Introduction
Not every home lab project needs to involve servers, virtual machines or complex infrastructure.
Sometimes the most enjoyable projects are the ones that solve a simple problem in a custom way.
The Dart Scoreboard project started with the idea of creating a dedicated display that could show scores and information in a clean, modern interface.
By combining Raspberry Pi hardware with web technologies, the project became a fully custom display system.
The Idea
The goal was to create a scoreboard that was:
- Easy to read
- Customisable
- Always available
- Simple to update
- Built using familiar technologies
Rather than using a dedicated commercial solution, the project uses hardware and software already available within the Realm Labs ecosystem.
The Hardware
A Raspberry Pi provides the platform for the display.
The Pi is ideal for projects like this because it provides:
- Small form factor
- Low power usage
- Network connectivity
- Ability to run custom software
It can operate continuously without needing a full desktop computer.
Building the Interface
The scoreboard uses standard web technologies:
- HTML for structure
- CSS for styling
- JavaScript for functionality
This approach makes the interface flexible and easy to modify.
A web-based interface also means the project can evolve over time without rebuilding the entire system.
Hosting and Connectivity
The scoreboard integrates with the wider home lab environment.
It can use:
- Local network access
- Web hosting
- Shared resources
- Automation triggers
This allows the display to become another connected device rather than an isolated project.
Why Use Web Technologies?
Using HTML, CSS and JavaScript provides several advantages:
- Easy design changes
- Simple troubleshooting
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Future expansion possibilities
The same skills used to build a website can also be used to create physical interfaces.
Future Possibilities
The scoreboard could be expanded with:
- Automatic score updates
- Touch controls
- Voice integration
- Player statistics
- Home Assistant integration
- Custom animations
The project provides a foundation for future experimentation.
Lessons Learned
Small projects often provide the best learning opportunities.
This project combines several different areas:
- Hardware
- Programming
- User interface design
- Networking
- Automation
It demonstrates that a home lab is not just about running services — it is about creating things.
Conclusion
The Dart Scoreboard project represents the creative side of Realm Labs.
By combining affordable hardware with simple web technologies, a basic idea can become a fully customised connected device.
The best home lab projects are often the ones that are built simply because they are interesting.