“Whack a mole, a worldwide popular arcade game, is truly a classic. However, ever since the video game consoles, PC games, and VR technology emerge onto the market, people seem to turn their attention towards indoor games - without having to visit an arcade club. Arcade machines were soon ruled out of the popular market; people could barely find one in the streets of Taipei. In order to revive my childhood memories, I began a project on combining Arduino technology with the casual, old-fashioned whack a mole game techniques.
Three main goals for this product:
1. Portable.
I want this product to be able to at least match the portability (weight) of the iconic Nintendo Switch, which is known for its convenience - players could carry this device and set up a game at virtually anywhere. I’ve packed my machine with an USB cable, just plug it into a power source and enjoy the game!
2. Easy to operate.
4 signaling LED light bulbs, in correspond to 4 buttons. 1 hammer. The same exciting experience, on a much smaller platform.
3. Sturdy.
Every single component and cable are secured into place. Unless you bring it to a chainsaw, this product is guaranteed super sturdy and unbreakable.
Supplies:Here is a full list of all the materials I’ve used to create this device.
One big piece of thick cardboard (minimum size 60 x 45 cm)One Arduino Leonardo board (recommended)Breadboard, for connecting wires and resistors.Four buttons (diameter 3cm, stepless)Nine LED light bulbs, 4 for signaling, 5 for scoring (2 different colors, red and yellow work the best)Four plastic dropping bottles, you can find these in stationery storesOne buzzer, be careful with these, as they could break from the connecting spot easily.Resistors for the buttons and the LEDs. LED resistor color scheme: gray, red, black, gold. Button resistor color scheme: brown, black, indigo, pinkDupont wires (M-M, F-M)10 pin headers, for connecting the buttons and buzzerJumper wires (optional)One EVA adhesive glue gun (2 tubes of adhesives)One paper cutterOne compass, for marking out buttons and their positions30cm ruler, for drawing lines and assisting in the process of cutting.3M adhesive clay, for stabilizing components4 labeling stickers (yeah, you know, stick ‘em on to make the buttons prettier)Sheets of colored paper & acrylic paint (decorate the device in your own way!)If you live in Taiwan or mainland China, then these materials should be fairly easy to obtain. Visit icShop, Taobao, or any local shops to buy these (at a low price, too). However, if you live in other countries, then I recommend to either buy through the Arduino Official Store or other web stores (I’m not familiar with these, but they save your time, cuz visiting one of the stores can take you 1~2 hours by car).”