You may be familiar with the coin-operated "crane games" found in shopping centres and the like, where you attempt to pick up an item using a crane with that always seems to have a very loose claw. They can be fun, but expensive. An interesting alternative to spending your hard-earned is to make your own crane game. But not a small one the size of a bar fridge - one that takes up an entire room. This has been accomplished by Marc Cryan who has built a full crane that operates over all three axes, and controlled via infra-red. You have to see it to believe it, as shown in the following video:
That's a fascinating project, and certainly one for the spare room. For complete instructions and more demonstration videos, check out the project page. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
If you're looking into starting with Arduino and motor control - check out our new HBRIDGE: DC/stepper motor shield. Based around the powerful Allegro A4954 H-bridge driver IC you can control two DC motors with complete ease, or one bipolar stepper motor. With connections for external power management, a complete beginners' guide and documentation - motor control couldn't be any easier. For more information and to order, visit the HBRIDGE: page.
