How Does a DIY Claw Machine Work? — Components, Mainboard & Architecture Explained
Direct Answer
A DIY claw machine works by combining six core subsystems: a mainboard (brain), motor drivers (muscles), limit switches (eyes), a joystick and buttons (hands), a power supply (energy source), and a claw mechanism (grabbing). Each subsystem communicates through the mainboard, which controls movement, claw strength, payment credits, and game logic. This guide explains how each component works — and what to look for when comparing DIY kits.
The Six-Component Architecture
| Subsystem | Function | Analogy |
|---|---|---|
| Mainboard | Controls all game logic, motor timing, claw strength, and payment credits | Brain |
| Motors (×3) | Drive the gantry along X, Y, and Z axes | Muscles |
| Limit switches | Detect gantry boundaries and prevent mechanical overrun | Eyes |
| Joystick & buttons | Player input — move gantry, drop claw | Hands |
| Power supply | Converts AC input to DC voltages for all components | Energy source |
| Claw mechanism | Opens, closes, and grips prizes based on mainboard signal | Grabbing mechanism |
The Mainboard — The Most Important Component
The mainboard is the central controller of the entire machine. It receives input from the joystick, payment device, and sensors — and outputs signals to the motors and claw. In Hiclawcrane kits, the mainboard is a proprietary Hiclawcrane-branded board, meaning replacement parts are sourced directly from the factory with no third-party dependency.
What the Hiclawcrane Mainboard Controls
- Motor timing and direction for all three axes (X, Y, Z)
- Claw strength — adjustable via board settings, not a physical dial
- Payment credit logic — coin, bill, or card input → credit → game start
- Free-play mode — all Hiclawcrane boards support coin-free operation
- Limit switch signals — stops motor travel at defined boundaries
- Prize sensor input (where fitted)
Questions to Ask When Comparing Mainboards
- How many motor outputs are available?
- Does it support X/Y/Z limit switches?
- Can claw strength be adjusted via the board?
- Does it support free-play mode?
- What payment systems can it connect to?
- Is the board a proprietary or generic design?
- Can it be replaced independently if it fails?
Power Supply — Four Voltage Rails
The power supply in a Hiclawcrane DIY kit converts AC mains input to four DC voltage rails, each serving a specific function:
| Voltage | Used For |
|---|---|
| 5V | Mainboard logic, sensors, indicator LEDs |
| 12V | Lighting, joystick illumination, display board |
| 24V | Gantry motors (X, Y, Z axis drives) |
| 48V | Claw motor — higher voltage enables stronger grip force |
Input voltage: 110V–220V wide-range AC — compatible with mains power in the US, UK, EU, Japan, and most international markets without requiring a step-down transformer.
Motors — Three Axes of Movement
The gantry (overhead crane assembly) is driven by three motors installed inside the machine:
- X-axis motor — moves the gantry left and right
- Y-axis motor — moves the gantry forward and backward
- Z-axis motor — lowers and raises the claw
Each motor is powered at 24V and controlled by the mainboard. Limit switches at each axis boundary prevent the gantry from travelling beyond its mechanical range.
Limit Switches — Boundary Protection
Hiclawcrane kits include limit switches on all three axes. When the gantry reaches the end of its travel range, the limit switch sends a stop signal to the mainboard, cutting motor power immediately. This protects the motors, gantry frame, and cabinet from mechanical damage caused by overrun.
Claw Strength — How It Works
The claw is powered by a dedicated 48V motor — separate from the gantry drive motors. Higher voltage at the claw motor allows more grip force. Claw strength is adjusted through the mainboard settings, not a physical dial, which means operators can fine-tune the grip force precisely without opening the cabinet.
This is a key operational feature: adjusting claw strength directly affects prize win rate, which in turn affects revenue per play.
Payment System
The mainboard accepts credit signals from external payment devices. When a payment is accepted, the device sends a credit signal to the mainboard, which unlocks one game play.
| Payment Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Coin acceptor | Standard — included in all kits |
| Bill acceptor (note validator) | Optional add-on |
| Card / cashless payment system | Optional add-on |
| Free-play mode | Standard — supported on all Hiclawcrane boards |
Free-play mode is useful for home game rooms, military recreation facilities, hotel lobbies, and any venue where coin operation is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I adjust claw strength without opening the machine?
A: Yes. Hiclawcrane mainboards allow claw strength to be adjusted through board settings. No physical access to the claw motor or wiring is required.
Q: Does the machine work on 110V power (US standard)?
A: Yes. The power supply accepts 110V–220V wide-range AC input, so no step-down transformer is needed for US, Japanese, or other 110V markets.
Q: Can the machine run without coins — for example in a home game room?
A: Yes. All Hiclawcrane mainboards support free-play mode, which allows the machine to operate without coin or payment input.
Q: What happens if the mainboard fails?
A: Hiclawcrane mainboards are proprietary factory components. Replacement boards are available directly from Hiclawcrane. Note that mainboards are currently sold as part of kit orders, not as standalone spare parts.
Q: How many motors does a DIY claw machine kit have?
A: Hiclawcrane kits include three motors inside the gantry assembly — one each for the X, Y, and Z axes. The claw mechanism uses a separate 48V motor for grip.