Build a big crane game using Arduino

How to build a whole room crane game.  Based on the arcade style ‘Crane Game’ or ‘Claw Machine’.  This is a continuation of a previus instructable titled CRANE GAME in which we built a 2-axis crane game in a door frame.  We have now added a third axis and wireless control.  And made it big.
Arduino big crane game
A few technical and functional improvements:

  • Less wires – controllers and batteries move with the motors and are signaled with IR light.
  • Precision not needed – I was able to set-up a 8x10ft track without measuring anything
  • Reproducible – used standard parts, used the same components in many spots
  • Expandable – use longer tracks to make it bigger – track cost is about 50cents a foot.
  • Removable – hangs from the ceiling by 4 small hooks
  • Future?  Could be used as basis for a big 3D printer

Overview

  1. Materials
  2. Frame
  3. X-Axis Mechanical
  4. Y-Axis Mechanical
  5. Z-Axis Mechanical
  6. X-Axis Electronics
  7. Y-Axis Electronics
  8. Z-Axis Electronics
  9. IR Control Overview
  10. IR Receive Circuit
  11. IR Transmitter (TV remote)
  12. IR Decode Process
  13. X-Axis Control Code
  14. Y/Z – Axis Control Code
  15. What’s next?
  16. Complete Wiring
  17. Complete Code

note: this still has some holes in it, feel free to ask for stuff

Step 1: Materials

Materials:
6 –  8′ J channel
7 – Big continous servo motors  — HobbyPartz  — EXI-Servo-B1226
1 – Roll of electrical tape
2 – Arduino UNO boards
3 – Small peices of perferatored board
2 – IR de-modulator
1 – Universal TV remote control
1 – 25′ coiled phone chord
1 – 15′ straight phone chord
1 – Roll packing tape
1 – Pre-made claw with servo  — Spark Fun ROB-10332
2 – 4 AA battery packs, rechargeable
6 – screw hooks
3 – Peice plywood – 2×6″ each
1 – roll metal plumbers strap

Tools:
– Drill
– Computer
– Soldering iron

Step 2: Frame

Frame:

X-Axis –

-The X-Axis consists of 2 parrallel tracks mounted to the ceiling about 9′ appart

Y-Axis

-One track that is supported on either end by the Y-Axis

To Make the Tracks:

– Place 2 J channels back-to-back
– Run a peice of clear tape down the top seam, and fold over
– Run a second peice of tape along the bottom

Using 6 peices of J channel, make 3 tracks

Hang X-axis

-Put 2 screw hooks in the ceiling, one at each end of the expected X tracks
-Cut 4 peices of plumbers strap, about 6 inches long
-Thread the peice of plumbers strap towards the end of each track
-Bend the plumbers strap, like an L, so that it will hold up the track
-Hang the other end of the plumbers strap on the hooks on the ceiling
-Adjust as needed

Prepare Y-axis

-The Y axis will be suspended from the motorized carriages on the X-axis
-For now, cut 2 more pieces of plumbers strap and thread through each end of Y-axis
Schematic Arduino big crane game

Step 3: X – Axis Mechanical

X-Axis Mechanica
The X axis has 2 motorized carrages

Modify servos for continous rotation
-Take the 4 screws out of the fron of the motor
-Take off the smaller part of the plastic shell
-Disassemble gears
-There is a small white disk around the shaft of the potentioometer
-Remove the smal white disk
-Re-assemble

Make plywood base
– Cut 2 pecised of 1/4 ply (used MDF) to 3×6″
– Drill/cut 2 slots in each peice – 1/4″ wide, 2inch long, and 3.5″ apart [CHECK THIS]

Attach Servos
-Attach a large wheel to the servo, use a screw
-Wrap wheel with something for friction (used this sticky foam)
-Put the servo Bracket in the slot
-Wrap servo and base with electrical tape to secure
-Repeat with the second servo
-When done, weels should be a little less than 1/8″ appart (3/32″ ?)

Hang the assembled carraiges, one on each X axis

Put an eye-hook on the bottom of each platform

Hange the Y-axis track from these hooks using plumbers strap

 [box color=”#985D00″ bg=”#FFF8CB” font=”verdana” fontsize=”14 ” radius=”20 ” border=”#985D12″ float=”right” head=”Major Components in Project” headbg=”#FFEB70″ headcolor=”#985D00″]6 –  8′ J channel
7 – Big continous servo motors  — HobbyPartz  — EXI-Servo-B1226
1 – Roll of electrical tape
2 – Arduino UNO boards
3 – Small peices of perferatored board
2 – IR de-modulator
1 – Universal TV remote control
1 – 25′ coiled phone chord
1 – 15′ straight phone chord
1 – Roll packing tape
1 – Pre-made claw with servo  — Spark Fun ROB-10332
2 – 4 AA battery packs, rechargeable
6 – screw hooks
3 – Peice plywood – 2×6″ each
1 – roll metal plumbers strap[/box]

 

For more detail: Build a big crane game using Arduino


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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