I want to build a simple electronic device with my son. I want to build a electric claw that picks up objects?

Question

Where can I go in person or online to search for simple hobby projects like this. The claw I have in mind can usually be found in an arcade. It picks up toys and such and is operated by a control stick by its user.

Answer 1

Good for you, Building things with kids builds better relationships and makes the minds stronger.

Here is a good starter sight
http://lims.mech.northwestern.edu/~design/mechatronics/2005/crane/Intro.html

Here is a video of things a man made with LEGO MINDSTORM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXiql8Fm64A

Answer 2

First of all, it will take you a while to find a kit like this. I like to make electronic gadgets which often involve solar power.

In the electronic kit section in Fry's Electronics, they have how to make electronic kits for children and adult. There are radio kits, electronic fruit, making cd player accessories.

At Radio Shack you can find a few items, but it it more geared for radio kits.

At D & J Hobby crafts or any crafts store that sells RC Cars, RC Helicopters (The high quality kind - not the toy kid kind), Model Rockets, Train sets, and such, ask any person to help you find kits in making objects that can lift things and how you can make one from scratch.

Or google some websites that specialize in robotic kits such as this.

http://www.sciencekits.com/Robotic_Arm_Trainer.html

Good luck!!

Answer 3

this sounds good, just start at the beginning and work through untill it is finished and it will work,you need a motor and a switch and maybe servos and a remote control. and bits of wood/metal for the jig and tools and pulleys, cotton reels may work and a bell battery (big 9v thing) and high tensile wire. go to your local electrical wholesalers and your local model shop for practical advice too and have fun, this way your son will really get the essence of true engineering, its a rewarding trade. have a look at mechano stuff too, is easy to replicate yourself and works.

Answer 4

Most newer electronics are heavily dependent on software, so unless you want to delve into microcontrollers and s/w (embedded programming), you are stuck with simple passive electronics. Try to do a "key (or remote control) finder"

Answer 5

There are tons of the crane games out there to look at...
http://www.constplay.com/cgi-bin/constplay_cgi.sh/WService=constplay/constplay.com/family/product.htm?stateInfo=?&dept_id=21&pf_id=CPX-570L&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=Updated20071220&utm_term=HOM

http://www.stupid.com/stat/CLWG.html

or just google images: http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=crane+game&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi