Experience a Stunning New Version of Settlers of Catan!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Settlers of Catan?
3. Materials Needed
4. Designing the Board
   • Cutting the Wood
   • Cleaning the Board
   • Staining the Board
   • Adding Legs
5. Circuit Board Assembly
   • Testing the Circuit Boards
   • Gluing the Circuit Boards
   • Wiring and Soldering
6. Final Touches
   • Drilling Holes
   • Loading the Code
   • Testing the Board
7. Conclusion
8. Open-source and Support
9. Secret Surprise

Introduction

Welcome to the channel! In this video, we're going to embark on an exciting adventure of building the electronic version of Settlers of Catan board game. If you're a fan of board games like me, you're in for a treat. Whether you're familiar with Settlers of Catan or new to the game, we'll cover everything you need to know to create your own electronic version of this popular game. So let's dive in and get started!

What is Settlers of Catan?

Before we begin, let's quickly introduce Settlers of Catan for those who are unfamiliar. Settlers of Catan is a strategic board game where players compete to reach 10 points. Points are earned by building cities and settlements on different resources. The availability of these resources is determined by rolling dice. Now that we have a basic understanding of the game, let's move on to the materials we'll need for our electronic version.

Materials Needed

To build the electronic Settlers of Catan board, we'll need a few key materials. First and foremost, we'll require Baltic birch plywood, which will serve as the foundation of our board. Additionally, we'll need access to a shopbot CNC machine for precise cutting. Apart from the wood, we'll also need circuit boards, LEDs, wire, solder, glue, and some tools like a chisel, drill, and nail clipper. Once we have all the necessary materials, we can start designing our board.

Designing the Board

Cutting the Wood

To begin our project, we'll visit a lumber yard to purchase Baltic birch plywood. This high-quality wood will provide a sturdy and smooth surface for our board. With the wood in hand, we'll head to the makerspace where the shopbot CNC machine awaits. This machine will allow us to cut the wood with precision, ensuring the perfect dimensions for our Settlers of Catan board.

Cleaning the Board

After cutting the wood, we'll notice some rough edges and imperfections. To ensure a polished final product, we'll remove these imperfections using a chisel. This step may require a visit to a home depot to pick up the necessary tools. Once the board is clean and smooth, we can move on to the next step.

Staining the Board

While the board looks great, it may appear too light or lacks the distinct hexes and board-like appearance. To address this, we'll choose a darker wood stain to add depth and character. Applying the stain will enhance the visual appeal of the board, giving it a coffee table-like vibe. With the stain applied, our board is ready for the next phase.

Adding Legs

To elevate our Settlers of Catan board, we can consider adding legs. While not necessary, this additional project can enhance the overall experience. By attaching legs to the board, we create a more convenient and comfortable playing surface. Adding legs is a personal preference, so it's entirely up to you whether you want to include them or not.

Circuit Board Assembly

With the design and construction of the physical board complete, it's time to move on to the electronic components. The heart of our electronic Settlers of Catan board lies in the circuit boards. We'll start by testing each circuit board individually to ensure they function as intended. This step is crucial to prevent any issues during the final assembly.

Testing the Circuit Boards

To test the circuit boards, we'll power them up and verify that the LEDs activate and deactivate correctly. If any issues arise during the testing phase, we can troubleshoot and make the necessary adjustments before proceeding. Once we are confident that the circuit boards are in working order, we can proceed to the next step.

Gluing the Circuit Boards

To secure the circuit boards onto the wood board, we'll use glue. This step requires precision and care to ensure the circuit boards are aligned correctly. Once all the circuit boards are glued into place, there's no turning back, so it's essential to take extra caution during this process.

Wiring and Soldering

With the circuit boards securely in place, the next step is to connect the necessary wires and solder components. This step can be intricate, requiring attention to detail to ensure proper connections. By following the provided schematics and instructions, we can complete the wiring and soldering process methodically.

Final Touches

With the electronic components assembled, we're almost at the finish line. However, a few final touches are needed to complete our electronic Settlers of Catan board.

Drilling Holes

We need to drill holes for the power plug and the control button, allowing easy access to these essential elements. While drilling on carpet may present some challenges, we'll take the necessary precautions to ensure a successful outcome.

Loading the Code

Our board isn't complete without the code that will bring it to life. We'll load the necessary code onto the microcontroller, ensuring it functions correctly. This step will determine if our electronic Settlers of Catan board is fully operational.

Testing the Board

The moment of truth has arrived. It's time to power up our board and put it to the test. By pressing the control button, we'll roll the dice and observe if the LEDs accurately display the rolled number. If all goes according to plan, we'll have a functional electronic Settlers of Catan board ready for a game with friends.

Conclusion

Congratulations on building your very own electronic Settlers of Catan board! This project not only provides hours of entertainment but also showcases your creativity and technical skills. We hope you enjoy your new board and create memorable gaming experiences with friends and family. Remember, the possibilities with open-source projects like this are endless, so be sure to check out the provided links for future updates and exciting surprises.

Open-source and Support

Just like all of our projects, this electronic Settlers of Catan board is entirely open-source. You can find the complete details, code, and resources in the provided link in the description. We encourage you to explore and customize the project to your liking. If you enjoyed this project and would like to see more content like this, consider supporting us on our Patreon page. Your support helps us create more projects and bring them to you in the future.

Secret Surprise

We have a special surprise planned for this project! In a couple of weeks, we will release a short follow-up video with exciting updates and additions to the electronic Settlers of Catan board. Stay tuned, as we're confident you'll love what's in store. Thank you for watching, and remember, there's no better time to start making things than yesterday!

Highlights

• Build your own electronic Settlers of Catan board
• Explore the process of designing and constructing the board
• Learn about circuit board assembly and electronic component integration
• Enhance the visual appeal of the board with staining and optional leg addition
• Enjoy the thrill of creating a functional and interactive gaming experience

FAQ

Q: Can I customize the design of the Settlers of Catan board?

A: Absolutely! The open-source nature of this project allows you to customize various aspects of the board design, electronic components, and even the code. Feel free to make it uniquely yours!

Q: What if I encounter issues during the circuit board assembly?

A: If you encounter any issues during the assembly process, such as faulty LEDs or incorrect wiring, it's important to troubleshoot and make necessary adjustments before proceeding. Double-check the schematics and instructions to ensure proper connections.

Q: Do I need prior knowledge of coding to load the code onto the microcontroller?

A: Basic knowledge of programming and familiarity with microcontrollers can be helpful. However, the provided code and instructions aim to make the process as straightforward as possible. If you're new to coding, following the provided guidelines should allow you to load the code successfully.

Q: Can I add additional features or functionalities to the board?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment and add additional features or functionalities to your electronic Settlers of Catan board. Let your creativity run wild and create a personalized gaming experience.

Q: Are there any future updates or surprises planned for this project?

A: Yes, there are! We have a secret surprise planned for this project, and we'll be releasing a follow-up video in a couple of weeks. Make sure to stay tuned for exciting updates and additions to the electronic Settlers of Catan board.