Dart Board question

[reko19]

Hi everyone. I am planning my next project and thinking about a dart board, the subject I don't know much about.  I tried searching completed projects forum, but did not come across anything interesting.  I want to try something similar to the board we played in one of the bars in Chicago, shown on the attached pic.  Any recommendations, info on the previous builds, etc. would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[reko19]

looks like it is manufactured by Sega, not sure if anyone tried building something similar at home:

https://segaarcade.com/games/interactive-darts

[Nephasth]

There are few companies that offer self scoring steel tip set ups. Dartsee and Fido Darts are a couple. However, they're more for a commercial setting and are quite expensive for a home user. When I first checked with Dartsee several years ago, they wanted something like $9k just to get a foot in the door. Fido Darts was cheaper at around $1500-$2000, but they're based out of Korea and again, are only interested in dealing with a commercial business.

Scolia offers a home system starting at just over a grand, it's been improved upon over the years and is gaining popularity (mainly in europe).

If you're dead set on steel tip, the most popular at home option that allows for online play is DartConnect. Membership is only $24 a year. It can be ran on most tablets, phones, and computers. Many leagues use DartConnect for scoring. However, it is not auto-scoring. You have to enter your scores manually each round.

If you're open to soft tip, Granboard is the most popular at home board with online capability. It's got the "fun games" that are anything but traditional darts, but also allows you to play against real humans online. The board runs around $300. You'll need a tablet to run the app. Last time I played, the app was free to use. Some "companies" offer Granboards built into cabinets... DIY is always cheaper.

[pbj]

Cotton candy and red wine?   

[RandyT]

There's a DIY or two out there, but no idea how well they work.  There's only so many ways to skin this cat, so the triangulated cameras thing will be a common theme.  Everything after that is going to be how well the image processing is done.  If I ever saw something which screamed "use Machine Learning and AI", it's this.

Here's a couple to check out:

DartIt

AutoDarts

But I would (and did) go for a quality soft-tip setup.  The boards and software integration for these have become much nicer over the years, so long as you don't go too cheap. I look at soft-tip boards like I do billiard tables.  Once you hit the level of slate bed, you'll likely have a good gaming experience.  There's a similar level of quality one needs to start at with soft-tip dart boards for the same to happen.  After that, it's usually aesthetic, convenience or play options. 

[ericball]

If you're not already a dart enthusiast I'd recommend starting with a decent dartboard (e.g. Winmau Blade 5 or 6) and a big surround (e.g. Viper Defender III) and some decent high tungsten darts.  Make sure you have a good space to set up the dartboard where you won't mind if you miss or get a bounce back.

But more important - find a friendly league to join.  I play Friday nights at the local Canadian Legion (open to all, not just veterans).  3-5 players on a team randomized each week, 1001 flying start.  (You do not want to double in until you're regularly doubling out.)  It's all in fun with great support from the other players. 

Practice at home.  Start by aiming for the bullseye until you're getting all three inside the triple ring.  Then start aiming for the triple 20 or triple 19 and doubles.  While the game is about the score, your focus should be on accuracy and consistency.

[reko19]

Thank you for the replies. I did a bit of pocking around and found few online resources including 3D print files for the surround, etc.  I will open a new thread in the project  announcements once I start working on it.