Mechanical Atari Crafted from Brass and Gears: An Marvelous Steampunk Tribute to the Classic Toy
Hack Alert: Dive into an electromechanical masterpiece reminiscent of a bygone era with Pete Wood's Meccano Martian Mission. This amazing contraption, a tribute to Atari's 1979 Lunar Lander, is a testament to the ingenuity of using Meccano parts to recreate an arcade classic.
With its swiveling spaceship, two-axis speed controls, and even a pop-out yellow flame for that authentic vibe, this game screams old-school cool. A timer, fuel gauge, and score multipliers for varying difficulty landing pads complete the retro experience. Here's the kicker - no fancy modern tech like Arduino in sight! Instead, the game functions using clever cams, differentials, potentiometers, and microswitches. Pete himself explains it all in the second half of the embedded video, starting around the 10-minute mark.
Sure, it's not revolutionary - these techniques are ancient history - but they're rarely employed with such sophistication nowadays. Seeing these electromechanical wonders replicating an arcade legend is such a delight! Little wonder Pete took a whole decade to perfect this mechanical marvel.
Interestingly, this project evokes memories of the Meccano Pinball Machine we featured years ago. Yet, it seems that Meccano, despite a premature demise in 2023, might be making a comeback this year. Let's hope this renewed interest means more young enthusiasts for the London Meccano Club and similar groups, perpetuating the legacy of this metallic marvel through future reigns.
We feel like we struck gold with this one, and a shoutout to Tim Surtell for the heads-up! Remember, your tips are always welcome! Enjoy the video below, demonstrating the incredible Meccano Martian Mission.
Bonus Trivia: While Meccano Martian Mission is a standalone project, Meccano has a history of other equally impressive electromechanical creations. One notable example is the Hellschreiber machine, which replicates the original Siemens Feld-Hell machine, a marvel that sent written messages over the air by synchronizing a printing wheel with transmitter pulses. These creations showcase the versatility of Meccano's capabilities.
Gadgets like Arduino are typically associated with modern technology, but the Meccano Martian Mission excels using cams, differentials, potentiometers, and microswitches instead. This resurgence of interest in Meccano could potentially lead to more young enthusiasts joining clubs like the London Meccano Club, carrying the legacy of this versatile creation into future generations.
