Project kick off of ChessLR electronic chessboard

Table of Contents

ChessLR page
Intro (this page)
Proof of concept
Parts order
MCP23017 over I2C
Prototype board
Board software
Touch display
3x3 Interface board
Power panel print test
Nut box
ChessLR vs Radio Shack 1850
Bust a Move
Photo Tour
C++ Software Revamp

Intro

The chess eboards on the market that will do what we are trying here cost in the range of $800-1000 for the board, pieces and clock. This project aims to make a board that is inexpensive, but will still allow you to play naturally. By that I mean, you don't have to press down on the square, or do anything special other then pick the piece up and place it down on the target square. When a clock is being used, you will also be able to press the clock button to signal your turn is over.

Rob found some reed switches on amazon and is working on a proof of concept using the switches. I have started working on a simulator board, so I can make a nice GUI interface. I'll be using Java, and Rob was thinking of using Python to program the timer and such. I don't think Python will be good for building the GUI though.