Claw Settings - Starting Voltages
Kiwikrane machines use a range of PCB boards, chip programmes, and methods for selecting and saving machine settings. However, the fundamentals of correct claw setup are consistent across all machines.
Our Philosophy on Claw Setup
Kiwikrane sets machines differently from many other operators. In some Asian markets, claws are commonly set to drop the prize when the claw reaches the gantry. While this may be accepted in those markets, in New Zealand this behaviour is widely perceived as being “rigged” or a “rip-off.”
New Zealand players expect that if the claw successfully grabs a prize, it should have a fair chance of winning it. If prizes consistently drop at the gantry, customers feel cheated and are unlikely to play again.
Kiwikrane’s aim is for the prize to slip from the claw as it is being lifted toward the gantry, not to be obviously dropped at the gantry.
This creates the “almost” experience:
The prize is clearly moved and lifted
The player feels close to winning
The loss appears to be due to positioning or technique, not a rigged machine
This approach builds trust and encourages repeat play.
VR1 (Pick Up) – Player Experience
VR1 (Initial Voltage / Pick Up) controls how strongly the claw grips when it first closes.
VR1 must be strong enough to dislodge or lift the prize.
If the prize simply slips out immediately, the machine will be perceived as unfair.
Increase VR1 until the prize consistently moves or lifts.
If VR1 is too weak, players will feel the machine is a rip-off.
VR2 (Retain / Carry) – Safety & Look
VR2 (Retaining / Carry Voltage) controls how well the claw holds the prize while lifting.
VR2 must allow the prize to slip out naturally, without the claw opening in an obvious way.
Occasionally, a prize may be won on VR2. This is acceptable and, on most machines, will reset or delay the next “hard grab” (except on knob cranes).
If VR2 is set too low, the claw may visibly spring open or fail to close properly, which looks unfair and damages player trust.
Variations by Machine Type
Knob Cranes
VR1 (Pick Up)
VR2 (Retain / Carry)
LCM Cranes
VR1 (Pick Up)
VR2 (Retain / Carry)
Dropping Skill Setting – temporarily reduces power for milliseconds during lift to encourage natural slippage
Standard machines: setting 6
Jumbo and above: setting 10
(Larger claws allow a higher setting as it is less noticeable.)
Digital / Standard New / Knob 2 / Smart Claw
Some chip programmes use:
C1 = VR1 / Pick Up
C2 = Transition voltage at top of lift (must be lower than C3)
C3 = VR2 / Retain / Carry
C4 = Hard Grab
Why Settings Are Never “Set and Forget”
Every crane and every prize behaves differently. Setting claws is both a science and an art.
Claw performance is affected by:
Prize shape, size, weight, and slipperiness
How full the machine is
How tightly packed the prizes are
Age and condition of the coil
Whether the prize was designed for claw machines (many movie products are not)
Always recheck claw performance and payout on your next visit, especially after restocking.
General Starting Voltages
(Use these as a starting point only. VR1 listed first, VR2 second.)
No. 3 Claw – Standard Machine
S1 Plush: 20 / 10
No. 5 Claw – Standard Machine
S1 Plush: 22 / 12
S2 Plush: 24 / 13
S2/S3 Plush: 26 / 14
S2 Round Balls: 22 / 12
S2 Rugby Balls: 25 / 12
No. 15 Claw – Jumbo Machine
S2/S3 Plush: 23 / 12
S4 Plush: 26 / 14
S4 Round Balls: 30 / 13
S4 Rugby Balls: 30 / 13
No. 9 Claw – Super Jumbo Machine
S4 Plush: 24 / 12
S4 Round Balls: 30 / 13
S4 Rugby Balls: 30 / 13
No. 17 Claw – Giant Machine (Maxi Claw)
S5 Plush: 24 / 14
Final Notes
Crane machines are skill testers, and exact payout percentages are never precise due to the variables involved. Settings require ongoing monitoring and adjustment, particularly following a product change.
It’s normal to feel unsure about settings — there is no perfect “set once and forget” configuration. Use these values as a starting point, observe player outcomes, and fine-tune over time.