[FacelessTech] was recently charmed by one of our prized possessions as a kid — the Magic 8-Ball — and decided to have a go at making a digital version. Though there is no icosahedron or mysterious fluid inside, the end result is still without a doubt quite cool, especially for a project made on a whim with parts on hand.
It’s not just an 8-ball, it also functions as a 6-sided die and a direct decider of yes/no questions. Underneath that Nokia 5110 screen there’s an Arduino Pro Mini and a 3-axis gyro. Almost everything is done through the gyro, including setting the screen contrast when the eight ball is first powered on. As much we as love that aspect, we really like that [FacelessTech] included a GX-12 connector for easy FTDI programming. It’s a tidy, completely open-source build, and there’s even a PCB. What’s not to like? Be sure to check out the video after the break to see it in action.
Believe it or not, this isn’t the smallest Magic 8-Ball build we’ve seen. Have you met the business card version?
[via adafruit]
The module the batter passes through is preventing discharge below safe levels, that’s why it doesn’t power up at low battery levels.
Oh…another magic 8 ball with a small twist. There are several on Instructables. Along with a slew of magic mirrors.
Why use a 5V booster? Everything in this device will happily run off a Li cell or two AAs without extra regulation. Just rip out those nasty 1117s.
If you want one that looks like the traditional 8 ball, check out this one https://open8ball.com/