Project: SkeeBot

SkeeBot is a highly modified and upgraded Skeeball machine. The project was specifically for the Shmoocon Hacker Arcade at Shmoocon 2009. It was our first followup to the network connected Skill Crane game that was fairly popular at an earlier ShmooCon.

The original concept was Ethans. Erik coded the software. Matt worked on a web application for a web portion that wasn't finished. Goals of the Skeeball machine were 70% met, with the missing components not finished in time (Very tight timeline) or deemed not critical. Overall it worked out great!

Huge thanks to Jeremy (Remad) for handling the transportation needs to getting the SkeeBot machine to Washington DC, assisting in testing and assembly.

The Skeeball machine has been given to Shmoocon, and we hope to see it in the future, hacked and modified in all new ways!


Things fully implemented:
* Full game play (Start button, release balls, game scoring)
* Sound effects for scoring
* High score on LED sign, last score, scoring in hex
* Music video playback during attract and game mode
* Music video skipping by button press (Next video button)
* RFID implemented in every ball, and read by RFID reader.
* 16.7 million color LED lighting (computer assisted)
* 750 watt strobe (computer assisted)
* Dollar bill and Quarter validation for game play.


Things not finished:
* Ball rejection of unauthorized balls.
* Use of smaller LCD screen.
* USB ticketing system (infrastructure wasn't at the con).


Hardware used:
* Rackmount P4 Desktop PC running Debian Linux
* Mini-ITX PC running Debian Linux
* Behringer DMX-512 controller w/ PC midi interface cable
* Linksys router running OpenWRT or similar (acting as switch)
* BetaBrite LED scrolling sign w/ serial cable
* RGB Undervehicle LED lighting kit + 12vdc power supply
* Custom 4 channel 120vac switch board (for ball release solenoid)
* Phidgets RFID reader (USB)
* Chauvet TechnoStrobe RGB LED strobe light (DMX-512)
* American DJ 750 watt strobe (DMX-512)
* 19" widescreen LCD behind custom plexiglass
* Behringer Ultramizer compressor/limiter to regulate audio level
* Amplified PC speakers
* 7" LCD ripped from car video display (running from miniitx)
* Dollar bill validator
* Breadboards and wires galore

Overall the machine was a success, and got a good amount of use!