Smart Chess Board

Summary

I’m going to build a variation of this chess board. I want my chess board to sync with lichess api so that I can play chess games online and show the opponents move on the physical chess board. I want to then be able to make my move (through a simple web server) and have it sync with the api. I also want to include an oled screen to display the opponents moves as well as mine. I’m excited to build this because it would be super cool to play chess physically and have it sync with an online game.

Plan

Instead of using an arduino and raspberry pi combo, I plan on just using a single raspberry pi pico w. I’m going to use the lichess api to have the game sync with an online game. In the video the guy used 8 buttons to input a players moves however I’m going to try to use a web server and simple api calls to use as inputs. I’m going to use an addressable LED strip as a backlight for the board and I’m going to use white PLA filament for a translucent board surface. I’m going to use the blue filament to print out the rest of the board. Instead of using a micro usb port I’ll use a usb-c port to provide power for the pico, oled, and light strip. I’m going to reference the 3d models the guy from the video guide provided but will have to use CAD to make changes because I won’t be using an buttons and I’ll be using different hardware. Here is a general outline of steps,

Hardware

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Software

Budget

ProductSupplier/LinkCost
Raspberry Pi Pico WMicro Center$5.99
0.96” OLED displayAdafruit$17.50
USB-C Breakout ConnectorAdafruit$2.95
Ender 3 Pro 3D PrinterMicro Center$99.99
White PLA FilamentMicro Center$18.99
Blue PLA FilamentMicro Center$18.99
SolderAmazon$7.99
Soldering IronAlready Own
Hot Glue GunAlready Own
WireAmazon$14.95
Addressable LED StripAmazon$22.99
General Purpose HeadersAmazon$5.99
Sales Tax (Maryland 6%)Amazon$3.12
Sales Tax (Maryland 6%)Micro Center$9.14
Sales Tax (Maryland 6%)Adafruit$1.23
Shipping (Adafruit)USPS First Class$6.10
Total$235.92