Introduction: Simon & Whack-A-Mole

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About: I am an IT specialist, for the past few years i have been a hobbyist maker and running a FRC robotics group called MetalBoost #5928. Most of the projects i make are meant to replace everyday tasks i preform, s…

This project was actually triggered by finding big colorful buttons on AliExpress...
This is a very simple project, it can be done in many different ways (just look it up in this site...) It is fun to make, great to show your friends, helps you find out which were 80s/90s kid and who was not :-) i added all you need to make this project, except the box.

Step 1: What You Need

This is a list of all the things you need to get:
Prototyping Board - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1pcs-DIY-4-8-13-3...

220 & 10k Resistors - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100pcs-1-4W-Metal...

4 x 7Segment display - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100pcs-1-4W-Metal...

Big Buttons - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100pcs-1-4W-Metal...

Small buttons - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100pcs-1-4W-Metal...

Arduino Nano - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100pcs-1-4W-Metal...

9v Battery Case - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100pcs-1-4W-Metal...

I attached the following files:

1. Wiring scheme

2. Arduino Display driver

3. Arduino Code

4. STL file tin case you want to print the button base - it's a 22cm square with holes in it (probably not worth printing)

Attachments

Step 2: Put It All Together

You need the most basic knowledge of:
Soldering
Using the Arduino IDE

A quick word to those unfamiliar with the Arduino prototyping environment.
Please note the Vin port on the Arduino can connect to higher voltage over so 5-16v is just fine.
The Display is a 5v shield and should not be connected tot the 9v directly.
The LEDs should be used with 3.3v hence the need for 220ohm resistors.
The 10K resistors are called pull-up resistors, they are connected to 5v power source. They are making sure the Arduino senses "1" at the input pin right until you press the button switching it to "0".
All the black wires in the scheme are connected to the GND
All the red wires are connected to the 5V output of the Arduino.
The blue wires are used for Clock/Data for the Display. they should go to the 8/9 pins on the Arduino nano. if you use a different Arduino board, please check for the DIO/SYN pins and adjust accordingly.

Step 3: Have Fun!

Time to play!
In case you never played the original one here is an instructional video
One of the black buttons is used to switch modes Whack-A-Mole
Though i wouldn't use a hammer here....
The other button will turn the sound On / Off.

Want a challenge?
to rewrite the code to make it Simon Air like:-)