I'm looking for help on a fun project for family trivia nights. We usually want to have a buzzer system so everyone can buzz in to answer questions. We've tried apps, but there's always lag, and it can be chaotic. Sound buzzers haven't helped either since my family's loud voices drown them out, leading to disputes over who pressed their buzzer first. I initially considered using an Arduino but think that's more than I need. I'm trying to figure out what to call this type of project so I can do some research. Is it just electronics or circuitry? Any resources or tips would be greatly appreciated as I'd like to learn more and get started!
3 Answers
What you're trying to create is often called a quiz game buzzer system. You can actually find a bunch of these for sale online, but if you're keen on DIY, it's a cool project to tackle with an Arduino. It lets you customize everything and avoid any of the delays from apps.
If you want a solid buzzer that’s hard to ignore, go for a mechanical or electromagnetic buzzer rather than just a piezo. Pair it with some indicator LEDs that light up when someone presses their button, and maybe even 3D-print a custom box for the whole setup. That way, you get to use old network cables to wire everything up, keeping it neat!
Good tip! Those mechanical buzzers are super effective and won't get lost in the noise. Plus, the LED indicators will make it clear who buzzed in first!
Using an Arduino is a smart choice! You just need to set up a simple circuit with buttons, a speaker, and some LEDs. A little coding will help you manage how the system behaves when someone buzzes in. It's a fun way to learn about electronics while creating something practical!
Yeah, definitely DIY is the way to go if you want full control without breaking the bank. Just start with an Arduino and some buttons, and you can build something really awesome!