Line Wobbler Installation

Here is a comprehensive PDF manual for Line Wobbler: PDF MANUAL

Below is a basic guide on how to set up the game.

• The game requires a single mains outlet. The maximum power consumption is 50W.
• A table or similar structure that the wobble controller can be fixed onto. The wobble controller has a footprint of 10cm x 10cm.
• A wall or surface where the 5m long LED strip can be mounted on.
• No external software/hardware is required
• The game runs well in lit rooms, but works best in darker environments
• The game isn't water-proof, but the LED strip itself is water resistant.

• The wobble controller needs to be fixed to a surface - I'm usually using double-sided foam tape. The controller is directional, but you will be able to set the 'forward' direction later, see below.
• When the power is switched on, the wobble controller will calibrate, make sure it's upright and still for a second or two. If the green dot starts creeping in a direction, just switch it off and on again. The green dot should be near the start of the LED strip.
• There is a button on the side of the control box, it is used to reset the game to the first level (it is also used to reach the setup mode, see below). The game will also reset after a short period of inactivity.

It is possible to change the sound volume level and which direction the joystick should be pressed when you want to move forward. This is how:

1. Switch the game on, and within 2 or less seconds, press the reset button (the small button on the side of the box)
2. The game should start beeping, it's now in setup mode! The first setting is volume. Bend the stick back or forward to de- or increase the volume.
3. Press the button again to go into the direction setting (you might have to press for a second or so, until it stops beeping). Bend the stick in the desired forward direction, hold it there while you switch the game off.

On the newest versions of Line Wobbler (from 2022) you can adjust the length of the game, i.e., adjust how many LEDs are used by the game. This can be adjusted in the third setting, right after the forward direction.

1. Press the reset button after the direction setting (see above).
2. In the length setting, the bright LED marks the last position of the game. Adjust it with the joystick.
3. When finished, switch Line Wobbler off and on again.

There are two possible Joystick mounts:

• The wooden base of the Joystick is glued onto the acrylic box of the controller, which itself is fixed to a surface by industrial double-sided tape. This is best suited for short exhibitions that last less than a week. Refer to the PDF manual for setup and tear-down instructions
• The wooden base of the Joystick is wider and extends beyond the acrylic box, and is fixed to the surface directly via long metal rods, such as in the picture below. You will need to prepare the surface yourself by drilling holes and provide your own screws / rods.

I usually print out these instructions with the game: Color PDF BW PDF

Because the LED strip is so flexible, the game can be setup in a lot of different ways. Below are some inspirations of how the game has been shown in the past.

Line Wobbler has 10 levels that increase in difficulty and can be completed in 10-20 minutes, culminating at a boss fight. In the game, the player is represented by a green dot that has to reach the other end of the strip where a colorful portal marks the exit. The player is moved by bending the spring in the corresponding direction. There are several obstacles:

• Red enemies that can be defeated by 'wobbling' the controller: bending it in a direction and letting go, thus flinging the controller so it starts swaying back and forth.
• Orange lava fields that are either off, in a warning sizzle, or on. They are deadly when on, so the player needs to time his movement across.
• White pulsed conveyor belts that push the player in one direction or the other.
• The final boss is purple and spawns normal enemies. He has three lives, and defeating the boss wins the game.

When the player dies the current level is reloaded.

On all Line Wobblers since 2019, there is a hidden second stage, with new and extra difficult levels. You can reach it by beating the game without dying more than three times.