Arduino Maker Series Under 1000: Digital Dice Using Arduino

Welcome to the Arduino Maker Series Under 1000! 🎲 In this project, we will build a Digital Dice that can roll numbers from 1 to 6 with a simple push of a button. We will cover two variations: using a 7-segment display and a 16x2 I2C LCD. Perfect for beginners and makers, this project is fun, interactive, and teaches fundamental concepts in electronics and Arduino programming.

Introduction
Required Hardware
Arduino IDE Setup
Wiring the Components
Arduino Code
How It Works
Testing Your Project
Advanced Modifications
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Learning Insights
Conclusion

1. Introduction

This project simulates rolling a dice electronically. A push button triggers the dice roll, and the result is displayed either on a 7-segment display or a 16x2 LCD. By completing this project, you will learn:

Using push buttons for input
Displaying numbers on a 7-segment display
Using I2C LCD modules for display
Basic Arduino programming and logic
Practical troubleshooting skills

2. Required Hardware

Arduino Uno (~₹500)
Push button (~₹20)
Resistors: 220Ω (for 7-segment display), 10kΩ (for button)
7-segment display (common cathode) (~₹50)
16x2 I2C LCD (~₹200)
Jumper wires & breadboard (~₹100)
USB cable for Arduino (~₹100)
Optional: battery pack for portability (~₹150)

3. Arduino IDE Setup

Install the Arduino IDE from the official Arduino website.
Connect Arduino Uno to your PC via USB.
Select the correct board: Tools > Board > Arduino Uno.
Select the correct COM port: Tools > Port > (your Arduino port).
Install the LiquidCrystal_I2C library via Library Manager for LCD version.

4. Wiring the Components

4.1 7-Segment Display Version

Connect segments A-G to Arduino pins D2-D8 through 220Ω resistors.
Connect common cathode to GND.
Push button: One pin to D9, other to GND. Use 10kΩ pull-down resistor.

4.2 LCD Version

LCD VCC → 5V, GND → GND, SDA → A4, SCL → A5.
Push button: D9 to one pin, GND to the other, with 10kΩ pull-down resistor.

5. Arduino Code

5.1 7-Segment Display Version

const int buttonPin = 9;
const int segmentPins[7] = {2,3,4,5,6,7,8};
const byte diceNumbers[6][7] = {
  {1,1,1,1,1,1,0}, // 1
  {0,1,1,0,0,0,0}, // 2
  {1,1,0,1,1,0,1}, // 3
  {0,1,1,0,1,1,1}, // 4
  {1,0,1,1,0,1,1}, // 5
  {1,1,1,0,0,1,1}  // 6
};

void setup() {
  pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT);
  for(int i=0;i<7;i++){
    pinMode(segmentPins[i], OUTPUT);
  }
}

void loop() {
  if(digitalRead(buttonPin) == HIGH){
    int dice = random(1,7);
    for(int i=0;i<7;i++){
      digitalWrite(segmentPins[i], diceNumbers[dice-1][i]);
    }
    delay(500);
    while(digitalRead(buttonPin)==HIGH);
  }
}

5.2 LCD Version

#include 
#include 

const int buttonPin = 9;
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27,16,2);

void setup() {
  pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT);
  lcd.init();
  lcd.backlight();
  randomSeed(analogRead(0));
}

void loop() {
  if(digitalRead(buttonPin)==HIGH){
    int dice = random(1,7);
    lcd.setCursor(0,0);
    lcd.print("Dice Rolled: ");
    lcd.print(dice);
    delay(500);
    while(digitalRead(buttonPin)==HIGH);
  }
}

6. How It Works

The push button acts as a trigger. When pressed, Arduino generates a random number between 1–6 using the random() function. This number is displayed either on the 7-segment display or LCD. Each number corresponds to a specific combination of segments (for 7-segment) or is printed directly (LCD).

7. Testing Your Project

Upload the code to Arduino.
Press the button and observe the display showing a number 1–6.
Check all numbers to confirm the dice works correctly.
Ensure the button is properly debounced (code has simple delay).

8. Advanced Modifications

Add LED lights to indicate the number visually along with display.
Use multiple dice and sum results for games.
Add buzzer for sound effects on roll.
Connect LCD dice to a web dashboard via ESP8266 to display scores online.
Combine with motion sensor for “shake to roll” feature.

9. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Display not showing: Check wiring and library installation.
Numbers incorrect on 7-segment: Verify segment pin mapping.
Button press not detected: Check pull-down resistor and wiring.
LCD shows garbage: Adjust I2C address (0x27 or 0x3F).
Random number same every time: Use randomSeed(analogRead(0)) for true randomness.

10. Learning Insights

Understanding of digital outputs and displays.
Working with push buttons and input debouncing.
Using libraries for I2C LCD control.
Random number generation and practical game logic.
Foundation for more advanced interactive electronics projects.

11. Conclusion

This Digital Dice project is a simple yet educational addition to the Arduino Maker Series Under 1000. Both 7-segment and LCD versions teach beginners about input, output, and Arduino programming. You can expand this project with LEDs, buzzers, or even wireless scoreboards for fun DIY board games.

By Kaushal Haladi

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