Maneki - Neko mechanism  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: joevandish
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 03, 2025, 05:59:15 pm
content: Hi everyone, thank's for welcoming me on here.I have joined this forum because I have an electronic 'toy' that I would like to be able to repair. The item , as seen in the picture is known as a Maneki-neko.The unit hasnt been working for a few years, and I've finally decided to see if I can figure out how to fix it or find out if it can be repaired.So far I hacw removed the mechanism form its shell as shown in the pics. I have tested the power supply using both 3aa batteries, the 5v charger supplied with the unit and a new 5v power block, none of which have managed to set the pendulum in motion.What I hear when the unit is plugged in is an intermittent whirring or zipping noise, which I understand to be the coil solenoid sending out a pulse of energy to get the magnet rocking on the armature. Beyond this, I really have no idea what I'll be able to do from home in order to troubleshoot the problem.I initially came accross this forum by stumbloing accross this previous post, however, perhaps its a little complex for me.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/artist-needs-help-with-the-waving-cat-circuit/Could anyone kindly recommend any tests I could do to see if any of these components are perhaps failing ?Any advice would be great, even if its pointing me towards someone who could repair the unit without too much trouble, thanks in advance.

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2025, 06:44:18 pm
content: Do you have a way to check those capacitors?Can the arm move easily?

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2025, 07:47:43 pm
content: Found a Lucky Cat circuit on the Internet.

author: joevandish
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 03, 2025, 07:51:46 pm
content: I could certainly try to get my hands on a multimeter, although I don't own onw, nor have I ever used one.The arm does swing freely, yes.

author: joevandish
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 03, 2025, 07:54:40 pm
content: Thank you for this. I fear I am terribly out of my depth. I'm going to see if I can learn to read this circuit diagram in order to better understand everything.

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2025, 08:50:23 pm
content: I think your circuit is similar.The noise yours makes does not seem right. I would expect a tick when the electromagnet is pulsed. Again, the capacitors are what I suspect.Good luck!

author: joevandish
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 04, 2025, 12:28:19 am
content: Here are the components I can identify. I'll start by testing the capacitors with the multimeter I just ordered from amazon. Tonight has been a real crash course for me lol. Hopefully I'm not attempting something I don't really grasp, but should one of the components be a dud, it might just be as 'simple' as de add re-soldering a new piece ?

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2025, 03:17:17 am
content: The thread you linked has what appears to be the exact circuit for your model, of which image I reproduce here:Notice that the coil is actually two coils. Perhaps one has gone open.

author: joevandish
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 04, 2025, 07:48:29 am
content: Thank you for this. I'm having a little difficulty undestanding how the schematic represents the actual PCB as the components don't appear to be in the same place, but maybe this isn't important. Here's my circuit board diagram. Perhaps you can confirm if it truly is the same ? It definitely looks a little crusty on the connections with dust and debris.Screenshot 2025-07-04 at 02.25.25