How to Create a Desktop Bowling Game

Looking for a fun way to bowl at home?

This tutorial will guide you on how to create a fully functional desktop bowling game. This Arduino-controlled home bowling game was developed by an avid bowler for a teaching project, bringing the bowling alley experience to your home!

The game works by using photoresistors to sense the lights under each bowling pin to determine if the pins have been knocked down, allowing the game to accurately score over 10 rounds. Additionally, LEDs light up these balls, creating a glowing effect—so turn off your lights and throw a poetic bowling party of your own!

After ordering/obtaining the electronic components listed in the introduction, begin measuring and cutting the lane structure components as described in the following steps.

This project is made of medium-density fiberboard and pine offcuts, but any wood-like material that meets the given dimensions and approximate thickness can also be used. A table saw is likely the best choice for these cuts, as many of the workpieces have long, straight edges, but a circular saw can also be used.

Since the lane itself is quite long (over 5 feet), a TinkerCad model of the individual components was created for clarity. You can download the complete component model here, along with images of the assembled components in the following steps for reference. (Click to read the original text to download the 3D print model) The table below lists all the parts that need to be cut:

Measure and cut from the 3/4 inch thick wood (this project uses MDF):

Measure and cut from the 1/8 inch thick wood (this project uses MDF):

Measure and cut from the 1”x 3” wood (this project uses pine):

First, measure, cut, and sand the gutter support components below. These components will form 2 gutter support units.

● 1″ x 3″ x 10 1/8″ (x2)

● 1″ x 3″ x 1 5/8″ (x4)

Next, glue the support pieces together as shown in the image above. If you can use large clamps, clamp the assembly together. If not, place thick books on either side of the gutter support assembly to apply pressure while the glue dries.

Continue measuring, cutting, and sanding the following lane and gutters:

● 6 1/2″ x 5 1/2′ x 3/4″

● 1 3/4″ 5′ x 1/8″ (x2)

● 1″ x 5′ x 1/8″ (x2)

After making these parts, apply glue to the top of the gutter support base and place the lane and gutter support on top (as shown in the assembly diagram above). If the material you chose for the gutter is a bit weak or warped, apply some wood glue along the length of the wood strip so they can be secured to the lane for support.

First, measure, cut, and sand the lane support components below. These components will form 2 lane support units.

● 6 1/2″ x 11 5/8″ x 3/4″ (x2) – Base

● 6 1/2″ x 10 1/8″ x 3/4″ (x2) – Upper Shelf

● 6 1/2″ x 2 3/4″ x 3/4″ (x4) – Side Support

As shown in the image above, glue the side supports onto the base. Place a piece of 3/4 inch wood on top of the base, then apply glue to the edge of the upper shelf and insert it between the supports. Clamp or apply pressure as described in the previous step to ensure a good bond.

Measure, cut, and sand the pin counter components below.

● 6 1/2″ x 11 5/8″ x 3/4″ (x2)

● 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ x 3/4″ (x2)

As shown in the image above, glue the side supports onto the base. After applying glue to the top of the side supports, place the top of the pin counter on the two side supports. While the assembly dries, gently place one or two books on top of the assembly.

Next, measure, cut, and sand the display board as follows:

● 7 1/2″ x 11 5/8″ x 1/8″

Before installing the display board to the pin counter unit, cut a 3-inch (wide) x 1-inch (high) hole in the display board for the LCD screen installation. If you have a jigsaw, using it may be the easiest way to make this cut—but depending on the material used, a handsaw or heavy-duty utility knife might also suffice. You may need to wait until connecting the electronic components to cut and connect the display board so you can see the distance the wires can reach. There is no one correct position for the display on the display board, so you can place the screen according to your preference.

After cutting the hole, glue the display board to the front of the pin counter unit as illustrated.

First, measure, cut, and sand the pin and ball catcher components below.

● 6 1/2″ x 10 1/8″ x 3/4″ (x2)

● 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ x 3/4″ (x2)

● 1 1/2″ x 11 5/8″ x 1/8″

As shown in the image above, glue the side supports back to the base. Attach a thin piece to the front of the assembly to ensure that no components will block the game during play. Clamp or apply pressure as described in the previous steps to ensure a good bond.

Before connecting the electronic components, you need to drill a few holes for the sensors and LEDs. We chose to drill these holes after the frame components were in place, but you can also drill these holes before assembling the frame if you prefer.

Print the attached template for placing the LEDs and photoresistors.

Starting with the LED template, align the template with the end of the lane and drill holes as follows. For each of the 10 pins, drill a 1/4″ through hole for powering the LEDs. Then, drill a slight hole (about 1/32 inch) at the top of the lane with a 1/2 inch drill bit to help position and place the pins.

Similarly, for the photoresistors, print the attached template and align it with the top rear of the pin counter unit. Drill a 1/4 inch through hole at the center of each pin position, as shown in the template.

Finally, drill a 1/4 inch hole on each side of the pin counter unit for installing an LED and a photoresistor. For these components, drill a hole 1/2 inch above the lane and a hole 1/2 inch from the front edge on both sides of the pin counter unit. (Click to read the original text to download the drilling template)

The specific locations of the electronic components may vary based on the lengths of the connecting wires, provided that the wiring remains consistent with the Fritzing diagram mentioned in the previous step. The instructions below explain how the electronic components are installed in this game and where they are installed, but you can adjust them as needed according to your style preferences.

First, glue the pin-shaped components into the frame. Align the LEDs with the center of each hole on the lane, just below the surface of the lane, then apply a small amount of hot glue from the bottom to secure the LEDs in place. Repeat this for each photoresistor on top of the pin counter. Finally, glue the last photoresistor to one side of the pin counter (you can choose which side), and glue the last LED in a similar manner to the other side. Fixing the LEDs and photoresistors to the frame with hot glue should ensure that they do not shift or move, which could cause misdetection issues.

Next, install a breadboard at the bottom of the lane to connect the LEDs to the circuit. The breadboard can be secured with glue or screws as you prefer.

The Arduino itself can be connected to the side of the game for easy access and to facilitate connections to the photoresistor breadboard installed on top of the pin counter. Like the LEDs, fix the photoresistors to the frame with hot glue to maintain stability.

Finally, install and connect the LCD display to the back of the display board, aligning it with the previously cut holes.

That’s it! Now you can enjoy the bowling game. Just turn on the power to the Arduino and follow the instructions on the LCD screen. Here’s a quick video of us playing 10 rounds.

Good luck, and we hope you enjoy this project/game. If you score a perfect game, let us know… we have yet to achieve a perfect score!

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