Automatic Dart Scoring Systems: A Guide

Tired of doing darts math? An automatic scoring system can transform your practice sessions and home games, letting you focus on throwing, not calculating. This guide covers the top options available, primarily focusing on steel-tip dartboards, while also acknowledging other types.

How Do They Work?

Most modern automatic scoring systems leverage advanced technology, primarily computer vision. Cameras strategically mounted around the dartboard track where your darts land, instantly calculating the score with high accuracy. Some systems integrate this technology directly into a "smart" dartboard, while others are add-ons for your existing bristle board.

Crucial Note on Lighting: For any computer vision system to work accurately, proper lighting is paramount. Shadows can significantly impact dart detection and scoring precision. We highly recommend reviewing our comprehensive Dartboard Lighting System Review to ensure your setup is optimized.

Types of Automatic Scoring Systems

Automatic scoring systems generally fall into a few categories, each with its own advantages and considerations.

1. Camera-Based Add-ons (for Traditional Bristle Dartboards)

These systems are designed to work with your existing steel-tip dartboard, using external cameras to detect dart placements.

• Target Darts Omni:

  • Features: This system features a dartboard light ring equipped with bright white LED lights and four HD precision cameras. It monitors darts as they hit the board, calculating scores with high accuracy in less than a second. The Omni integrates seamlessly with the DartCounter App, offering detailed tracking, finish calculations, and access to an online darting community for live games. It comes with 3 months free of DartCounter.
  • Pricing: The Target Omni system is an upfront hardware purchase. After the initial 3-month free trial, the DartCounter "Ultimate" subscription costs approximately €4.99 EUR per month or €34.99 EUR per year for continued access to premium features.

• Scolia Home 2:

  • Features: Considered the gold standard in terms of accuracy and gameplay, the Scolia consistently ranks at the top for serious dart players. Its advanced camera system and sophisticated algorithm register throws with near-perfect accuracy, providing real-time score announcements, checkout suggestions, and heatmaps of your game. Scolia supports standard-sized dartboards with traditional white metal number rings. They also offer Pro versions for venues.
  • Pricing & Model: Scolia offers two main models:
    • Scolia Home/Pro Systems: These typically involve a higher upfront cost (e.g., around $1,000 - $2,300 USD for Home/Pro systems) but generally do not require a subscription for unlimited use of all functionalities.
    • Scolia Home Flex Systems: These are designed to be more affordable upfront (e.g., around $750 USD) but require a monthly or annual subscription for unlimited access to the Scolia app and its features. A free plan allows up to 1,000 darts per month, after which a subscription (e.g., €8.95 - €11.95 per month depending on billing cycle) is needed for unlimited play.

• Autodarts:

  • Features: This system offers a free automatic dart scoring software that works with a "Vision Kit," which involves replacing LED ring feet with camera mounts. It boasts over 99% accuracy in detecting dart scores and positions, supports all dartboards, and includes features like statistics tracking and online tournaments. This is often a more community-driven, DIY solution.
  • Pricing: The software is free, but users need to purchase or build their own "Vision Kit" hardware, making it a potentially very cost-effective option for those comfortable with a DIY approach.

• Dartsmind:

  • Features: An app-based solution that uses a phone's camera for auto-scoring. It offers a convenient way to get started with automatic scoring using hardware you likely already own.
  • Pricing: Typically operates on a subscription model for its auto-scoring and online play features.

2. Smart Dartboards (Integrated Scoring)

These dartboards come with the automatic scoring technology built directly into the board itself. While many popular smart boards are for soft-tip darts, bristle (steel-tip) versions are also available.

• Prodigy Automatic Scoring Bristle Dartboard System:

  • Features: Dubbed a "smart dartboard," it features patent-pending bi-ocular dart recognition technology combined with custom location algorithms for high accuracy. It includes a 360-degree LED lighting system to eliminate shadows and a dedicated app for scoring, player profiles, game history, and statistics.
  • Pricing: Generally a mid-to-high range investment for a complete system.

• GRANBOARD3s Bluetooth Electronic Dartboard:

  • Features: While we primarily focus on steel-tip darts, the Granboard series, like the GRANBOARD3s, comes highly rated for players who enjoy soft-tip darts. These boards connect to smartphones via Bluetooth and offer a free, user-friendly app with many games and online play options, making them a great choice for home or arcades for soft-tip enthusiasts.
  • Pricing: Varies significantly depending on the model and whether it's a soft-tip or bristle version.

3. Venue-Specific Systems

These systems are designed for commercial use in dart halls, bars, or entertainment venues, offering robust features and often a more interactive experience.

• Dartsee:
  • Features: An interactive system that uses state-of-the-art computer vision technology and cameras to detect the precise location of darts. It comes with pre-programmed games, adjustable difficulty settings, and a game controller interface that runs on a tablet. It's built for high usage and offers a professional, engaging experience.
  • Pricing & Model: Dartsee is a significant investment, typically costing €2,200 to €2,800 for the initial setup (including the Dartsee ring, computer, cameras, LED halo, and a dartboard). Additionally, it requires a recurring monthly license fee of €300, which covers 24/7 technical support, software updates, and access to new features. This model is geared towards venues generating revenue from the system.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

• Dartboard Type: Ensure the system is compatible with your steel-tip dartboard (if using an add-on) or choose a smart bristle board if you prefer an integrated solution.
• Accuracy: Look for systems with high accuracy ratings to avoid manual corrections.
• Budget: Costs range from DIY solutions to premium hardware with or without subscriptions.
• Ease of Setup & Use: Consider how complex the installation is and how user-friendly the accompanying app or interface is.
• Features: Do you need advanced statistics, online play, or just basic scoring?
• Home vs. Venue: Venue systems like Dartsee are robust but come with a commercial price tag and recurring fees.

Conclusion

Automatic dart scoring systems offer a fantastic way to elevate your darting experience. Whether you opt for a camera-based add-on like Scolia or Target Omni, a smart dartboard, or even a DIY solution like Autodarts, the right system can provide invaluable insights into your game, enhance practice, and make playing more enjoyable. Carefully consider your needs, budget, and desired features to find the perfect system to help you never miss a point again.