---
title: "Mask Lights and VSM"
url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/Hannah/projects/mask-lights-and-vsm/"
markdown_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/Hannah/projects/mask-lights-and-vsm/md"
type: "UCC: User Created Content"
author: "BenKohn2004"
author_url: "https://github.com/BenKohn2004/Mask_Lights_and_VSM"
editor: "WIZnet"
editor_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/"
original_author: "BenKohn2004"
original_url: "https://github.com/BenKohn2004/Mask_Lights_and_VSM"
published: "2024-03-04"
language: "en"
hardware: ["WIZnet W5500"]
likes: 0
views: 474
comments: 0
source: "WIZnet Makers (https://maker.wiznet.io/)"
---

# Mask Lights and VSM

> The goal of this project is to demonstrate how to use the output of the Virtual Scoring Machine (VSM) to activate LED lights in a fencing mask.

Original author: BenKohn2004 (source: https://github.com/BenKohn2004/Mask_Lights_and_VSM)

## Components

- **WIZnet W5500** x 1 ([docs](https://docs.wiznet.io/Product/Chip/Ethernet/W5500))

WIZnet parts: W5500 ([Datasheet](https://docs.wiznet.io/Product/Chip/Ethernet/W5500/datasheet?utm_source=maker&utm_medium=project&utm_campaign=w5500), [product hub](https://maker.wiznet.io/products/w5500/))

## Article

### **Project Overview**

- **Objective:** Enhance the fencing experience by integrating LED lights into a fencing mask to display real-time match information, leveraging data from the Virtual Scoring Machine (VSM).

- **Technology Used:** W5500 Ethernet module for network communication, ESP-NOW for wireless data transmission, and Arduino for data parsing and LED control.

### **Key Features**

- **Real-time Information Display:** Shows scores, time, and penalties directly on the mask through LED lights, using data decoded from UDP packets sent by the VSM.

- **Flexible Design:** Can be adapted to work with different scoring machines by modifying the data parsing logic.

- **Individually Addressable LEDs:** Allows for the display of various colors to represent different match states (e.g., scoring points, penalties).

### **Use of the W5500 Ethernet Module**

- **Role:** Acts as a bridge between the VSM and the LED display system by reading UDP output from the VSM and facilitating its transmission to the LED controller.

- **Benefits:** Offers reliable network communication and is compatible with the Arduino environment, making it ideal for real-time data transmission in sports.

### **Future Directions**

- **Switch to ESP32:** Simplifies the project by integrating Wi-Fi capability, removing the need for a separate Ethernet module.

- **Increase Battery Size:** Ensures the system can last through longer matches or training sessions.

- **Explore Different LED Types:** High-density LED strips or matrices could improve visibility and durability.

- **Design a Custom PCB:** Streamlines assembly, making the system more compact and easier to install.

### **Conclusion**

This project is a pioneering example of how technology can be applied to sports, offering a unique way to enhance the fencing experience. It demonstrates significant potential for adaptation and improvement, indicating exciting possibilities for technology-enhanced sports equipment in the future.

---

Source: https://maker.wiznet.io/Hannah/projects/mask-lights-and-vsm/