SIDEQUEST← All guides

Guide 02 · Open the boxes slowly

Meet the kit.

Ten hardware groups. Each has one clear role. The first build uses only one Field Kit, one reader, and five cards.

10 hardware groups20 cards3 NFC readers total
The real Sidequest hardware order showing the StackChan repair kit, Cardputer accessory kit, Catch unit, RGB matrix, NFC readers, StackChan robot, Cardputers, NFC cards, and DualKey
Your real hardware list Match these nine pictured groups first. Your Tab5 is the tenth group and is not shown in this order picture. Use the count table below before opening a bag.

What you own

Hardware Qty Sidequest job First use
Tab5 1 Home Base After the hunt works
Cardputer ADV 2 Field Kits Use one first
StackChan robot 1 Character After core loop
NFC Universal Unit 2 Checkpoint readers Use one first
13.56 MHz cards 20 Artifacts Label five first
Chain DualKey 1 GO / HINT First upgrade
Chain RGB 8×8 1 Progress light First upgrade
Catch SG92R 1 Victory prop Late upgrade
Cardputer Accessory Kit v1.1 1 Repair stock Keep sealed
StackChan Repair Kit 1 Repair stock Keep sorted

Open only these

First-weekend pile

One Cardputer ADV. One external NFC reader. Five cards. One known-good USB-C data cable. One HY2.0-4P cable.

⌨ + ◉ + 5× ▭Leave every other gadget in its box
Expected

A small, calm bench with no mystery parts.

If not

Sort by the inventory table before adding power.

What each piece does best

Tab5

A large 5-inch Home Base for shared story state and adult controls. It uses an ESP32-P4 plus ESP32-C6 wireless module, so give it its own bring-up path.

Cardputer ADV ×2

Tiny field computers with keyboard, screen, sound, mic, motion, microSD, battery, and ports. Great for clues and codes. Do not require typing for younger players.

StackChan

A theatrical character with screen, camera, mics, speaker, sensors, LEDs, touch, onboard NFC, and two servos. It reacts; it never owns progress.

NFC units ×2

External readers at I²C address 0x50. Pair one with each Cardputer. Use card UIDs as game IDs, never as keys.

DualKey + RGB

Two chunky buttons drive a 64-pixel matrix through UART. This is a launch pad, not a Grove/I²C pair.

Catch

An SG92R gripper for a paper flag or light gate. It is not a lock and must never close on fingers.

Two connection maps

FIELD KIT   →   HY2.0-4P   →   CHECKPOINT
[Cardputer ADV]   GND / 5V / GPIO2 / GPIO1   [Unit NFC · I²C 0x50]
Power off before attaching the reader. Follow the official Unit NFC example and resolve pins through M5Unified.
LAUNCH PAD   →   CHAIN BRIDGE   →   PORTAL LIGHT
[DualKey]   arrow points outward · UART 115200 8N1   [RGB 8×8 · brightness ≈ 50%]
The bridge is directional. The arrow points away from DualKey and toward the matrix.
Expected

The matrix responds and stays comfortably cool.

If not

Power down. Check bridge direction before changing code.

Label the repair drawer

Cardputer kit

Stamp-S3A, ST7789V2 display, hex key, and pin sticker.

StackChan kit

Cables, screws, and hex keys. No spare servos, controller, or body electronics.

"Repair kit" does not mean "second robot." Keep both kits labeled.

Add five boring heroes

  • Three tested USB-C data cables.
  • A powered hub or known-good 5V adapters.
  • Painter’s tape, removable labels, and a thick marker.
  • A small parts organizer.
  • Cardboard or foam board for safe prop tests.

Exact board versions and official links live in the source guide. Re-check them when firmware work begins.