Claw-Machine-PCB

PCB for the UofC GNCTR 2024 claw machine

Main Components

1. 3x Stepper Motor Drivers

   • 2x will drive Y-axis, and 1x will drive X-axis
   • Model: A4988 Breakout
     • Guide 1 - lastminuteengineers.com
   • The microstep mode is locked in 1/16th Step Mode.
   • Add LEDs to each control signal
   • Signals (MCU to Driver, for each driver): STEP, DIR, EN

2. 1x DC Motor Driver

   • 1x for the claw to drop
   • Model: L298N (package: multiwatt vertical)
     • Datasheet 1
   • L298N contains 2x H-Bridges, so it can drive the 2x motors
   • Add LEDs to each control signal

3. Countdown Clock I2C Connector

   • Uses I2C (so only one bus)
   • Connection over 2.54mm headers

4. 10x Buttons and Limit Switches

   • 3x Limit Switches, 3x User Buttons, 2x Spare
   • Use 5.08mm screw terminal in parallel with 2.54mm header
   • Make them active-low, with external pull-up resistors
   • Put them in parallel with 6mm through-hole push buttons for validation

5. Control Stick

   • Model: 4-Way Switched Discrete Joystick
   • Basically 4x more buttons
   • Label them NESW, and use a common GND (5-pin 2.54mm header, but two of them side-by-side)

6. 1x Microcontroller System

   • Model: Arduino Mega 2560 clone
   • Footprint available via plugin

7. 4x General Power Output Channels

   • Use AO3420 MOSFETs, to be able to drive LEDs in the frame, etc.
   • Add a 3-way solder jumper to select between 5V or 12V power
   • Can be used fo LED strip lighting. One channel will be for the 12V claw solenoid.

8. Voltage Input Rails

   • 5V and 12V rails
   • Inputs via 5.08mm screw terminals
   • Powered from computer PSU