Close
0%
0%

The "Calamari Kid", a 3D Printed Automaton.

The third in my series of "illusion" themed 3D printed automata.

greg-zumwaltGreg Zumwalt
Following
Liked Like project

Just one more thing

To make the experience fit your profile, pick a username and tell us what interests you.

Pick an awesome username
hackaday.io/
Your profile's URL: hackaday.io/username. Max 25 alphanumeric characters.
Pick a few interests
Projects that share your interests
People that share your interests

We found and based on your interests.

Choose more interests.

OK, I'm done! Skip
Public Chat
Similar projects worth following
867 views
10 comments
7 followers
View Gallery
Public Chat
Never trust a Caped Calamari...

The "Calamari Kid" is the third in a series of "illusion" themed automata I've designed. With a press of the calamari kid coin ("CK"), the model performs a "shell game" themed illusion.

Inspired by the "swedish handcraft" hand cranked shell game themed automaton, this model is a battery powered motor driven electro mechanical design utilizing gears, cams, levers, arms and wheels to recreate a shell game illusion in a calamari (cooked octopus) form factor. Drawing an average of 9ma of current (maximum 14ma, minimum 7), the mechanism is easily suitable for solar powered operation.

Video is here: https://youtu.be/-MzHIXwD5q4.

Enjoy this project?

Share

Discussions

Alvaro wrote 05/15/2020 at 10:58 • point

the magic chef is pretty awesome too

  Are you sure? yes | no

Greg Zumwalt wrote 05/15/2020 at 13:16 • point

Thank you Alvaro!

Greg

  Are you sure? yes | no

Alvaro wrote 05/15/2020 at 10:55 • point

(my guess is you mechanically position the 2 big magnets below to pull each ball, while the 3 small magnets hold them in place in the cups)

  Are you sure? yes | no

Greg Zumwalt wrote 05/15/2020 at 13:19 • point

Hi Alvaro,

Each "cup" has a small magnet in the top strong enough to hold the ball bearing when the arms are lifted.

A 16 position geneva wheel moves a magnet holder (containing two larger magnets) under the table top to one of the three cups positions.  When the two magnets are under a cup, they are strong enough to hold the ball bearing on the table.

Hope that helps!

Greg

  Are you sure? yes | no

Alvaro wrote 05/15/2020 at 10:52 • point

It's hard to follow the trick without looking at a ton of pictures or the stls... I just gave up, I can't spend 20 minutes on this! I have my own ideas on how it could work but it's really not worth the effort...

  Are you sure? yes | no

Greg Zumwalt wrote 05/15/2020 at 13:19 • point

Hi Again Alvaro,

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I understand you comment.

Greg

  Are you sure? yes | no

Michael Gardi wrote 05/15/2020 at 13:19 • point

Sorry but I’m my humble opinion understanding how something works, especially something as clever and well done as this, is always worth the effort. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

Greg Zumwalt wrote 05/12/2020 at 19:12 • point

Hi Dan!

Thank you very much!

And I'm glad you know how it works, I designed it and I'm still not sure!

:)

Greg

  Are you sure? yes | no

Dan Maloney wrote 05/12/2020 at 19:05 • point

Another great one, Greg! I even think I know how it works...

  Are you sure? yes | no

Greg Zumwalt wrote 05/14/2020 at 22:09 • point

Hi again Dan!

I finally finished and published the details so now you can confirm your thoughts on how it works!

Greg

  Are you sure? yes | no

Does this project spark your interest?

Become a member to follow this project and never miss any updates

Going up?

About Us Contact Hackaday.io Give Feedback Terms of Use Privacy Policy Hackaday API

© 2025 Hackaday

Yes, delete it Cancel

Report project as inappropriate

You are about to report the project "The "Calamari Kid", a 3D Printed Automaton.", please tell us the reason.

Send message

Your application has been submitted.

Remove Member

Are you sure you want to remove yourself as a member for this project?

Project owner will be notified upon removal.