Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Retiring Lego Technic Sets for 2019

Lego news site The Brick Fan has just released a list of soon to be retired sets according to a "very reliable source".  Of interest to the GBC community will be the Technic section of that list, so let's take a look.


LEGO Power Functions Motor Set (8293)
This set is great for people getting started in GBC because it contains everything you would need to motorize a module.  It's a shame it's going away (but it's to be expected with PF being phased out at the end of 2020).  Hopefully it's replaced with something soon, Powered Up simple battery box anyone?


6×6 All Terrain Tow Truck (42070)
This set had an unusual color scheme and high price.  The price was most likely due to the XL motor, IR remote/receiver, and Battery Box which was included.


WHACK! (42072) and BASH! (42073)
These smaller pull-back models have a fun play feature where they intentionally destruct when they hit something.


Racing Yacht (42074)
I'm not sure what you would ever use the plastic sails for.  Has anyone used them in a Lego GBC module?


First Responder (42075)
I purchased one of these with the intention of creating a C-model GBC.  I was unsuccessful so it was parted into my collection.  Maico Arts on the other hand created an interesting tilting ramp module out of it, and instructions can be found here: http://greatballcontraption.nl/bi/42075-C-v1.4.pdf


Mack Anthem (42078)
This set looks like a great parts pack due to all the large panels included.


Heavy Duty Forklift (42079)
This is a 2018 set that didn't really get that much attention.  It does have some wheels that I'm told are great for battle bots or perhaps a GBC dozer.


Forest Machine (42080)
This is the most recent set to include a working pneumatic pump and valves.  It also comes with a PF-L motor and battery box.


Power Boat (42089)
A small set that contains mostly black and red pieces.


Tracked Loader (42094)
This 2019 set could be good for a small conveyor type module.

I'm very curious what types of Technic sets we will see in 2020.  Will there be any more power functions sets?  Will there be some more Control+ sets? 🤷‍♂️

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Lego GBC Observer 👁 Week 45, 2019

Welcome to the Lego GBC Observer for week 45 of 2019.  I've just registered for BrickCan 2020, have you?  I've heard that around half of the AFOL convention tickets have already been sold, so don't sleep on it if you plan on attending next May.  Now onto the videos!

First up NXTChris gives us a behind the table look at his Dozer and Pyramid GBC modules.  The dozer car is EV3 powered and autonomous, very interesting!




For the next video we are off to Korea to see a GBC layout from builder msk6003.  I really like the "GBC 1.5m" module which moves a bucket back and forth along what I assume to be a 1.5m length of track via some conveyor.




Here is a recent layout from South Africa where 9 builders collaberated on 76 modules.  Lots of cool stuff in here, someone even back engineered a copy of my Multi-Path module!



And since I forgot to post this on the Blog last week, here is my Setup and Fly Over of the GBC Layout that took place earlier this month at BrickCon 2019.




Have a great week everyone!

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Lego Powered Up Reference Page


As we move into 2020, Lego will be sunsetting its power functions range of products and moving forward with their connected line of products that fall under the "Powered Up" moniker.  

I've started a reference page of information that may be useful to both Lego GBC and Technic builders which will have key information on the products, part numbers, and where you can get them.

While it will be sad to see Power Functions go, Powered Up is here to stay and I'm hoping this reference page will help you plan and execute your Lego Technic and Great Ball Contraption creations into 2020 and beyond!

The Lego Powered Up Reference Page is here: https://www.greatballpit.com/p/lego-powered-up.html

I will keep this information updated as more information is released or software is updated.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Lego Powered Up Controller Mod by Ryk Field


Australian builder Ryk Field has come up with a clever solution to improve the ergonomics of using the Lego Powered Up bluetooth controller.  He's been kind enough to create instructions and post them here: https://github.com/rykfield/Other-Stuff/raw/master/PU%20Controller%20Rocker%20Instructions.pdf

Why did he create this mod?
Like Ryk, some of the other builders on Discord including myself have recently built small remote control cars for a "Ball Dozer" style GBC module.  We noticed that using the tiny buttons on the bluetooth controller was difficult due to how small the buttons are.  This mod allow you to control the buttons using a more traditional "joystick" that you can toggle up and down, removing the need to press the tiny buttons.

My version of Ryk's mod

If you would like to join in on the conversation, you can jump into the Discord server here: http://discord.gg/YPwm9w7



Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Lego GBC Observer 👁 Week 44, 2019

Welcome to week 44 of the GBC Observer for 2019.  A lot of interesting GBC videos have appeared over the last week, here are some of my favourites!

First up, Andre shares with us the latest GBC layout he worked in Austria which had approximately 135 modules.  A large layout with lots of new and classic designs, thanks Andre!



Lawrie has shared the design process and inner workings of his Crane module which is used as a gateway at his GBC exhibits.  I like the playability of the hook with the remote.  The anti-jam mechanism is also a great idea.



Here is Beyond the Bricks interview with Diego about his GBC Tower that was debuted at BrickCon 2019 earlier this month. This module is great because it's reliable, original (stacked Akiyuki's), and well themed/decorated.  The customized Technic Dacta controller was the icing on the cake, I'm looking forward to seeing what Diego builds next!



Have a great week everyone!

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Lego GBC Observer 👀 Week 43, 2019

Week 43. With less than 10 weeks to go for the year, a few more interesting videos have shown up on YouTube over the last week, let's take a look.

First let's take it over to BrickCon 2019.   Lots of great modules were on display here, let me know which ones you liked best down below in the comments.  Thanks to Adam for the video.



Christen Jerome has built a very smooth ball passing module which has a nice ring loader at the start.  Great use of the Goblet pieces for the balls to sit on.



Here is a video from the latest BayLUG meeting.  You can see several new modules here including the interesting auto-dozer (boat thing).


Have a great week everyone!

Monday, October 14, 2019

Discord Challenge 2019 - Wheels Up!

Welcome to the 2nd Great Ball Pit Discord Challenge!!  This year we will focus on building a "Ferris Wheel" or "Ring" type module.  The module must lift the balls up using some sort of bucket or picker and move them in an up and over "ferris wheel" type motion.  A sweeper like my Solaire module would not be allowed, since it does not actually pick up the balls.

Please view this YouTube playlist for examples of modules and mechanisms that would be allowed in this challenge: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmhP7VKXWbJ2IN_M1kQYSL9Ckm9pSc3Xg


Module Guidelines
- Module may be any size.
- Module must have either a rotating upright wheel, or rotating arms that lift the ball in a ferris wheel like motion. (clockwise or counter-clockwise).
- The lift mechanism should be oriented so that the majority of the motion is visible to the viewer.
- Module must meet the GBC standards for input bin height and capacity (30 balls).  Output speed needs to be "reasonable" which is around 1 ball per second, or 30 batch every 30 seconds.
- Module may be powered by: Power Functions, Powered Up, Boost, or Control+.
- Module should be something that has generally not been seen before.  Existing lift mechanisms are *OK* but try and be original.

Challenge Details*
- Submissions will only be accepted in the Discord "challenge-2019" channel. Click HERE to join the Discord.
- Submission Deadline is November 25, 2019
- Submission must include a video of the module operating.  This can be either on YouTube or posting a video file to the challenge-2019 channel.
- Must live in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or Europe (for prize shipping reasons)
- By entering this challenge, you (the builder) are allowing me to post videos and additional content showing your module with full credit to the builder.

VOTING
Each entrant will vote on their 1st and 2nd favourite module.  1st choice receives 2 points, 2nd choice receives 1 point.  The winners will be selected based on which modules receive the most total points.  You are not allowed to vote for your own module.  I will be allowed to cast a vote in this challenge, regardless of an entry.

First Place Prize
- Brand New Sealed 75951 - Grindelwald's Escape
- 4 x Sprocket Extra Large (Yellow) (Part # 42529)

Runner-Up Prize
- Brand New Sealed 31072 - Extreme Engines
- 4 x Sprocket Extra Large (Yellow) (Part # 42529)

All entrants will receive the new "Challenge 2019" role on the discord server.

* I reserve the right to modify or append additional rules to challenge at anytime

Friday, October 11, 2019

BrickCon 2019 - Just Build It!



I recently attended BrickCon for the second time, and the GBC layout was the biggest it’s ever been!   15 builders provided 60+ modules, and the total runtime was 15 hours over 3 days.  Plenty of familiar faces re-appeared in the GBC pit along with some new ones, was a pleasure to run GBC with everyone there.  🥳


I brought down 20 modules and displayed 14 due to table space constraints.  I provided a 15th as a filler when needed on the other side of the loop.  We ran out of room this year and filled up all of the tables, perhaps next year we will have some more space. 🤔


Several of my modules were “first time public” displays including Money Bin, Multi-Path, my updated Shared Power Circus, and Old Town Road.

Multi-Path showed that it needs a small amount of tweaks but ran wonderfully the entire event which is great news because a path splitter is something I want to keep in my collection permanently.

Money Bin on the other hand had a serious issue the entire event.  Balls would jam up inside the output chute and required unjamming fairly often.  I will have to increase the width of this chute if I decide to keep the module (unsure at this time).

Old Town Road was fine after we shimmed one side of the ring to ensure balls would exit more reliably.

I almost forgot to mention how terrible RISE + RUN performed due to poor piston design on my part.  The module was on the table for maybe 5 minutes before it jammed up, was repaired and continued to jam up.  I removed it from the layout for the remainder of the show.


Splatiyuki and Lawrie’s Compact Cardan which had some run time previously at a local maker faire ran without any issues as well.

Other Interesting Modules


Diego’s GBC Tower.  This 6 foot monster dominated the GBC layout drawing in big crowds to view how the 6 stacked Akiyuki mechanisms all worked together.  Diego’s custom controller was also very cool, it used an older Technic Dacta serial interface to connect to a tiny windows PC where he could control the motor speed through a touch screen.  Diego was on point making adjustments and rebuilding portions of the module throughout the event.  He fixed several issues that were happening in the input area, as well as up at the top near the Cyclodial Drive.


Kevin and his wife Susan built two new Achemedes screws that used 3 coils instead of the usual 1 or 2, and they looked great.


John’s new steppers and overpass.  John built a BVB stepper and another switchback stepper which looked great when running.  The switchback had some issues but was never pulled from the layout, as there was a quick fix for it each time.  Big thanks to John for providing one of the two walk-under overpasses for the event, it ran well for a first-timer and any issues it had were quickly fixed.


Amanda’s Hungry Caterpillar.  Amanda had been working on BVB’s rainbow wave last year, and this year it pupated into the Hungry Caterpillar.   This module looked great when running, however it  was plagued with issues for the first two days.  By day 3 it appeared to be dialled in and ran well, it was a crowd pleaser for sure!


Newcomer Caebin brought a real monstrosity of a module called Patchwork.  It did not meet the standard and had various different mechanisms inside to move the balls around.  

In order to integrate it into the layout, Dave De Gobbi provided a small chain lift which was able to get balls into the machine.  Caebin was working full time on this module during the public hours since it had a tendency to get clogged up.

GBC Theme Winners
New Balls on the Block - Patchwork (Caebin Robinson )
Can’t Stop Staring - Hungry Caterpillar (Amanda Payton)
Physics Buster - The Throne (Matt Norman)
OMG GBC! - GBC Tower (Diego Baca)

Overall it was a wonderful event, and I’m looking forward to the BrickCon GBC 2020!

You can read my previous report from BrickCon 2018 here: https://www.greatballpit.com/2018/10/brickcon-2018-hidden-worlds.html


Thursday, October 10, 2019

Updated Module - Shared Power Circus

Here is a video showing my updated shared power circus which ran flawlessly during BrickCon 2019.  New to the shared power circus is Lasse Deleuran's Stackable Wheel module which sits at the front.  The remaining 3 modules have had their positions swapped to fix a few issues that were happening during BrickCan 2019.  (Balls dumped from DROP into Whirligig would spill occasionally.)




I am very happy with how this setup has been performing, the only thing I may change in the future is rebuilding the modules with a more cohesive colour scheme.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Lego GBC Observer 👁 Week 42, 2019

Welcome to week 42 of the Lego Great Ball Contraption Observer for 2019.  The one *after* BrickCon 2019.

We had a great GBC layout this year at BrickCon this year, with over 60 modules on the table and 15 or so builders participating.  I had 14-15 modules on the table at any given point throughout the event.  More details and videos from the event will be posted soon.

Now let's get to this weeks GBC videos that appeared on YouTube over the last week.

First up is a "follow the blue ball" through Skaerbaek's layout that took place recently.  Thanks for the video Maico!



Next Caz shares the layout from the LondonAFOL's @ the Caterham Model Show.  The "White Elephant" module is... large!



And lastly here is the layout from BrisBricks that took place this weekend.



Have a great week everyone!

Thursday, October 3, 2019

BrisBricks GBC Live Stream


The coordinators of the GBC at BrisBricks have informed me that the GBC layout will be live streamed on the BrisBricks YouTube channel this weekend!

Stream Schedule

  • Saturday 5th October 9am to 5pm (GMT +10) (Friday 4pm PST)
  • Sunday 6th October 9am to 5pm (GMT +10) (Saturday 4pm PST)
  • Monday 7th October 9am to 2pm (GMT +10) (Sunday 4pm PST)
There will be mostly static shots of the layout, but I was also told there may be some Q&A in the chat.

Stream URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/BrisBricks/live

I will be busy at BrickCon running my own GBC modules, but I hope to catch some of the stream from the hotel when I get a chance!

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Lego GBC Observer 👁 Week 41, 2019

Week 41, the one before BRICKCON (and BrisBricks!)

My modules are packed, and ready to travel to Seattle.  Be sure to follow me on Instagram where I will be posting from the convention and GBC loop.  https://www.instagram.com/greatballpit/

Now on to this weeks Lego GBC videos that I found interesting on YouTube.

First lets head to Skaerbaek Fan Weekend where GBC heavyweights Akiyuki, Arts and Atkinson joined up with other great builders such as MindStork, Huw, and BlockheadUK to create a great layout.



Next up we get a closer look at a module I've been fascinated by, having only seen it briefly in a few GBC layout videos.  I really like the spillways for the extra balls when certain  sections of the module are already full.



Now let's look at Diego's GBC TOWER! This masterpiece takes 6 Akiyuki mechanisms and combines them in an unthinkable way, STACKED!  Diego plans on bringing this to BrickCon, and I hope to get some up close footage of this 6 foot monster in person!




Have a great week everyone!