WAGNER ENGINEERING • SOCIAL IMPACT
Hoops for Hope — Tondo, Manila
WAGNER ENGINEERING • SOCIAL IMPACT
Hoops for Hope — Tondo, Manila
Community-powered basketball meets open-source engineering. We build auto-scoring hoops, wireless scoreboards, and a day of joy for kids in Tondo. In the heart of Tondo, Manila, the familiar sound of a basketball hitting pavement is more than just a game—it's the rhythm of the community. With Hoops for Hope, we're tapping into that rhythm, blending the neighborhood's passion for basketball with the limitless potential of open-source technology. Tondo is a community brimming with energy, resilience, and talent. Yet, opportunities for constructive play and hands-on technological learning can be scarce. We saw a chance to address both—to create a space where kids could not only play but also see firsthand how technology can create moments of magic and solve real-world problems.
What we build
Auto-scoring hoop
Rim sensors detect makes and sync to the scoreboard instantly.
Wireless scoreboard
NRF24L01 radios keep everything responsive in noisy environments.
Rugged & open
Designed for rough play, documented parts list, and open licenses.
How it works
Assemble
3D-printed mounts, sensors, and Arduino core go onto the rim/backboard.
Link up
Wireless modules pair hoop → scoreboard, power check & range test.
Game on
Teams run short games; auto scoring + timer keeps play moving.
Celebrate
Wrap with Jollibee meals, awards, and a quick STEM show-and-tell.
🦊 Open-source project
FAQ
Is it safe for rough outdoor use?
Yes. The hoop sensors are mounted in protective brackets, and the LED board sits in a rugged enclosure with weather-resistant seals.
Can local schools or barangays adopt this?
Absolutely. Everything is open-source, with a low-cost BOM and printable instructions for local maintainers.
What's included in a kit?
Arduino microcontroller, sensor + mount, NRF24L01 radios, LED panel + driver, power, fasteners, and laminated quick-start guides.
How do I contribute as an engineer?
Open a PR on GitHub or reach out by email. Hardware, firmware, and UI issues are labeled good-first-issue.
✨ Roadmap
- Hardware v1 demo in Tondo
- Add scoreboard timer & foul tracking
- Pilot at 2 additional courts
- Add solar battery pack option
- Ruggedize enclosure
- Publish bilingual docs (EN/Tagalog)
- 10 kits deployed
- Local volunteer maintainer network
Contact Us
If you would like to sponsor, donate or volunteer fill out the form.