Split-Second Challenge

Project Overview

This project, nicknamed the “Split-Second Challenge,” is a handheld timing game that tests your reflexes and accuracy. The build features:

• A 4-digit 7-segment LED display for showing the timer count
• An Arduino Uno, which runs the timing logic
• A 18650 Li-ion battery for portable power
• A TP4056 USB-C module for safe charging
• An MT3608 boost converter configured to output ~10V to the Arduino’s VIN pin
• Two push buttons for Start/Stop and Reset
• A 3D-printed enclosure to hold everything securely

When you press the Start/Stop button, the timer begins counting, and pressing it again stops the display. If the display reads the "winning time" (e.g., 08.08), you’ve successfully hit the target. A second button resets the timer for another round.

Hardware Components

Arduino Uno

• Runs the main timing program and drives the 7-segment display.
• Powered via VIN pin (~10V from the boost converter), which its onboard regulator drops to 5V.

4-Digit 7-Segment LED Display

• Displays the current timer value.
• Receives 5V (regulated by the Arduino’s onboard regulator).

18650 Li-Ion Battery

• Rechargeable battery with a nominal 3.7V output.
• High capacity for portable, long-lasting operation.

TP4056 USB-C Charging Module

• Handles charging the 18650 battery from a USB-C source.
• Includes built-in protection and status LEDs.

MT3608 Step-Up (Boost) Converter

• Boosts the battery voltage (~3.7V) up to ~10V.
• Feeds the Arduino via VIN so that its onboard regulator can provide a stable 5V rail.
• Adjust the MT3608 output via its onboard potentiometer, verifying with a multimeter.

On-Off Switch

• Controls power from the boost converter to the Arduino.
• Useful for preserving battery life when not in use.

Two Push Buttons

• Start/Stop: Toggles the timer counting.
• Reset: Resets the timer to zero.

3D-Printed Enclosure

• Top Part: Includes openings for the 7-segment display and buttons.
• Body Part: Main housing for electronics and battery.
• Bottom Part: Secures the assembly from underneath.
• Button Supporter Part: Holds the push buttons firmly in place.

Screws, Bolts, Cables

• (8 screws, 8 bolts) hold enclosure parts together.
• Cables connect components (battery, modules, display, buttons).

Cable Management

Good cable management not only makes the build look professional but also helps you troubleshoot. Refer to this YouTube video, especially around the 01:45 mark:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLfRUNcb0ZQ&t=1s

How It Works

Power On

• Flip the On-Off switch.
• The MT3608 boosts the battery voltage to ~10V, which is applied to the Arduino’s VIN pin.
• The Arduino’s onboard regulator steps it down to 5V, powering itself and the 7-segment display.

Start the Timer

• Press the Start/Stop button; the Arduino begins incrementing the display (e.g., counting milliseconds).

Stop the Timer

• Press Start/Stop again to freeze the timer. If you land exactly on 08.08, you win!

Reset

• Press the Reset button to clear the timer to zero for another try.

Charging

• When the battery is low, plug in a USB-C cable to the TP4056 module.
• The module safely charges the 18650 battery and indicates charging status.

Assembly Guide (High-Level)

3D Printing

• Print each enclosure component from the provided .stl, .step, or .f3z files.

Mount the Electronics

• Screw the Arduino Uno onto the body part.
• Fit the 7-segment display in the top piece.
• Install the push buttons in the button supporter.

Wiring & Cable Management

• Arrange the 18650 battery → TP4056 → MT3608 → Arduino VIN chain.
• Connect the 7-segment display pins to the Arduino’s I/O pins.
• Wire up the Start/Stop and Reset buttons.
• Refer to the linked video for harnessing tips (at 01:45).

Enclosure Assembly

• Use screws and bolts to secure the top, bottom, and body parts.
• Ensure the on-off switch and button cutouts align properly.

Software (Arduino Code)

Timing

• Uses millis() or micros() in the main loop to track elapsed time.
• Updates the display in real time while the timer is active.

Display Control

• Depending on your wiring, you may need a direct pin manipulation approach or a helper library for 7-segment displays.

Button Handling

• Start/Stop toggles a Boolean variable controlling the timer.
• Reset zeroes out the time counter.

Winning Condition

• Compare the displayed time to a target (08.08).
• If it matches, trigger a success indicator (like blinking the display or adding a buzzer).

Files Provided

3D CAD Files (.stl, .step, .f3z)

• Enclosure parts: Top, Bottom, Body, Button Supporter

Arduino Code

• A commented sketch illustrating the button logic, timing, and 7-segment display management.

Customization & Future Ideas

• Microcontroller Alternatives: A smaller Arduino Nano could be used to reduce space.
• Enhanced Power Management: Integrate a voltage or current sensor to monitor battery life.
• Sound Effects: Add a buzzer for auditory feedback when you stop at 08.08.
• High-Score Memory: Store best times in EEPROM, displaying a “record” time.
• Wireless Connectivity: Use a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module to log scores externally.

Final Thoughts

With the MT3608 set to around 10V on the Arduino’s VIN, the onboard regulator provides a consistent 5V supply for the microcontroller and 7-segment display. Combine that with a neat 3D-printed enclosure and proper cable management, and you’ll have a robust, portable timing game that challenges your reflexes each time you press Start.

Happy Building, and Aim for that 08.08!

(this text made by AI according to my inputs, if any problems found please message me!)