New Objects

Converted mcptest.py code to a new class, added Chess_Hardware.py to test new class.  Work started on code to test if a piece has moved on the board.

Chess_Hardware.py

#Hardware Test Program
import McpBoard
from time import sleep
theBoard = McpBoard.McpChessBoard()
#print theBoard.scanMCPBoard()
theBoard.ledAllOff()
#theBoard.ledMCPBoard('c1',True)
while True:
  theBoard.storeMCPBoard()
  print "stored"
  sleep(3)
  currentList = theBoard.scanMCPBoard()
  theBoard.compareMCPBoard(currentList)
  print "wait"
  sleep(3) 

It works!

Short video showing the mcptest.py in action, code added to software page

So far...

I'm currently updating this blog with the work I have done so far;

• Basic chess engine communication 
• 3x3 matrix for the LEDs and reed switches
• Software to control the matrix
• Converting breadboard to http://fritzing.org/

The beginnings

Things you need to know to build a chess computer

• What chess engine - Stockfish seems to be a good choice
• How to communicate with Stockfish - UCI protocol is the way to go
• What language to program in on the Pi - Has to be Python
• Setting up your development area - Try using a FUZE
• Adding more I/O pins to the Raspberry Pi - Microchip MCP23017
• Learn how to build a keyboard matrix
• Learn how to light 64 LEDs
• Building the hardware for the chess board
• Reed switch operation

I have purchased most items I need to start the development build using ebay.  You can buy reed switches, magnets and components such as resistors and LEDs at a very reasonable cost.

Sharing my idea

Welcome to my blog on building a Chess Computer.  I hope to add information on building a Raspberry Pi powered chess computer.

The inspiration for this project came from wanting to play more chess but on a larger board.  I currently own a chess computer from the 1900's but the board is a little small and it's functionality limited.
I looked around for other chess computers, most larger sets are not in my budget!  So a quick Google reviled that using a Raspberry Pi to play chess is possible, yes someone has already done it before!

I found the following website to be very helpful, so I would suggest start with a quick look at it and it's links page.