Introduction: HOMEMADE CLAW MACHINE
This is the second and new Version of my Claw Machine (Old Version)
As I announced in my first Version, the "new" Machine will be painted and setted up with an Arduino.
Step 1: Part List
These are the most important parts I bought for the Claw Machine V2:
Arduino MEGA, 2x 8 Arduino Relays, Mp3 module, accessories like cables and resistors
Wood colour grey, yellow, green, black
Claw Machine Assembly / Gantry
Step 2: Joystick Keypad
I built the keypad out of OSB-wood and I drilled some holes for the Speaker. Then I painted it and prepared the cables.
Step 3: Painting the Machine
I had some ideas for the Color design so I first tried it out in google sketchup.
Step 4: New Gantry Assembly
As I used LEGO in my last machine for the Gantry, I now buyed a cheap one of a German Arcade shop.
I rewired the whole Assembly for my purposes and added a Printer Port cable for easy plug and unplug. Watch the pictures to get yourselfes inspired.
̶i̶̶ ̶̶a̶̶m̶̶ ̶̶s̶̶e̶̶l̶̶l̶̶i̶̶n̶̶g̶̶ ̶̶m̶̶y̶̶ ̶̶o̶̶l̶̶d̶̶ ̶̶c̶̶l̶̶a̶̶w̶̶!̶̶ ̶̶i̶̶f̶̶ ̶̶y̶̶o̶̶u̶̶ ̶̶a̶̶r̶̶e̶̶ ̶̶i̶̶n̶̶t̶̶e̶̶r̶̶e̶̶s̶̶t̶̶e̶̶d̶̶,̶̶ ̶̶w̶̶r̶̶i̶̶t̶̶e̶̶ ̶̶m̶̶e̶̶ ̶̶a̶̶ ̶̶p̶̶r̶̶i̶̶v̶̶a̶̶t̶̶e̶̶ ̶̶m̶̶e̶̶s̶̶s̶̶a̶̶g̶̶e̶̶.̶ SOLD!
Step 5: Assemble the Gantry
In the Pictures you can see the assembled Claw Gantry and the Field for the Prices. There is a Printer Cable for easy plug and unplug the whole Gantry.
Now I tested the Motors of the Gantry, because it was selled as "not tested". But as you can see in the Video, e.g the up/down motor works, as well as the X and Y motor.
Step 6: Electronics
The most difficult part of this project is the programming. In the pictures you can see a few impressions of the Arduino setup. The PDF file is the Logic program that runs on the Arduino. All in all it is about 350 lines of code.
Attachments
Step 7: Play With the Claw Machine
So here it is: The finished Claw Machine, now also with Plexi glass. I also uploaded a Video on YouTube which you can watch here.
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epilogue
As easy as it sounds to build his own, realistic and working Claw Machine, we had really a lot of Problems that had to be solved, and the whole Project startet one and a half years ago. So if you are also trying to build your own crane machine, do not lose patience and keep working on it until it is as amazing as this one :)
Special thanks to CS for doing the whole programming and helping me to finish this project!
27 Comments
Question 1 year ago
For a person who is new at this type of stuff, could you tell me the specific names of the items you used to make this?
Question 3 years ago
where did u get our pexeglas?
Question 3 years ago
I working on a client machine and I am using an Arduino. And my claw needs 45v so I am using a MOSFET but I am unable to get my MOSFET to work properly
Answer 3 years ago
I am using Relays instead of MOSFETs, maybe you try to use relays, too
Reply 3 years ago
thax for the fed back
Reply 3 years ago
seeing haw i am mor macanicl this has ben a llot of help
Question 5 years ago on Step 5
Hammer Projekt. Du meintest du hast die Sachen von einem deutschen Händler gekauft... hast du vlt nen link zum Shop
Answer 5 years ago
Ja die "Laufkatze" hab ich von Alpha electronic gekauft, die haben immer wieder so Automaten Einzelteile. Wenn es dich interessiert, Schau auch meine neue Version von dem Greifautomaten an:
https://www.instructables.com/id/AWESOME-HOMEMADE-CLAW-MACHINE/
LG
5 years ago
Let's go to stodoys website, if you want to learn how to build it yourself.
6 years ago
Nice. But why using more than 1 relay module. 6 relays are enough, I suppose: 2 for each of three motors.
A question, What is the used power voltage for the motors?
Reply 6 years ago
I am using two relay cards because i also built in a light relay and a relay for a bell. And 1 relay already broke because i used it with 48 instead of max 30 volts. So now i have enough relays left and do not have to replace one. :)
I run the motors with 48V.
Reply 6 years ago
Think you for the response.
But, I don't understand : you run the motors with 48V and the relays can't support more than 30V. I thought each motor is driven with 2 relays for direction inversion. Are you controlling motors with something else.
Reply 6 years ago
You are basically right, it is a bit complicated. For each motor I have another two relays (with more capacity), which are switched on and of by each two arduino relays.
6 years ago
Really love the machine, looks like a lot of fun to use.
Reply 6 years ago
yes, it definitely is! Now, it also has Plexi glas.
6 years ago
I have all the parts to build one except the cabinet
Reply 6 years ago
Just follow the steps of my first claw machine project, it is basically very easy to built.
6 years ago
where can you find the Gantry Assembly ?
Reply 6 years ago
There are a lot of traders, eg:
http://bit.do/gantry1, http://bit.do/gantrykit,
i got my gantry from a german trader for arcade parts.
6 years ago
If interested I have all the parts from a Big Choice claw machine. Just build a cabinet install parts and plug and play, no need to program. not2high2fly@optimum.net