High-density PCB design.
Engineering the grip module
Results that make a difference
Lodestar Technology had a groundbreaking vision: a personally authenticated firearm, one that only works for an authorized user, built into a proven platform so it handles like a firearm people already trust. Done right, it prevents unauthorized use and helps save lives.
The platform integrates fingerprint authentication, keypad entry and app connectivity to control access, with wireless charging and an internal locking mechanism built directly into the grip. These features require coordinated electronics and firmware packed into a tightly constrained space.
28 Gorilla developed the electronics and firmware that drive the system. We designed the circuit boards and embedded firmware for both the firearm and the charging pad and worked closely with the external app team to keep hardware and software communicating reliably.
Making a firearm, charging pad and app work as one system
This product is a connected system, not a single device. The firearm, charging pad, firmware and mobile app must work together, every time.
Pairing had to be reliable. App and firmware behavior had to stay aligned. Wireless communication had to be secure and predictable. All of this had to happen without changing how the firearm felt or operated.
Wireless added another layer of complexity. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wireless charging operate in close proximity, so the electronics and firmware had to remain stable under interference.
Getting this right required more than bench testing. The system had to be used in real conditions, with real users, to surface edge cases and refine behavior until the technology stayed in the background and the product felt dependable in everyday use.
Design for tight constraints
From the start, we treated the firearm as a fixed mechanical platform. The electronics had to fit within the grip without altering weight, balance or handling. That constraint shaped circuit board layout, component selection and firmware architecture.
We worked closely with the external app team to keep encrypted communication aligned, tune wireless behavior and resolve issues as the system evolved.
Board design and firmware logic were developed together and refined through rapid validation cycles. Feedback from lab testing and real-world use flowed across firmware, hardware, mechanical and app teams.
The result is a truly innovative firearm system where the technology stays out of the way. Authorized users have reliable, immediate access when they need it. And peace of mind knowing its locked and secure when they don’t.
Up close with
Personally Authenticated Firearm
Skills & equipment used
- Firearm and wireless charger electronics design
- High-density printed circuit board layout within constrained grip space
- Power management architecture for efficient system operation
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi hardware integration
- Custom in-house test fixtures for printed circuit boards
- Environmental and emissions validation support
- Embedded firmware for firearm and charging system
- Secure device-to-app communication protocol
- Access control and locking logic
- Firmware refinement through real-world validation
- Developed server-side code enabling the charging platform to securely communicate with AWS (Amazon Web Services) over Wi-Fi and cellular
- Cloud integration connecting charger data to the application server
- System-level coordination with the mobile app team
- Alignment of app behavior with firmware logic
- Support for multi-user and multi-device workflows
