RasPiCube

A Raspberry Pi-powered Rubik's Cube Timer

NOTE: The image shows (simulated on Wokwi) demo powered by a Raspberry Pi Pico

Why I Made This Project

Honestly, I just wanted a cool timer for solving Rubik’s Cubes—something I could build myself, mess with, and show off to friends at school. The ones you can buy are fine, but making my own with a Raspberry Pi felt way more fun (and gave me an excuse to tinker with hardware and code). Now I’ve got a timer that does exactly what I want (although there are a few bugs to fix, and some features yet-to-be-implemented), and I learned a ton making it!! And it's portable, too! :)

Overview

RasPiCube is a portable, Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W(H)-powered Rubik's Cube timer and scramble generator. This DIY project combines a high-resolution (320x240, pretty high) display, 7-segment timer, touch sensor input, and RGB status indicators to create a timing solution for cubers like myself.

Features

• Scramble Generation: Automatically generates random, valid 3x3 Rubik's Cube scrambles
• Dual Display System:
  • 2-inch IPS LCD Display (240×320) for scramble and statistics
  • 6-digit 7-segment display for precise timing readout (3d.p.)
• Touch Sensor Input: Capacitive touch controls for a competition-like solving experience
• Visual Status Indicators: RGB LED provides clear visual feedback of the project's status
• Statistics: Calculates and displays session averages (ao5, ao12)
• Battery Powered: Portable with a 18650 lithium-ion battery

Case (just a box for now. will modify it after getting the parts and done some measurements)

Circuit diagram (in ASCII; it's bad, I know)

I couldn't find footprints/symbols for most of the parts I am using. Sooo. diagram here

What it will end up looking like

Note: this is a picture taken in Wokwi simulator, with a very early version of this project that (barely) runs on the Raspberry Pi Pico.

Hardware Components

For a complete list of components and estimated prices, please see BOM.md.

What’s What (What Each File/Folder Is For)

• .gitignore — Tells git which files/folders to ignore (so junk/config and cache files don’t get tracked).
• BOM/ — Bill of Materials! All the parts I need and some prices. See this for shopping. (required by Highway)
• CAD/ — 3D model files for the timer’s case. Print or edit them if you want to make/modify the enclosure.
  • RasPiCube_Case.step — The actual 3D model of the case.
• DIAGRAM/ — Circuit diagrams and wiring info.
  • diagram.txt — Text version of the wiring/circuit diagram. (bc I couldn't find footprints/symbols for most of the parts I am using)
• JOURNAL.md — My build log, notes, and what worked/didn’t along the way.
• LICENSE — Legal stuff (open source license details).
• README.md — You’re reading it rn! All the info about the project.
• pi02w-rubiks.py — The main code that runs the timer and scramble generator on the RPi Zero 2 W.
• proofOfConcept/ — Early test code and experiments before the main build. These can run on any OS with Python 3 installed. No special hardware needed.
  • basic_scramble_3x3.py — Simple script to generate 3x3 scrambles (terminal version).
  • rubiks_terminal.py — Terminal-based prototype timer/scrambler.

Circuit Diagram

See diagram.txt.