Pushing Method

Let's talk bout one of the methods used.

There are how many methods out there? Is it a one-fit-all method? 

It sure is a lot of different types of UFO Catcher Machines modified to the owner's preference on the claw strength, claw drop height, claw endings, ability to swing, movement limiters ( I think? Is that the word? ) and pay-out rates. 

I'll talk more about the various modifications in another post but for today, it's the Push method that we are interested in!

(Illustrations will be included soon for better depiction. If I have photos or screenshot of it, I'll sub it in. Meanwhile, do enjoy!^^)

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How do you know when to use the Push Method?

When the prize is put atop stands which can be used Styrofoam tied together or other soft toys to act as a raise, it is when you can choose to shift the prize or to just push it. As elaborated in the previous posts, there are loop holes where you can hook the claw to grab the prize out. But if there are none or the loop holes are sealed and are not visible, it may be a better idea to try the push method. But there are still other things to consider before you can make a decision to push the prize down.

What do we have to consider before we try pushing?

There are some factors like:

• Claw Strength 

When it is a 2-claw UFO Catcher, one claw may be modified to be stronger than the other. Hence, there may be a need to find out which claw is stronger. If the claw is weak when shifting, it could mean that its better at pushing things down. There are some plausible indication of the claw strength too! If one claw does not get hooked onto anything, it will close fully and this may be a mechanism to increase the strength of the other claw.

• Claw Drop Height

Claw Drop Height refers to the height at which the claw drops to. This is essential as it determines whether the claw will hit an object or if it will go reach low enough to grab the prize. If it doesn't reach below a certain point, it may be a modification to only allow you to reach a point on the prize to shift or pick up a certain location. There are also rumors that indicates the distance it drops may affect the claw strength and vice versa.

• Claw Ending

Have you ever wondered why some claw ends are fully straight or are parallel to the base? This indeed has an influence on the success rate of lifting and pushing the prize down. It is much easier when you have a flat end as it may hook onto a tag or act as a balance instead of letting the prize slip out as it is being lifted. The chances of it pushing the prize down is also better as it has higher surface contact. But that is still a speculation on my part. ( > v < )|||

However, if there is a prize that has a soft feel overall and it only one part that is hard, a straight end may be necessary to reach and exert force to the area for the prize to drop. 

• Ability to Swing

This applies mostly to the 3-claw UFO Machines so I'll explain it another time.

• Movement Limiters

Some places uses a blockage at the top to prevent the player to move over a certain area. It does prove as a difficulty when the prize enter a dead zone. Dead zone refers to an area that is fully out of reach by the claw. That is when you need to call someone to help you reset unless you have a plan on how to shift it back out.

It is good to determine if the claw is able to shift a distance over and avoid hitting objects when it opens up. This is especially essential before you even start playing! 

• Pay-Out Rates

This applies mostly to the 3-claw UFO Machines so I'll explain it another time.

Phew! That was a lot to talk about! I am still learning about the ways so if there is any new information or things that I said that seems redundant, please tell me and what else there is to take note on. Updates please~ All is Welcomed! Haha!

Wait! So how do you know where to push?

Good question! I was about to go into that! Once you find that it is possible to push, find where the center of gravity is and just push it! There are times when you can push and shift it at the same time. This also prevents it from getting stuck in the between the stands. I wish I have a video or a way to show you guys how to do it. Oh wells, I will try to make a video when I get the chance to! 

Here is the quote of the day!

"Strategies are perfected only after doing it, revising it and doing it again."

- Uttmad

Do check out my YouTube channel, Carousell and Instagram in my bio! Thanks for reading and have a nice day ahead! (^^)/