Digital Dice using Arduino

Objective

• Understand how a push button works as an input device.
• Control multiple LEDs using Arduino Uno.
• Use the random() function.
• Create a simple electronic dice using LEDs.

What is a Digital Dice?

A Digital Dice is an electronic version of a traditional dice. Instead of rolling a cube, an Arduino generates a random number from 1 to 6 and displays the result using LEDs.

Concepts Covered

• Arduino Programming
• Digital Input
• Digital Output
• Random Number Generation

Components Required

• Arduino Uno
• Breadboard
• 6 LEDs
• 6 × 220 Ω Resistors
• 1 Push Button
• Jumper Wires

Circuit Connections

Each LED must be connected through a 220 Ω resistor to prevent damage from excessive current.

Working Principle

1. Arduino waits for the push button to be pressed.
2. When pressed, Arduino generates a random number between 1 and 6.
3. The corresponding LED lights up.
4. The LED remains ON briefly before the next roll.

Arduino Program

int leds[] = {2,3,4,5,6,7};
int button = 8;

void setup()
{
  for(int i=0;i<6;i++)
    pinMode(leds[i], OUTPUT);

  pinMode(button, INPUT_PULLUP);

  randomSeed(analogRead(A0));
}

void loop()
{
  if(digitalRead(button)==LOW)
  {
    int dice = random(1,7);

    for(int i=0;i<6;i++)
      digitalWrite(leds[i], LOW);

    digitalWrite(leds[dice-1], HIGH);

    delay(1000);
  }
}

How the Code Works

• randomSeed() initializes the random number generator.
• random(1,7) generates a random number between 1 and 6.
• digitalWrite() switches LEDs ON and OFF.
• INPUT_PULLUP enables the Arduino's internal pull-up resistor.

Class Activity

1. Build the circuit in Tinkercad.
2. Upload the Arduino code.
3. Start the simulation.
4. Press the push button several times.
5. Observe the random LED output.

Challenge Activities

• Add a buzzer whenever the dice is rolled.
• Replace LEDs with a 7-segment display.
• Display the number on an LCD.
• Create a rolling animation before showing the final result.

Real-Life Applications

• Electronic board games
• Educational Arduino projects
• Random number generators
• Gaming devices

Learning Outcomes

• Build a simple Arduino circuit.
• Connect LEDs and a push button correctly.
• Understand digital input and output.
• Use the Arduino random() function.
• Test and debug Arduino programs.

Quick Revision

• A digital dice is an electronic version of a traditional dice.
• Arduino generates a random number from 1 to 6.
• A push button is used as an input device.
• LEDs display the result.
• Each LED requires a 220 Ω resistor.

Homework

1. Modify the program so that all LEDs blink three times before displaying the final result.
2. Replace the LEDs with a 7-segment display.
3. Explain why resistors are necessary when connecting LEDs to Arduino.