The amount of information concerning the "Kassimir Mechanism Easter Egg" that you can find on forums is overwhelming. So can we cut through the BS? Video after video and theory upon theory just keep building up ever since the egg was discovered, showing nearly no progress and all ultimately leading up to 90 (30,45,5million) second death machines (jk on the 5million). Let's step back for a moment and assume the egg really isn't over, that there is, in fact, more to be done in Ascension. With this attitude, lets look at the previous steps and everything that has led gamers to not only figure them out, but to execute them correctly.

1) Gersch Generator: At first glance, this out of map generator is not only emitting light and sparking to grab the attention of players, but it is animated unlike normal scenery. This particular animation generally exhibits action potential, meaning a player can use, move, or alter the object in some way. This is evident when the Gersch Device draws the generator in, triggering a step in node 1. Likewise, a loud whistling is clearly audible when in the proximity of the generator, further contributing to its significance. (Additional dialogue follows assuring completion of step)

2)Computer Terminal: The computer terminal in the swamp area is also a rather simple step to spot. Before throwing the Gersch Device at the generator, this screen appears black. However, it is the only other monitor on the Ascension map that is not used for revealing the location of the mystery box. Once the generator is consumed by the Gersch Device, the screen turns on and displays "white noise" static. A similar whistling noise can also be heard in the proximity of this computer terminal. These factors affirm the significance of the computer terminal when a player approaches it, uses the action button, and the static is replaced with the black and white Illuminati symbol. Once completed, a light will illuminate on the front side of a CCCR shuttle near the entrance of the swamp lander room. Additional dialogue follows assuring completion of the step and the activation of node 1.

3)Perk Cola Switches: The switches that show up on the walls near the four perk cola machines (excluding quick revive), though still animated like the generator are a little harder to spot. If you are near one of the vending machines when a space monkey round starts, it will suddenly appear on one of the walls. Even if you do not see it appear, it is clear that this button was not their before and just screams to be pressed. A similar whistling sound can also be heard, just like in the two steps of the previous node 1. Pressing these buttons or switches in sync with the other three players will activate node 2. A second light will then illuminate on the CCCR shuttle upon completion of node 2. Additional dialogue follows assuring completion of the step and the activation of node 2.

4)Pressure Switch: Similar in difficulty as the perk cola switches (in terms of noticing), the pressure switch step still presents itself in a very pronounced fashion. Before the first two nodes are completed, the rocket launch room has a bare wall with two bloody hand prints on it(adjacent to PAP). After activating the first two nodes, a clock appears on that wall. That clock has two hands on it, the hour hand sits on the 12 and the minute hand (which is a ballistic knife bolt) sits two minutes before twelve. There are no further animations that increase node distinction, but when all four players stand within the vicinity of the pressure plate, the second hand on the clock appears and begins to tick. After two minutes of ticking has elapsed and the minute and second hand land on 12, the sound of an egg timer goes off along with a nuke. The whistling sound characteristic of the first two nodes is also present within the rocket launch room, further adding to node distinction. A third light will then illuminate on the CCCR shuttle upon completion of node 3. Additional dialogue follows assuring completion of the step and the activation of node 3.
5)Lunar Lander Travel Sequence: Node distinction in this step varies greatly from the previous steps, but is still very high. Large, floating letters located in the paths between each lander reveal this step as essential to node completion. Like the clock in the previous node and the buttons in the step before it, these letters reveal themselves only after the previous step is successfully completed. To add to node distinction, this step requires the teamwork of at least two players (Perk Cola Switches: 4, Pressure Switch: 4). One player must call in another player(on the lander being called in) to their location in order to collect the floating letters in the correct sequence. The same whistling sound can be heard near the lander that is to be taken. When the landers have been taken in the correct sequence, thus collecting the correct letters spelling the key word, dialogue will follow stating the activation of node 4. A fourth light will then illuminate on the CCCR shuttle, signifying the completion of node 4 and leading into the next step.
6)Glowing Orb: At this point, the CCCR shuttle will have 4 illuminated lights, projecting to a point just a few feet in front of the CCCR shuttle. This forms a floating orb of white light, which is the key to the next step. The orb appears only after the completion of all previous nodes, much like what happens with the floating letters, the clock on the wall, and the wall switches near perk cola machines. The node designating whistling sound will also be present within the vicinity of this orb. Throwing a Gersch Device underneath or near the glowing orb is the next step, followed by dialogue requesting more power. Shooting into the black hole created by the Gersch Device using the correct guns/grenades along with the correct number of rounds each, thus saturating the black hole with the specific amount of energy required by the voice, will lead to the completion of this step. After the Gersch Device has run out and the black hole has been extinguished, the glowing orb will rise from the ground to the heavens. This is where speculation of the true process to complete this node comes into play and theories take off. Personally, when this step was completed dialogue mentioned the initiation of the Kassimir Mechanism Safety Protocol, along with Shutting down power systems. This was followed by further dialogue from the voice and the issuance of Death Machines to each of the four players for 90 seconds (in my case).
For many, this is speculated to be the end of the Kassimir Mechanism Easter Egg, and most certainly is one ending of the Easter Egg. My analysis of this ending is as follows:
Completion of all previous nodes, of which there are 4, are done correctly as they have ultimately lead to step 6, the anticipated node 5. This can be validated based on the fact that each of the methods mentioned above lead to the subsequent node, along with actual dialogue stating the activation of the node. However, none of these indicators are presented upon completion of node 5 suggesting one of two things:
1. Step 6, the Glowing Orb step, is only a part of node 5 (similar to the step 1 Gersch Generator, the first half of node 1).
2. Players have failed to correctly execute the sequence necessary to complete node 5.
The ending mentioned earlier leaves a lot for interpretation. The voice dialogues throughout the game, urging the repair of the Kassimir Mechanism in order to free him from the alternative dimension he is trapped in. Constantly he refers to a woman, saying things such as she is coming and save me. It seems that when generating too much power in step 6, the Kassimir Mechanism has been overloaded, causing the mechanism itself along with all power systems to shut down (reason why the map appears in black and white, just as it was before the power was turned on). It is possible that when the Kassimir Mechanism is overloaded, essentially signifying the failure to complete the node, the voice is actually referring to his untimely death when he mentions you have freed me as death is considered freedom, specifically from torturous situations. This also provides an explanation for the demonic scream heard after the power systems shut down. The girl referred to by the voice may not be expressing rage for successfully completing the node, rather it may be a demonic scream of homicide, killing the source of the voice thus freeing him. This is also supported by the action of the Glowing Orb once the Gersch Device has extinguished. The orb rises to the heavens, much like what religious groups believe happens to souls when their bodily forms have died.
In summation, (started sounding a lot like a theory, which I am trying to avoid) there is much evidence suggesting that receiving the Death Machines is the result of an alternative ending to the Easter Egg, and not the more elaborate, satisfying ending Treyarch may have intended gamers to discover. It may not have been possible to reach this ending until now, pending on the recent updates and the new Escalation game add-on. So my advice, take what I have mentioned into consideration. Look for animated objects that stand out, dont shoot at the moon! Recognize relationships and be observant, you would be surprised how the most difficult problems have simple solutions. Forget the death machines, embrace the whistling sound. Keep the faith, be persistent, and think as those behind the programming would think. The answer is out there, but if it was easy, Treyarch wouldnt make any money on their new zombie maps, would they?