The computer communicates with each phicon through a half-duplex radio frequency. It controls actuators such as the firing of LEDs, billowing of smoke and a servo for the mast.
Each ship contains two 9-volt batteries. The Arduino microcontroller processes information on the server (PC) and client (phicon) interface. Smoke stacks were sourced from model-trains and servos were purchased from a hobby store.
Circuit Diagram of the Ship Mechanics.
Electronics inside a phicon.