Summary of Arduino based Bi-color LED Matrix Pong Game
Summary: This instructable describes building an Arduino Nano–driven Pong game using two daisy-chained jolliFactory bi-color LED Matrix Driver Modules and illuminated rotary encoders as paddle inputs. It compares rotary encoders and potentiometers, links two prior Tetris and Snake projects using the same LED modules, and notes required basic soldering and Arduino skills. A SparkFun rotary encoder part reference (COM-10596) and a YouTube demonstration are provided.
Parts used in the Pong Game Project:
- jolliFactory Bi-color LED Matrix Driver Module (x2)
- Arduino Nano
- Rotary Encoder - Illuminated (Red/Green) (SparkFun COM-10596) (x2)
- Wires for daisy-chaining modules and connections
- Soldering tools and solder
- Basic electronic components for mounting and wiring (connectors, headers, etc.)
- Power supply suitable for Arduino and LED modules
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
- What is the main display hardware used in this Pong project?
The project uses jolliFactory Bi-color LED Matrix Driver Modules daisy-chained together (two modules). - What microcontroller is used to drive the LED matrices?
An Arduino Nano is used to drive the daisy-chained LED Matrix Driver Modules. - What input device is used to control the paddles?
Rotary Encoder - Illuminated (Red/Green) devices are used as the paddle input devices. - Why use rotary encoders instead of potentiometers?
Rotary encoders are more challenging and allow experimentation beyond potentiometers; they output pulse information for relative position and movement. - How many LED matrix modules are used for this Pong build?
Two bi-color LED Matrix Driver Modules are used, daisy-chained together. - Do I need prior electronics and Arduino experience to build this?
Yes; basic electronics knowledge, soldering skills, and some Arduino experience are required. - Where can I find the rotary encoder part referenced in the instructable?
The Rotary Encoder - Illuminated (Red/Green) referenced is available from SparkFun as part number COM-10596. - Are there related projects using the same LED matrix modules?
Yes; two related projects are linked: a 2-matrix Tetris and a 2-matrix Snake game using the same modules.
