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DJ Harrigan’s Magic GIF Ball replaces the familiar Magic 8-Ball’s printed fortunes with animated GIFs on a small screen. The Raspberry Pi-powered DIY build responds to a shake, which Hackaday reported is detected by a spring-based tilt switch.
What the Magic GIF Ball does
The idea keeps the classic interaction: ask a question, shake the ball, and wait for an answer. Instead of a printed response appearing in a window, this build displays a GIF. Hackaday’s May 6, 2021 report describes a Raspberry Pi 3 and a 240×240 IPS LCD inside a snap-together shell.
The element14 project page, “Magic GIF Ball Powered By Raspberry Pi — Episode 495,” identifies the builder as DJ Harrigan. Its parts list specifies a Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+ and a 1.3-inch, 240×240-pixel ST7789 IPS LCD. The two sources describe the Pi at different levels of specificity: Hackaday says Raspberry Pi 3, while the element14 list names the Model A+.
Parts named in the project
The element14 page lists these components and materials:
#1 Best Overall
- The original Magic 8 Ball novelty toy has all the answers to your deepest questions!
- After asking the ball a yes or no question, turn the toy upside-down and wait for an answer to be revealed through the window.
- The replies may 'point to yes,' 'very doubtful' or 'reply hazy, try again,' but the outlook is always good for fun!
- Solving life's dilemmas since 1950, it's the fastest way to seek advice -- this retro look with colorful stripes on the box highlights its years of experience!
- The full-of-answers Magic 8 Ball makes a toy that keeps giving with advice and giggles for friends, families and colleagues!
- Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+
- 1.3-inch, 240×240-pixel ST7789 IPS LCD
- PowerBoost 1000
- 1800 mAh lithium-ion battery
- Adafruit pushbutton power switch
- Tactile switch
- PLA filament for the enclosure
These are the parts named on the project page, not a verified current shopping list. Check dimensions and electrical compatibility, and inspect the project resources, before treating another component as a drop-in replacement.
How the shake input works
Hackaday reports that the ball uses a DIY spring-based tilt switch to detect shaking. The available descriptions establish the physical input and GIF-based output, but do not document the complete software path for selecting or rendering a GIF. They are not enough to reproduce the wiring and code as a reliable step-by-step build.
Rank #2
- Timeless Fortune-Telling Fun: Discover the magic of the Mystic 8 Ball! Ask a question, shake it, and reveal the wisdom of fate with its playful, mysterious answers.
- 20 Mystical Responses: Seeking advice, clarity, or a laugh? The Mystic 8 Ball picks one of 20 unique answers each time to spark curiosity and conversation.
- Iconic Design & Nostalgia: Featuring its classic black 8-ball design and a floating answer window, this retro favorite brings instant fun and endless entertainment.
- Simple, Fun, and Addictive: Just ask, shake, and turn! The Mystic 8 Ball’s intriguing answers keep you coming back for more, making it perfect for every curious mind.
- A Unique Gift for Any Occasion: From birthdays and parties to Halloween and Christmas, the Mystic 8 Ball is a fun, nostalgic present for all ages.
Where to look for code and build files
The element14 project page includes a downloadable MagicGIFBall_Resources.zip attachment, and Hackaday directs readers to the project site for files. A project-page commenter says they found Python and STL files in the resource package. That does not establish that the package contains a complete build manual or a clear wiring diagram: commenters also ask where to find those items and more detailed instructions.
If you want to recreate the build, start with the element14 project page and inspect the attachment’s contents. Confirm that the files provide the wiring, code, and fabrication details you need before buying parts or assembling the device. The project’s parts list is useful as a starting point, but the cited descriptions alone do not provide enough detail to guide a complete assembly.
Rank #3
- The classic Magic 8 Ball for fans of the fortune-telling sphere.
- Ask a "yes" or "no" question, then turn it over to see the answer!
- Brilliant ruby-red color celebrates Mattel's 80th anniversary.
- Features the classic phrases that have been solving life's Dilemmas since 1950!
- Designed for ages 6 years and older, the collectible novelty toy makes a great gift for fans of Magic 8 Ball.
What the project demonstrates—and what it does not
The documented choices show one way to combine a Raspberry Pi, a small square display, a shake sensor, battery power, and a printed enclosure for a playful fortune-telling gadget. The sources describe a maker project; they do not compare alternative components or establish that these choices are the best ones. Nor do they report a performance benchmark or verify current component availability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Magic 8 Ball interaction now comes inside an Easter Egg!
- The classic replies are all specially designed with an Easter theme!
- The beautiful Magic 8 Ball Easter Egg is colorful and glittery.
- The fortune-telling toy also features a secret compartment for hiding a holiday treat (not included).
- Makes a great toy to enhance spring celebrations for kids ages 6 years and older!
Rank #4
- The Original Magic 8 Ball Novelty Toy Has All The Answers To Your Deepest Questions!
- After “Asking The Ball” A Yes Or No Question, Turn The Toy Upside-Down And Wait For Your Answer To Be Revealed Through The Window.
- Answers Range From Positive (“It Is Certain”) To Negative (“Don’t Count On It”) To Neutral (“Ask Again Later”)
- It’s The Fastest Way To Seek Advice!
- Includes 1 Magic 8 Ball Novelty Toy.
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