We have created two game project instructables so far using the jolliFactory Bi-color LED Matrix Driver Module D.I.Y kits we designed. This LED Matrix module is designed to be chain-able so you may daisy-chain the modules together to the number of modules you need to suit your project.
You may check out these two game project instructables with the links below:
Project to build a 2 LED Matrix tall Tetris game can be found at http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-based-Bi-color-LED-Matrix-Tetris-Game/
Project to build a 2 LED Matrix tall Snake game can be found at http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-based-Bi-color-LED-Matrix-Snake-Game/
Pong is one of the first computer games ever created. We came across a couple of Pong game projects built using potentiometers to control the paddles. Potentiometer is not expensive, easy to work with and thus is a great choice as an input device for Pong game projects.
We have a few of these interesting Rotary Encoder – Illuminated (Red/Green) purchased from Sparkfun lying around for quite a while. As of writing this instructable, this part is available from Sparkfun (Part number: COM-10596) for U$2.95. You may check this part out at https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10596
For this instructable, we will be building yet another Pong game using two of the Bi-color LED Matrix Driver Modules daisy chained together driven by an Arduino Nano. Here, we will be using the Rotary Encoder – Illuminated (Red/Green) as the input device to control the game paddle.
Rotary Encoder is much more challenging to implement as an input device as compared to the humble potentiometer. However, we would like to experiment with something new here and hope that those who have not dabbled with rotary encoders before will learn more about them.
To build this project, basic electronics knowledge with electronics component soldering skill and some knowledge on using the Arduino are required.
You may view the following YouTube video to see what we are building.
Step 1: Overview of rotary encoder
Rotary encoder may look like a potentiometer but they are totally different components.
There are two main types of rotary encoders: absolute or incremental encoders.
Absolute Encoders output the rotational angle using an absolute code. The rotational position can be detected by reading the code.
Incremental Encoders output a pulse string according to the rotational displacement of an axis, and information such as speed, distance, and relative position could further be derived from it.
For more detail: Arduino based Bi-color LED Matrix Pong Game
