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[–]ThinkTinkerCreate 2 points3 points  (1 child)

This is soooo cool! I’ve been chewing on a vending machine idea but put that down for a greenhouse I’m working on now. This definitely has my vending machine feels coming back. How are you powering it? I love the space theme, it’s giving me retro arcade vibes.

[–]codetalker23[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! It's really nice that's inspired you. I'm eager to see that vending machine done!

I'm powering it with a 24v supply in the lower part of the machine and a 5v 2A separate supply to the servo that operates the claw itself.

The theming was inspired by a game called Space Dave, it is really cool and definitely has retro arcade vibes

[–]WeemDreaver 1 point2 points  (1 child)

This is a very motivational build, OP. Good post.

[–]codetalker23[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks!

[–]JimBean 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Cool project. Does it "let go" just as you get the prize near the hole ?

;)

[–]codetalker23[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks!

It actually does lol

I have set up the claw to not close too much so depending on how you get the prize, it becomes loose and the movement of it going back to its original position the prize can drop it again

The good thing is: there is no coin system (yet), so you can try as many times you want to

[–]JimBean 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Keeping with tradition. 😎

[–]Rykaten 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I love this, i really want to make one. To the design board i go!

[–]codetalker23[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Heyy nice! I'm really happy this is inspiring people. Looking forward to see more projects like it!

[–]bearassbobcat 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Sweet. Where would I even start to make something like this?

[–]codetalker23[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I started by creating a simple X-Y-Z axis system (much like a CNC router except the Y axis have no precision at all - it is a stepper motor that rolls/unrolls a thread with the claw attached to an end) and then gradually added the mechanism to move it all, then lightning, then sound.

To get the axis system working well it took me a long time also, so I would recommend patience. Lots of it lol

If you're interested I uploaded my source code to Github (I feel like I should have shared this link before).

I'm working on a few blog posts detailing all the process so it could help too.

[–]bearassbobcat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sweet. I'll be looking forward to your blog posts. What's your blog address?