In a world where innovation and creativity thrive, YouTuber “Another Maker” embarked on a thrilling adventure, transforming a discarded arcade machine into a hilarious “Workshop Bathroom Policy Announcement” system. Join us as we delve into the captivating journey of this maker, uncovering the secrets of the arcade machine’s cash reader and witnessing its transformation into a unique bathroom payment solution.
The Curious Case of the Arcade Machine
Our story begins with the acquisition of a free arcade machine, a relic of a bygone era. Eager to explore its inner workings, “Another Maker” embarked on a quest to understand the intricate components that brought this gaming marvel to life. Among the various parts, one peculiar device caught their attention: a 1/5/10/20 U.S. dollar bill acceptor.
Unveiling the Secrets of the Cash Reader
Operating on a 12V power supply, this cash reader held the key to unlocking the arcade machine’s monetary secrets. Intrigued by its functionality, “Another Maker” delved deeper into its inner workings, discovering that the device emulated quarter inputs by generating multiple signals for each bill inserted.
Translating Bills into Quarters
The cash reader’s ingenious design allowed it to interpret the value of each bill and convert it into an equivalent number of quarters. A dollar bill, for instance, would be output as four quarters, while a five-dollar bill would generate five times that amount. This clever mechanism enabled the arcade machine to accept various bill denominations, catering to players with different budgets.
Introducing the iRobota: A Master of Control
To harness the full potential of the cash reader, “Another Maker” enlisted the help of an iRobota Mega, a versatile microcontroller board. Equipped with an LCD keypad shield, the iRobota served as the brains of the operation, providing a user-friendly interface for interacting with the cash reader.
A Glimpse into the Code: Unlocking Functionality
The code for interfacing with the cash reader device was meticulously crafted and shared generously on GitHub, inviting fellow makers to explore the inner workings of this ingenious system. With this code, users could effortlessly read the signals generated by the cash reader, opening up endless possibilities for creative projects.
The Workshop Bathroom Policy Announcement: A Stroke of Genius
Inspired by the cash reader’s capabilities, “Another Maker” conceived a brilliant idea: a “Workshop Bathroom Policy Announcement” system. This tongue-in-cheek creation required users to pay a small fee to access the workshop’s bathroom facilities. The iRobota, acting as the gatekeeper, would flash LEDs and reject bills when “business was closed.”
Bonus: The Endless Possibilities of Creative Tinkering
The cash reader hack serves as a testament to the boundless creativity that exists within the maker community. Its transformation from an arcade machine component to a bathroom payment system highlights the limitless possibilities that arise when ingenuity and technology converge. From quirky inventions to life-changing innovations, the world of making is a constant source of inspiration and amusement.
As we conclude our journey into the world of cash reader hacks and workshop bathroom policies, let us remember the words of the great inventor Thomas Edison: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” May this story inspire you to embrace your own creative endeavors, to explore the unknown, and to find joy in the unexpected.
Leave a Reply