Summary of An LED Dice using a PIC 16F84 (or 16F88)
This project describes a compact LED dice implemented with a single PIC 16F84 (or 16F88) microcontroller that can drive two dice displays, reduce hardware complexity, and add features like recalling the last roll. It replaces multi-IC and transistor designs with firmware-driven outputs, lowering component count and power use while enabling flexible behavior through software.
Parts used in the LED Dice:
- PIC16F84 microcontroller (or PIC16F88)
- LEDs for dice displays (6 per die or arranged as desired)
- Current-limiting resistors for LEDs
- Pushbutton(s) for roll and recall functions
- Battery or power supply
- PCB or prototyping board
- Optional capacitors for power decoupling
- Optional transistors or driver components if required by LED count
An LED Dice using a PIC 16F84 (or 16F88)
This is a re-print of a project that I made a number of years ago – I was trawling the web, and discovered that others had been making it, so I decided to put the detail here on instructables.com – so that others can benefit.
Many Led Dice have been published in various forms over the years, using output methods including a 7 segment display to display the numbers 1 through 6, or having 6 individual LEDs or even having a Die shaped display.
All of these designs have been fairly complex in hardware, typically having at least 2 IC’s, 4 or so transistors, and many resistors and capacitors. Most have also been fairly current hungry, discharging a set of batteries in a short period if the device has been left on.
Using a single chip microprocessor allows us to implement 2 individual dice, using a single IC. In addition to this, we turn a hardware problem into a software problem. We can also add features that have previously not existed before, such as the ability to recall the last roll.
For more detail: An LED Dice using a PIC 16F84 (or 16F88)
- What microcontroller is used in this LED dice project?
The project uses a PIC16F84 or alternatively a PIC16F88 microcontroller. - Can this design drive two dice with a single IC?
Yes, using a single chip microprocessor allows implementing two individual dice with one IC. - Does this design reduce hardware complexity compared to traditional designs?
Yes, it replaces multi-IC and multiple-transistor designs with a single microcontroller, reducing component count. - Can the device recall the last roll?
Yes, the design adds the ability to recall the last roll via software. - Is the approach more power efficient than older designs?
The microcontroller approach lowers hardware and can reduce current consumption compared to more complex hardware designs. - Are additional features implemented in software?
Yes, turning hardware problems into software problems enables adding features not present in earlier designs. - Does the project require many resistors and capacitors?
Fewer passive components are needed overall, though current-limiting resistors for LEDs and optional decoupling capacitors are used. - Is a PCB or prototyping board needed?
Yes, a PCB or prototyping board is typically used to mount the microcontroller, LEDs, and other components.
