Check out this cool DIY LED chess set, it was made by Instructables member Tetranitrate. If you are interested in learning how to play chess or brushing up your skills you may be interested in the travelling chess set which is available via crowdfunding and Indemand.
Sixteen blue LEDs and sixteen green LEDs are glued inside the hollow recesses in the base of each chess piece. The positive contacts for the LEDs are wired to copper washers attached to the base of each chess piece. The negative contacts for the LEDs are clipped to be made flush with the rest of the base.
A conductive chessboard is made from a sheet of copper. The sheet is wired to the positive lead from a power transformer. Insulated holes through the center of each square on the board allow magnets to pass through. The magnets connect and hold a negatively wired steel plate underneath to the negative leads from the LEDs.
Creating the LED Chess Pieces
The process of creating the LED chess pieces is both intricate and fascinating. Each chess piece is carefully hollowed out to make room for the LED lights. The choice of blue and green LEDs not only adds a visually appealing contrast but also helps in distinguishing between the two sets of pieces. The copper washers play a crucial role in ensuring that the positive contacts are securely connected, while the negative contacts are meticulously clipped to ensure they are flush with the base. This attention to detail ensures that the LEDs light up consistently and brightly when placed on the board.
Constructing the Conductive Chessboard
The chessboard itself is a marvel of DIY engineering. Made from a sheet of copper, it serves as a conductive surface that powers the LEDs in the chess pieces. The copper sheet is connected to the positive lead from a power transformer, ensuring a steady flow of electricity. The board features insulated holes at the center of each square, allowing magnets to pass through. These magnets are essential for connecting the negatively wired steel plate underneath the board to the negative leads from the LEDs. This ingenious design ensures that the LEDs light up only when the chess pieces are correctly placed on the board, adding an interactive element to the game.
If you want to make your own, head on over to Instructables for full instructions.
Additional Tips and Considerations
When embarking on this DIY project, there are a few additional tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials before starting. This includes a soldering iron, copper sheet, LEDs, copper washers, and a power transformer. Safety is paramount, so make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, especially when soldering.
Another important aspect is the alignment of the chess pieces on the board. The magnets and insulated holes must be precisely aligned to ensure that the LEDs light up correctly. Any misalignment can result in the LEDs not lighting up or flickering, which can be frustrating during gameplay.
Lastly, consider customizing your LED chess set to make it truly unique. You can experiment with different colors of LEDs or even add additional features such as a dimmer switch to control the brightness of the LEDs. The possibilities are endless, and the satisfaction of creating your own LED chess set is well worth the effort.
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