How to Make a Lego Candy Machine That Takes Money
Are you looking for a fun and creative project that combines your love for Lego with the excitement of a candy machine? Look no further! In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through the process of building a Lego candy machine that can actually take money. Whether you’re a Lego enthusiast or a DIY hobbyist, this project is sure to be a hit. Let’s get started!
Materials Needed
Before diving into the construction process, you’ll need to gather the following materials:
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lego bricks | Several bags |
| Money acceptor module | 1 |
| Motor | 1 |
| Power source | 1 |
| Computer or smartphone | 1 |
| Software for programming the motor | 1 |
| Candy | As much as you like |
Make sure to choose a money acceptor module that is compatible with your Lego set and power source. You can find these modules online or at local electronics stores.
Designing the Machine
Once you have all the necessary materials, it’s time to start designing your Lego candy machine. Here are some tips to help you get started:
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Sketch out a basic design on paper or use a digital drawing tool. Consider the size of the machine, the placement of the money acceptor, and the candy storage area.
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Choose a Lego set that has a structure that can be modified to fit your design. For example, a Lego City set with a building or a Lego Technic set with a mechanical structure could be great options.
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Decide on the type of candy storage. You can use a clear container or a compartment within the machine to display the candy.
Building the Frame
Start by building the frame of your candy machine using Lego bricks. Follow these steps:
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Assemble the base of the machine using a flat Lego plate as the foundation.
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Construct the sides of the machine using Lego bricks to create a rectangular or square shape.
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Attach the top and bottom pieces to the sides to complete the frame.
Adding the Money Acceptor
Now it’s time to integrate the money acceptor module into your Lego candy machine. Here’s how to do it:
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Connect the money acceptor module to the power source according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Attach the module to the front of the machine using Lego bricks or other mounting hardware.
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Program the module to accept the desired denominations of money.
Programming the Motor
The motor is responsible for dispensing the candy. Follow these steps to program it:
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Connect the motor to the power source and the computer or smartphone using the appropriate cables.
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Install the software for programming the motor on your computer or smartphone.
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Follow the software’s instructions to set up the motor’s parameters, such as speed and direction.
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Test the motor to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
Adding the Candy Storage
Now it’s time to add the candy storage to your machine. Here’s how to do it:
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Choose a container or compartment within the machine to hold the candy.
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Use Lego bricks to create a shelf or compartment that
