This is the introduction to my RobotRemix Cr3amRoulette (CR), which was created from the LEGO MINDSTORMS 31313 and Technic Airplane Jet 42066 sets.
CR is pure fun and you will wish but one thing during this game: „Please, not me!“
I had the idea when I saw a video of the game „PieFace“ on YT. I thought: I have to do this with LEGO MINDSTORMS!
The game’s goal is simple: belong with those who do not get cream catapulted into their faces.
You start the game by cocking the catapult and pressing Enter on the EV3 Brick. The catapult is now locked. Then, you place a nice large portion of cream on the catapult.
Then, CR generates a random number at which the catapult triggers.
This number corresponds with a certain degree of engine rotation.
The loudmouth starts. S/he pushes the touch button and rolls his/her number of moves between 1 and 6.
Then, s/he has to place his face in the frame and turn the wheels slowly in his/her direction with both hands. 50 degrees correspond with a turn. The end of each 50 degree rotation is announced with a tone.
For example, if the player rolls a 5, s/he has to turn the wheels by 50 degrees 5 times. CR counts the turns and compares this with its previously generated random number. When the number is reached, the catapult releases! If not, it’s the next player’s turn. S/he, too, rolls the number of his moves by pushing the touch button, places his/her head in the frame, and turns the wheels according to the moves. This goes on and on.
But believe me: It’s someone’s turn eventually and the catapult will strike!
CR is relatively easy to assemble. During the design phase, the biggest challenge was a construction that was stable and compact at the same time. The parts of the 42066 set are quite suitable for this purpose.
The catapult:
The rotating catapult is attached to the front of the CR and locked by a closing mechanism. The rubber band from the LEGO MINDSTORMS 31313 set provides the tension force. The player manually tensions the catapult. A large EV3 motor locks it.
The rotating mechanism for the moves:
The second large EV3 motor records the moves. The tires on the motor axle are rotated by the player. The software evaluates the rotations.
The default is 50 degrees to a turn. This value can be adjusted in the program. A mechanical barrier prevents the motor from being turned back.
The infrared sensor:
At the beginning of each turn, the sensor measures whether the player’s face is close enough to the frame; otherwise a tone will sound. No player gets off scot-free. J
The frame:
At each turn, the player must place his face in a frame, so that in the event of triggering, the catapult hits properly. At the same time, the frame is decoration for the game and you can extend or modify it as you like. Adjust it so that the face of the player, who looks through it, is decorated beautifully!
Build you own Cr3amRoulette now and have a lot of fun!
Credits:
Thanks to the MCP Hans-Peter Landrichinger for testing the game with his boys, the valuable feedback, and the video with your boys.
Andreas Baumgart 