CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Category: Orientation

D.I.Y. Electronic Dice

AbleData does not produce, distribute or sell any of the products listed on this website, but we provide you with information on how to contact manufacturers or distributors of these products. If you are interested in purchasing a product, you can find companies who sell it below.

***Do It Yourself*** D.I.Y. Electronic Dice is designed for use by individuals with limited fine motor and upper extremity strength and coordination due to arthritis, neurological impairment, illness or surgery. It can be used children and adults during recreational games. Materials: Electronic Die with a 3.5 millimeters mono headphone socket. Thin wire (e.g 7 strand 0.2millimeters). Soldering iron (15 to 30 Watt power). Thin solder. Soldering flux. Desoldering braid. Step 1: Drill a hole. Locate the position of the internal spring switch (see cut-a-way image). Make a small pilot hole, using a soldering iron or sharp point, centrally beneath it at the casing join. Holding the casing tightly together, drill a 1/4 inch hole as pictured, being careful to stop as soon as you're through. Step 2: Batteries. Open up the die, by unscrewing the 2 outer and 2 inner screws. The clear viewing plastic only fits one way, so avoid taking this out. Take a note of which way the batteries are fitted, e.g. by marking the casing as pictured, then remove them. This will help protect the device whilst you work on it. Step 3: Remove the spring. Cut or saw off the spring switch. The die will no longer activate when you tap or roll it, as it was originally designed to. Step 4: Wire up the socket. As not all sockets are connected alike, you will need to find which 2 of the 3 contacts you need to solder to. Attach a test lamp or multimeter to any 2 contacts. Plug in your switch, and then press it. If the lamp comes on when pressed you have the right connections, otherwise try a different combination. There are only 3 possibilities. Solder two 5cm lengths of wire to the socket. Expose the ends, tinning them if you wish. Step 5: Find the 2 connections. The circled solder connections are the underside of the spring switch, and the points to which you need to connect the 3.5mm switch socket. If you have the batteries connected, then touch these two points together with a short piece of wire. If you trigger a roll of the die, you've found the right places. Step 6: Solder socket. Carefully solder the socket to the spring switch connections, aiming to have nothing jutting out from the board. Blow on the board to cool it down as soon as the solder flows. Too much heat could damage the workings of the die. Step 7: Reassemble. Put the batteries back in, and test the die. If all seems OK, put it all back together being careful, when tightening up the socket, not to twist the wires too much. Step 8: Full Test. Test the die with a switch several times, and then leave it alone for a few minutes. If it activates by its self repeatedly, there's probably a short circuit. Pull it apart again, and examine the accuracy of your soldering carefully, especially on the socket. Do not worry if the die rolls occasionally when you touch the socket. This is due to a buildup of static electricity, and is fairly normal, providing it stops when you remove your touch. Author: http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/4/DIY/dice.htm

Available

Price Check
as of: 
01/04/2015
Additional Pricing Notes: 

Cost of material and supplies

D.i.y. Electronic Dice