Welcome to Mystery Box: The Nautical Crate
This intriguing box contains the answer to a diabolical riddle -- or is it actually a clue for solving a future puzzle? I'm not telling. But, I will tell you how to build your own magnetially activated, locking Mystery Box. This can be used as a prop for an escape room, as part of a magic act, or even as a launching point for other locking effects.
Not only is this effect mysterious and satisfying to use, it is also incredibly simple and efficient, using very few parts. In fact, it uses no microcontrollers and no programming. You can even use cold wire splices for no soldering!
- Small push-pull solenoid
- Magnetic contact switch, a.k.a. reed switch (and included screws)
- High-strength magnet
- 8 x AA battery holder and batteries
- Cup hook
- Flat washers #6 (optional)
- Small wooden box (from a hobby store)
Optional
You can dress things up to fit the theme with some additional materials:
- Thin sheet of cardboard, chipboard, luan, etc.
- Adhesive felt sheet
- Object within which to hide the magnet, such as a resin ornament
- Acrylic craft paint for disguising hidden magnet
Tools
This project can be built with just a few hand tools, and no soldering is required (although you may if you would like to):
- Small Philips screwdriver
- Pencil
- Awl (or ice pick, or small nail)
- Hot melt glue gun
- Wire cutter/stripper (optional)
- Scissors (optional)
- Small paint brush (optional)
Circuit
Solenoids are excellent for pushing and pulling small things. They are electromagnets that, when on, will push or pull a small metal slug a short distance. A built in spring is used to return the slug to its resting position when off.
When arranged a certain way, the solenoid shaft will block the box lid from opening until the solenoid receives power, thus allowing the lid to open.
The circuit used in the box is simple. The battery pack ground (black) wire is connected to the solenoid ground wire, and the reed switch is connected on one side to the voltage (red) wire on the battery pack and on its other side to the voltage wire of the solenoid. This means the solenoid is normally off, as the reed switch is normally open, and when a magnet is placed close to the reed switch, it will close the circuit, and allow the solenoid to receive power.
Test the solenoid by twisting together the black wires from the battery pack to the solenoid, and then touching the two red wires. The solenoid will open. (Hover over these images to see it in action.)
Now, try the same test, but with the reed switch inserted between the two red wires. When you move a magnet close to the switch, the solenoid will throw.
This is the entire circuit for your mystery box! Next, we'll look at assembling the lock mechanism inside the crate.
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