Cut Length or Fitting Type | |
---|---|---|---|
|
1 | Fitting | FORMUFIT 1-1/4 in. Internal Ball Cap - Furniture Grade PVC - Clear This is the only PVC part included in the kit. |
2 | Cut Pipe | 65mm (with a 60° miter) | |
3 | Fitting | 1-1/4" Tee | |
4 | Cut Pipe | 65mm | |
5 | Fitting | 1-1/4" Tee | |
6 | Cut Pipe | 65mm | |
7 | Fitting | 1-1/4" Tee | |
8 | Cut Pipe | 305mm | |
9 | Cut Pipe | 75mm | |
10 | Cut Pipe | 90mm | |
11 | Fitting | 1-1/4" Socket Cap | |
12 | Fitting | 1-1/4" 45° Elbow |
Note 10: 2-Pin JST PH 2.0mm Pigtails🔗
These are only available in bulk. Recruit your friends!
- 20 Sets JST PH 2.0MM 3 Pin Female Single Connector with 300mm Wire 1007 26AWG
- 10Sets Micro Mini JST 2.0 PH Connector Male Female 3-Pin Plug With Wires Cables Socket 300MM 26AWG
Note 11: Trigger Switch🔗
These are only available in bulk. Recruit your friends!
Note 12: Accessory Switch🔗
You can use the same switch you used for the trigger for the accessory switch. We prefer a smaller switch, though.
Again, these are available by the dozen, so share with your friends!
Note 13: USB-C to USB-A Female (On The Go) Extension Cable🔗
This is used to plug your flash drive into your ESP32 dev board. It needs to be at least 4 or 5 inches long to allow access to the flash drive without having to disassemble the blaster.
Note 14: USB Flash Drive🔗
Almost anything will work. We like this one, because it is not heavy enough to fall out:
32GB is overkill, but it was the cheapest when we priced these. Anything larger than 128MB is enough.
Note 15: Double-Sided Foam Tape🔗
A short length (2") of double-sided foam tape is needed to secure the speaker inside the PVC pipe. We use this:
but something like this might be even better:
Save the two 1" extras, and you have a third 2" strip for your little brother!