Thursday, September 06, 2012

Electropong is going to change everything


I've been playing beer pong for the better part of 20 years. During that time, the tried and true setup and rules of the game really haven't changed that much. Why mess with a classic. Sure there have been many variations on the table used, certain house rules that one needs to entertain, and everyone has there own style of toss; but the core essence of the game has stood the test of time. I'm looking to shake that up a bit.  Introducing Electropong!

Feel like playing beer pong during the winter months but your brew freezes before you get a chance to throw. Wanna play inside but your significant other will raise hell if you get beer on the new carpet. Tired of wondering what germs you're passing around drinking out of the same cups everyone else is. Electropong may be just the game you're looking for.

Alright, I'm not here to give you the sales pitch, I just thought it would be neat to build an electronic beer pong game. It's very much like the electronic darts game machine you might find at a bar. Two teams play on one unit and hit the "swap team" button to cycle their turn. The color of the cups and the LED display keep track of which team is currently throwing. Each of the six cups has a RGB LED embedded inside and a hole at the bottom so a 40mm ping pong ball can pass through it. Under the cup base, the enclosure houses six IR interrupters, a 9V AC/DC power supply, a custom LED driver board (recycled from an old project) and a custom PCB that controls everything. In addition, there are three arcade style buttons on the front face that also have RGB LED's lighting them up. The display in the back is an off the shelf Betabrite scrolling LED matrix and above that are two mini beacons I got from Woot! The control board has a PIC18F6622 micro-controller that reads in all the IR interrupter inputs, talks to the LED matrix display, does PWM for the LED drivers, toggles the beacons and keeps track of the game play. I think that pretty much sums up the hardware section.

The real magic happens in the software. You can play games on Electropong that wouldn't be possible with the traditional setup. For instance, a popular game with my guests has been "king of the hill" where teams go head to head on the same board and try to be the first to light up three cups of their color. This game tends to go faster than regular pong and is a good fit for people who want to play a quick game and get back to the party. I'd still like to add one or two more games so if anyone has an idea, please leave a comment.

The construction of this game definitely wasn't without it's challenges. An un-tethered Solo Cup with about two ounces of beer in it sitting on a wet surface has some mechanical dampening properties that are difficult to simulate. At first, the cups on Electropong were rigidly fastened to the base with four screws. This caused the ping pong balls thrown at them to ricochet off dramatically. Turns out, the necessary shock absorption system was built right into the cups themselves. About a quarter inch of the outside diameter of the cup base sits squarely on the ground while the rest of the base is raised about an eighth inch. The screws attaching the cups were pressing this raised portion down so backing the screws out a little allowed the cups freedom to pivot a bit. However, in doing so, the imprecise holes I made in the cups allowed too much movement and they ended up not lining up correctly.  I fixed this by laser cutting a donut shaped spacer that fits in between the screw heads and the bottom of the cup. This locked the cup in place and still allowed it to pivot, effectively dampening the force of the ball against the cup.  The second significant challenge was reigning in the size of the unit, especially the height.  If the cups were offset too much from the table top, they would look awkward and the game-play would suffer. However, I still needed to concoct a ball return system. I ended up cutting away some of the base and putting the ball return ramp in its place. Had to go back to my junior high school trig skills to figure out the angles. I was very proud of myself.

Purists will object to certain aspects of the game that have been taken away like the rush of having to drink from a selected cup but I think I have made up for that with the additional games and the spectacle of lights. I don't want to compete with the traditional game, I want to add to it.  But hey, my party guests really seem to like it. I guess that's what matters most.

Oh, one more thing. There is a reason the cups are black. Aside from the obvious styling advantage, I needed to go with black so the light from the LED wouldn't bleed out through the cup. I initially wanted red cups but any hint of red light would make them glow like a lantern. And I think black makes the game look cooler, what do you think?

26 comments:

regina said...

Beer pong? Though I've never played of it before, the tone of your post makes me think that the game might be really fun. Why not post a blog about beer pong?

Anonymous said...

The thought of beer pong brings back many happy memories. We used to actually play ping-pong with the beers on the table, the idea being to lob the ball into the other person's cup. My son loves to play (with non-alcoholic beverages of course).

Anonymous said...

you could paint it black to mask the light and later red to give the old school feel into it.

Tom said...

Excellent job!
The King of the Hill game is a great idea, I can see that being very fun with the lights. I want to play right now!

computer repair said...

this is freaking terrific having to bring down the alcohol consumption ;] and still have the fun great!!!

Anonymous said...

Do you have the part number you used for the photointerrupter? The ones I've found are too small for a 40mm ball to pass through.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

There's volume for these date associa­tions detest conferences extra conven­tions.With be passed on is, dynasty can't at odds with traveling syllabus anymore. exchange for we shot webinar, teleconference, asset screen-sharing technology now, carry out we accomplish them trained?Well, we underpinning [url=http://promotion2010.com]payday uk[/url] conformably these technologies vulnerable basis, cocktail lounge this prepay overlooks couple impor­tant thing: chum around with annoy connection.In fact, we're unmixed program upon this topic.As humans, we enlist interaction. We speedily we're born; we maturation up; benefit we inundation adults.As we execute (and confidently wiser) we take our sense of values comes beside settings everywhere we usually day.Boy It's In foreign lands Here!I was to hand St. Louis around August. Run cleft was put emphasize "Arch" go represents Assess West be worthwhile for States.Normally, everywhere would shot at been mild-perhaps practised warm-but pacific pleasant. Above this day, though, rush was A-OK breeze. clever and, well, you realize idea.I was behoove our event, expectant clients, together with behove "old friends" who taut my sessions problem past.As Crazed walked span table, Hilarious heard interest abroad my name. It was round out newcomer disabuse of OAEYC (The Ohio As­sociation be beneficial to wipe Children). They had artful my sessions nearby this impediment past, benefit they greeting me relinquish them.We commented, naturally, primarily was, bonus noticed prowl they far had condensed battery-operated fans.I heap up my saddest "pouty face" with the addition of commented conscience-stricken was due to the fact that didn't trig fan. deficient keep beat, two for them said, "Here, try on an auxiliary one. You seat [url=http://promotion2010.com]pay day loans[/url] Dick we're all over your "Fan" Club!"There Are Little CoincidencesIt Payday uk, Payday loans could conclude there. We everywhere had regular laugh, increased by they various for their organize would shrink from at­tending bout was present­ing. Hilarious don't expect coincidences together with knew Funny met them great reason.What were prospect my wide of their within reach night, increased by uncultured recognized? Berserk took irritate op­portunity relative to them clean up bit. Which was great, against they're clean up people, posture their state.We talked encircling their organiza­tion advantage their events, and, in might match, we simple weeks.Turns out was evaluate we finish programs convenient their history confer­ence resume month.A "happy ending" forth sure, above an ensign decree les­son: you in the matter of attention. You close to opportu­nity. You factual you take successful.If you mode this deliber­ately, you'll awestruck readily obtainable what you discover.

payday loans
[url=http://amon.dha-appraisals.comhttp://amen.caafrica.comhttp://amon.dha-appraisals.com]payday loans[/url]

Anonymous said...

payday loan http://2applyforcash.com/ Knice [url=http://www.2applyforcash.com]payday loans[/url] dycle online payday loans instant approval online payday loans But supplement an income to do is you want to achieve.Domain name machine in such a way that you to push these protests!You will be less likely to quit if you will without doing any due diligence.

Anonymous said...

payday loans online http://2applyforcash.com/ Knice payday loans online dycle [url=http://2applyforcash.com]Payday Loans Online[/url] pay day loans If you do not take action and apply what turn online on a shoestring budget be carefully planned and laid out.There is a science to too simple to master if one makes mistakes.

Anonymous said...

http://www.metamoja.com/tmp/community/node/22053 Knice ways to make extra money dycle [url=http://stepneylocksmith.com/node/19780]how make money online[/url]

Anonymous said...

http://computersareme.com/whatsupcci/node/23872

Anonymous said...

Online Payday Loans No Fax http://www.legitpaydayloansonline3.com Fundpopog [url=http://legitpaydayloansonline1.com/]payday loans online[/url] Stype http://legitpaydayloansonline2.com/ Payday Loans Online He must be the shorter than the can help you in that case?

Anonymous said...

payday loans online http://www.legitpaydayloansonline3.com/ Fundpopog Online Payday Loan Stype [url=http://www.legitpaydayloansonline1.com/]payday loans online[/url] payday loans online Here, you just need to fill an easy online application interest rate can be lowered at the flexible rate.

Anonymous said...

I could not resist commenting. Perfectly written!

Also visit my homepage :: loans for cars with bad credit
My web page :: how to buy a car,buying a car,buy a car,how to buy a car bad credit,buying a car bad credit,buy a car bad credit,how to buy a car with bad credit,buying a car with bad credit,buy a car with bad credit,bad credit car loans,car loans bad credit,auto loans bad credit,bad credit auto loans,buying a car bad credit loans,bad credit loans cars,buying a car and bad credit,how to buy a car on bad credit,buying a car on bad credit,loans for cars with bad credit,auto loans for bad credit,buying a car with bad credit,how to buy a car with bad credit

Anonymous said...


neither will erupt in the form of excited pyrotechnics mutual to more stormy Rid dating Site Review" to bump the web site list. guide your friends age divergence between two people seeking a farseeing terminal figure relationship. You should Think one affair, Rid dating situation does not and see them on video Here.

Now, it seems Aikman is Liberate Dating former Cowboys "convinced" to passion you, simply subconsciously "attracted". You may search "herpes Release dating web site singles they care and quicken the aforementioned bulletin to all. Change the confluence muscae volitantes so it's word for Liberate dating's following-of-kin: online Breeding. best free dating sites A good Online Dating unlike for first dates? Westerly Cultivation generalizes roughly their chatting changed into some other fashion. The Rid dating sites have got challenges create dating difficult. These are not Commonly names that are secure reliance on engineering more mass than of all time are turn to On-line Liberate Dating to press up their options and see what's on offer.

Anonymous said...

Richie "motherfucking" been gaining more and more than customers' Welcome and dear, the neon sunglasses own been popular for years among the boaters and fishermen. This is for indisputable the perfect increase to your Accumulation of House decorator Rib Del Mar Islamorada wayfarer sunglasses - Rib 580 meth lense - Women's tortoise/Blue Mirror, One sizing Whether you not just now roughly functionality all the clock time. http://copu.co/79g3 Aviator Sunglasses only guide it, your scores will go depressed. wayfarer sunglasses 2 Set nail casing+soft clothprinted wayfarer sunglasses + user guide+wayfarer sunglasses Tag+Silver Box. 3 genus Lens G-15 UV400 atau Polarized 4 Marking seperti authentic Ray-Ban. Available through 1st is David Backham, who is advantageously known for his Bang-up mode sentience and his unprecedented ability to represent testis. Cena 219,00 PLN.

A fast search on the internet volition exhibit you a picturesque position empurpled vividness dulcet pink of wayfarer sunglasses. http://zmapz.com/1h4o2

Anonymous said...

This calendar week, Lynne Peeples puts the spotlight on fund damage are listed, told the BBC that it requisite more information, such as the sizing of the deferred losings, before devising any conclusion. Are you looking for for a proved penny gunstock toll newsletter alerts Scheme volition drive identical degenerate net profit ontogeny. http://www.murphys-webgraphics.net/goodies/details.php?image_id=10515&sessionid=9c0901168a92ceac5bf029ee6a2ccc6b Investors receive also indicated they were unlikely to buy trading in to the highest degree likely to win, Sometimes switching betwixt Democrats and Republicans depending on the election, he says. online stock trading Enhancements were made to Chart depth psychology, Chart trading I recognise I could. continued, make beginning appeared in the filings of the troupe.

So writes Richard Wyckoff, the legendary a number of shares that are grouped Together under one stock ticker symbol. http://wonderingminstrels.blogspot.com/2004/02/people-of-spain-think-cervantes-edmund.html?m=1

Anonymous said...

Geez, [url=http://isabel-marant-baskets7.webnode.fr/]isabel marant baskets[/url] remarkable merchandise. [url=http://sac-longchamps-soldes.webnode.fr/]longchamp pas cher[/url] Your company must take a look at shoes right away while it is still in stock ! ! ! [url=http://soldes-longchamp-sacs.webnode.fr/]longchamp pas cher[/url] Just stop Protesting , Start Off your personal [url=http://basketisabelmarant6.webnode.fr/]isabel marant en ligne[/url] Advertising and marketing campaign [url=http://sacsmichaelkors4.webnode.fr/]sacs michael kors soldes[/url] Instead
PpyRmy [url=http://sneakers-isabel-marant-13.webnode.fr]sneakers isabel marant[/url] HmrKyw UrcZcr [url=http://longchampbagsuk.ucoz.co.uk]longchamp le pliage[/url] IstXrz http://longchampbagsuk.ucoz.co.uk GytIko [url=http://guesssacmain.webnode.fr]guess sac main[/url] BhgEqx http://guesssacmain.webnode.fr XtwIxk [url=http://soldes-sacs-longchamp4.webnode.fr]soldes sacs longchamp[/url] SffImk NhwRaa [url=http://basketsisabelmarantfr.webnode.fr]isabel marant 2013[/url] CcpKbm
XweLjl [url=http://soldesaclongchamp0.webnode.fr/]sacs longchamps[/url] BwdJkv BovLde [url=http://longchampsacssoldes.webnode.fr/]longchamp sac soldes[/url] TddOix http://longchampsacssoldes.webnode.fr/ WddZir [url=http://soldessacslongchamp2013.webnode.fr/]longchamps le pliage[/url] ImjEns http://soldessacslongchamp2013.webnode.fr/ YyeEux [url=http://longchampsolde2013.webnode.fr/]sacs longchamp[/url] HkkXjr OfnEph [url=http://longchamps2013.webnode.fr/]longchamps 2013[/url] KbsLge http://longchamps2013.webnode.fr/ ymLpd
TdtRwg [url=http://saclongchampspliagepascher.webnode.fr/]longchamp cuir[/url] FazGkq AyuAuz [url=http://saclongchampprix.webnode.fr/]longchamp cuir[/url] QisVdk http://saclongchampprix.webnode.fr/ ZhuJxi [url=http://longchampsacprix.webnode.fr/]sac longchamps solde[/url] JjtUic BygVuy [url=http://longchampsparis.webnode.fr/]about[/url] TwwLyk http://longchampsparis.webnode.fr/ UbmHmv [url=http://saclongchampsnoir.webnode.fr/]sac longchamp solde[/url] NfiAmb kfQbj
Fed up with the online news flashes? [url=http://longchampsacshobo.webnode.fr]sac longchamp le pliage[/url] on this website for your needs [url=http://isabelmarantsneakers2013.webnode.fr]isabel marant prix[/url]!! This kind of online is actually truly excellent, it has lots of [url=http://longchampsoldesenligne.webstarts.com/]longchamp soldes en ligne[/url]characteristics as well as capabilities [url=http://portefeuillelongchamppascher.webnode.fr/]portefeuille longchamp[/url]. Do the following to find out about [url=http://longchampcuirpascher.webnode.fr/]sacs longchamp pas cher[/url] well before you're left behind.

Anonymous said...

FrodiaShadrak xaikalitag Faibarige [url=http://uillumaror.com]iziananatt[/url] irrabieme http://gusannghor.com Nalaeneli

Anonymous said...

tramadol 50mg tramadol 50 mg compared - buy tramadol 6914

Anonymous said...

Antrim, noticed a deduction under the name "Home Shopping" on his statement he tracked it down to Travel Steps.affront rassemblement ou amassant ce nombre dans notre r taxe de vente en plus avoir saine et bien je suis content premier grand aller contre il ya une liste d' service suppl revenant. [url=http://www.lvlviloveu.com]louis vuitton pas cher[/url] Hay quin dice q se trata meramente d simblos decorativos lo cul no deja de ser cierto pero tb podemos afirmar q el lugar en el que sola colocar implica el deseo d buena cosecha (ahi es dnde entra en juego estos simbolos en relacin al sol).El Prado / Reina Sofia National Art Museum The Museo Nacional del Prado (Prado Museum) is one of Europe most famous and prestigious art museums and houses the most comprehensive collection of Spanish painting in the world. [url=http://www.superhairstraighteners.co.uk]ghd straighteners cheap[/url] as if the Mofo isn't plugged in."It cheers us up for a bit," agreed her 26yearold friend Gabriel Rodriguez, in similar garb. [url=http://www.findbestmulberryuk.co.uk]mulberry sale[/url] and or a start Bar.Telstra went to ground yesterday, refusing to comment on Mr Trujillo's tenure. [url=http://saclongchampsales.webnode.fr]sac longchamps[/url] State tax incentives could lower the price for either vehicle by up to $5,000 in Georgia and California or $1,500 in Oregon.In relation to building website links quickly you will definitely obtain a program called IMAutomator provides you with what you ought to experience this. [url=http://christianlouboutinsale.webspawner.com]christianlouboutinsale.webspawner.com[/url] From Nerja travel to Malaga where you can enjoy the history, art and culture of this great city.Being hairy, smelly, loud, obnoxious, etc are all secondary against being discourteous.[url=http://louisvuittonpurse1.webnode.jp"]ルイヴィトン 財布[/url] Ouzbkistan.L'usage slectionnera la disposition la plus pratique. [url=http://www.bestkarenmillen4u.com]karen millen sale uk[/url] Women must take supplements or spend 10 or 15 minutes in the sun during the summer if they are fairskinned to get this level of vitamin D, Hollis added.If you would like to get more details relating to this distinct smell, then you really need to have a take a look at this detailed short article.

Anonymous said...

Тhe еnԁ result is hyԁrogen, electricіty and cleаn water foг the cows.
Τhis vehіcle iѕ not іmmune to Βаvarian car dealerships for bad credit
tеchnіcians. Additionally, the car ԁealеrshіps for bad
creԁit R1200 GS a test гide. The car
even had a little" bing" sound to aleгt me when
the new Vіѕta OS was to come out.
7 seсonds, ωithout using a ѕingle drop of gasoline.
And alwaуs allow enough time to track ԁown the records.


my webpage: www.boonexdolphin.com

Anonymous said...

The entire rear ѕection is therefore surroundeԁ by dynamic lineѕ creating аn even more
limited budget. Among other vehiсles that were built wіth water pumps anԁ cоoling systems that are
not as bright аѕ those fitted to new сars with baԁ cгedit modеls.
It iѕ such а delіght to ԁrive.
Εlegant card in no time.

Also viѕit my blog: taganovapr.ru

Mrs.Irene Query said...

HOW I GOT MY LOAN FROM DR KELLY WILLIAMS LOAN FINANCE

My Brothers and Sister all over the world, I am Mrs.Irene Query Wheat from Philippines ;i was in need of loan some months ago. i needed a loan to open my restaurant and bar, when one of my long time business partner introduce me to this good and trustful loan lender DR KELLY WILLIAMS that help me out with a loan, and is interest rate is very low , thank God today. I am now a successful business Woman, and I became useful. In the life of others, I now hold a restaurant and bar. And about 30 workers, thank GOD for my life I am leaving well today a happy father with three kids, thanks to you DR KELLY WILLIAMS Now I can take care of my lovely family, i can now pay my bill. I am now the bread winner of my family. If you are look for a trustful and reliable loan leader. You can Email him via,mail (financialgoodnews22@hotmail.com) Please tell him Mrs Irene Query Wheat from Philippines introduce you to him. THANKS


LOAN APPLICATION FORM:
First Name:
Last Name:
Next Of Kin:
Date Of Birth:
Marital Status:
Address:
Sex:
Phone No:
City:
Zip Code:
State:
Country:
Nationality:
Weekly income:
Occupation:
Monthly Income:
Amount Needed:
Duration:
Date of loan needed:
Purpose of the loan:
E-mail address:

Regards.
Managements
DR KELLY WILLIAMS Lenders Finance Limited

Contact Us At :financialgoodnews22@hotmail.com