Sleigh Route Command - Shopping List
Consolidated parts list for all three stations
Electronics
| Item |
Qty |
Notes |
Source |
| Reed switches (normally-open) |
25 |
Need 18 for route cities, extras for spares/testing |
Amazon, electronics supplier |
| Neodymium disc magnets (1/2" × 1/8") |
40 |
N52 grade, for tokens only (~10 per station + spares) |
Amazon, K&J Magnetics |
| Steel washers (1/2" or 5/8" diameter) |
75 |
For ALL city positions (route + decoys). Creates magnetic "snap" feel. |
Home Depot, Amazon |
| 12V pre-wired indicator LEDs (red or white) |
5 |
Need 3, extras for spares. Pre-wired = resistor built in |
Amazon, electronics supplier |
| 22 AWG stranded wire (red) |
50 ft |
Power/signal runs |
Home Depot, Amazon |
| 22 AWG stranded wire (black) |
50 ft |
Ground runs |
Home Depot, Amazon |
| Heat shrink tubing assortment |
1 kit |
For insulating connections |
Amazon, Harbor Freight |
| Solder (rosin core) |
1 roll |
60/40 or lead-free |
Amazon, Home Depot |
| Wire nuts or lever connectors |
20 |
For easy disconnect |
Home Depot |
Power (Central 12V for all 3 stations)
| Item |
Qty |
Notes |
| 12V 2A power supply |
1 |
Powers all 3 stations. 2A is overkill but cheap. |
| 2-conductor wire (18-20 AWG) |
50 ft |
For running 12V to each station |
| Barrel jack connectors |
4 |
For clean connections at each station |
Panels & Mounting
| Item |
Qty |
Size |
Notes |
| Plywood or MDF panel |
1 |
24" × 36" |
Easy station |
| Plywood or MDF panel |
1 |
30" × 42" |
Medium station |
| Plywood or MDF panel |
1 |
36" × 48" |
Hard station |
| French cleats or Z-bars |
3 sets |
— |
For wall mounting |
| Adhesive vinyl or laminate |
3 sheets |
— |
For map graphics (from print shop) |
Panel thickness: 1/4" to 1/2" (thinner = easier reed switch activation)
Beacon Housings
| Item |
Qty |
Notes |
| Clear acrylic globe or dome (3-4") |
3 |
Diffuses LED light nicely |
| Frosted glass votive holder |
3 |
Alternative - Christmas aesthetic |
| Small project boxes |
3 |
For housing LED/wiring behind panel |
Alternative: Use existing Christmas ornaments, lanterns, or decorative lights as housings.
Token Materials
Since no 3D printing, options for magnetic tokens:
| Option |
Item |
Qty |
Notes |
| A |
Wooden discs (1" diameter) |
40 |
Drill hole, glue magnet in |
| A |
Wood glue |
1 |
For securing magnets |
| B |
Bottle caps (metal) |
40 |
Magnet sticks naturally |
| C |
Flat glass marbles + epoxy |
40 |
Glue magnet to back |
| D |
Mini sleigh ornaments |
40 |
Glue magnet to bottom |
Recommendation: Wooden discs are sturdy and easy. Paint them red/green.
How the Magnetic System Works
The Problem: If only correct cities feel "sticky," players can cheat by feeling for magnetic grab.
The Solution: Steel washers at EVERY city create identical magnetic feel everywhere.
CORRECT CITY (route stop): DECOY CITY (red herring):
┌─────────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────┐
│ [Map Surface] │ │ [Map Surface] │
│ ════════════════ │ │ ════════════════ │
│ Steel Washer ● │ │ Steel Washer ● │
│ Reed Switch ═╪═ │ │ (no switch) │
│ Wiring ──────┘ │ │ │
└─────────────────────┘ └─────────────────────┘
↓ triggers circuit ↓ feels the same
City counts by station
| Station |
Route Cities (wired) |
Decoy Cities (washer only) |
Total |
| Easy (North America) |
4 |
~8 |
~12 |
| Medium (Eurasia) |
6 |
14 |
20 |
| Hard (World) |
8 |
~18 |
~26 |
| Total |
18 |
~40 |
~58 |
Tools Required
| Tool |
Notes |
| Soldering iron + stand |
For wiring connections |
| Wire strippers |
For 22 AWG wire |
| Drill + bits |
For panel holes (1/8" for wire, optional larger for LED) |
| Hot glue gun |
For securing reed switches |
| Multimeter |
For testing circuits |
| Heat gun or lighter |
For heat shrink |
| Ruler/tape measure |
For positioning |
| Pencil |
For marking positions |
Consumables
| Item |
Qty |
Notes |
| Hot glue sticks |
1 pack |
For securing components |
| Electrical tape |
2 rolls |
Backup insulation |
| Double-sided tape |
1 roll |
For mounting small items |
| Zip ties |
1 pack |
Cable management |
Print Materials
| Item |
Qty |
Notes |
| Map graphics (large format) |
3 |
From print shop, adhesive vinyl |
| Clue cards (5"×7") |
3+ each |
Laminated, from PDF files |
| Station labels (11"×3") |
3 |
Laminated, from PDF files |
| Landmark cards (medium station) |
20 |
Half-page, from PDF |
| Geographic reference cards (hard) |
22 |
Half-page, from PDF |
Cost Estimate
| Category |
Estimate |
| Electronics |
$40-60 |
| Panels & mounting |
$60-80 |
| Beacon housings |
$15-30 |
| Token materials |
$20-30 |
| Tools (if needed) |
$50-100 |
| Print materials |
$75-100 |
| Total |
$260-400 |
Tools not included if already owned.
Quick Shopping Links
Amazon searches:
- "reed switch normally open" (pack of 20-50)
- "neodymium disc magnet 1/2 inch N52"
- "12V pre-wired LED indicator"
- "22 AWG stranded wire"
- "wooden craft discs 1 inch"
- "steel fender washer 1/2"
Home Depot / Lowes:
- Plywood/MDF sheets (can cut to size in store)
- French cleats
- Basic wire, solder, electrical tape
- Steel washers (hardware aisle)
Print shop (FedEx, Staples, local):
- Large format prints on adhesive vinyl
- Lamination for cards