I'm setting out to build a smaller version of this automated dice rolling machine, the "Dice-O-Matic", but I'm not sure about the terminology for the various parts is. I don't know what the parts between the two chains are called (the platforms that the dice catch and ride up on). Is there a special kind of chain that allows for those to attach? If anybody can share the terminology or better yet, point me to a product listing for any relevant parts or 3D printable schematics that would be great.
The article describes them as 'Buckets', and it sounds as though the author fabricated them himself.
The 'buckets' are lengths of 1/2 inch aluminum U channel, about 5 inches long, attached to chains on each side. I cut grooves into each side of each leading edge, then slit and mounted plastic stir straws to reduce the noise and impact levels. Up to six dice can fit on a bucket, and tend to ride at a neat 45 degree angle.
6v6gt:
That is certainly an impressive sight. But you are not thinking of using an 8 bit AVR ( Arduino Uno etc.) to do the image processing, are you ?
I'll be using a Raspberry Pi and a Pixy camera with OpenCV to detect the dice and their pips. I still thought this forum was relevant since I'll be using several other components that are typically found in Arduino projects... I'll probably have more questions later. My hope is to host a silly API for dice rolls and other "random" value uses.
JohnLincoln:
The article describes them as 'Buckets', and it sounds as though the author fabricated them himself.
D'oh.. I am embarrassed that I haven't read the article in a long while, I discovered it months ago and have been going off the poor quality video since recently deciding to try to build one of my own. Next time I'll RTFM! Thanks!
Robin2:
I wonder how you would prove that it is producing random values from the dice ?
...R
I'm sure it would be easy to do some statistical analysis on the million and a half rolls per day.
After image processing, the data is available in digital form.
termonology would benifit with photos of sketchs of what you want
the shaft - is the long bar
pillow block bearings (pillow block describe how they mount) hold the shaft
sprockets - gears for chains
chain, see other posts
shaft collar - like a large fat washer with a screw - holds stuff from falling off the end of the shaft
spacers - bit, like washers that set spacing for alignment
go to mcmaster carr and browse their on-line catalog. they show pictures of bits.
not the lowest possible price, but in-stock fast shipping and the prices are on the lower end for most parts.
JohnLincoln:
The article describes them as 'Buckets', and it sounds as though the author fabricated them himself.
lots, if not most of the parts are fabricated by himself.
indeed, shop fabricated is the key term from the whole machine.
as for buckets, it is an industry term.
dave-in-nj:
termonology would benifit with photos of sketchs of what you want
the shaft - is the long bar
pillow block bearings (pillow block describe how they mount) hold the shaft
sprockets - gears for chains
chain, see other posts
shaft collar - like a large fat washer with a screw - holds stuff from falling off the end of the shaft
spacers - bit, like washers that set spacing for alignment
go to mcmaster carr and browse their on-line catalog. they show pictures of bits.
not the lowest possible price, but in-stock fast shipping and the prices are on the lower end for most parts.
also - http://www.sdp-si.com/catalogs/
harder to dig into the exact catalog, but has some how-to application guides and does have some on-line calculators.
Thank you this is very helpful!
dave-in-nj:
lots, if not most of the parts are fabricated by himself.
indeed, shop fabricated is the key term from the whole machine.
as for buckets, it is an industry term.
Ooo, I like that picture, using a belt like that might be cheaper than 4 sprockets + 2 chains (with A-1 attachments)... that is, if I can find the correct width belt and rollers.