Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Great Ball Pit - Challenge 2020



Welcome to the 3rd annual Great Ball Pit GBC Build Challenge. This year we will focus on building a module that delivers balls to the next module in a batch.  The size of the batch, 13 balls. 

Dump, Scoop, Run, or Shoot?  Who’s "Bakers Dozen" will be the most entertaining to watch exit the module?

 

Module Guidelines

  • The module can be any size, and use any lift mechanism.

  • The module should *only* output 13 balls at a time to the next module.  If the input bin is empty and the module is running, it should wait until it has 13 balls to release them as a batch.

  • The batch must leave your module in less than 3 seconds: first ball leaving, to last ball leaving.  This will allow for creative output scenarios, example: a marble run with 13 balls going down at the same time, the balls would hopefully all exit the run within 3 seconds of each other.

  • The module must meet the GBC standards for input bin height (10 bricks high), and capacity (30 balls minimum).  Output speed needs to be "reasonable" which should be around 13 batch every 13 seconds. (Assuming the module is receiving 1BPS)

  • The module must be powered by official Lego components such as: EV3/Mindstorms, Power Functions, Powered Up, Boost, or Control+.

  • The module should be something that has generally not been seen before.  Existing mechanisms are *OK* but try and be original. 

Challenge Details*

- Submissions will only be accepted in the Discord "challenge-2020" channel. Click HERE to join the Discord.

- Submission Deadline is 11:59PM (PST) November 7th, 2020

- Submission must include a video of the module operating. YouTube or posting a video file directly to the challenge-2020 channel is preferred.

- 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.

 

Prize Pool


First Place Prize

- Choose *one* of the following (new sealed) sets:

21140 - Minecraft The Chicken Coop

70821 - LM2: Emmet and Benny’s ‘Build and Fix’ Workshop!

70427 - Hidden Side: Welcome to the Hidden Side

41250 - Trolls World Tour: Techno Reef Dance Party

- Choose *one* bonus prize:

  • Brickloot.com: 100 Pack Multi-color GBC Soccer Balls

  • 5 x 40 tooth gears & 5 x 28 tooth gears (these are all new and unused)

- A Great Ball Pit exclusive “Eat, Sleep, GBC” 1x8 Engraved Brick

- The prestigious Challenge Winner” Role on the Discord server.

 

Runner-Up Prize

- Choose *one* of the sets left in the prize pool, after the first place winner has selected.

- You will receive the left-over bonus prize.

 

All entrants will receive the new "Challenge 2020" role on the discord server.

 

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


Monday, September 14, 2020

Lego GBC Observer - Week ???

 Welcome to the Lego GBC Observer, where I feature interesting Lego Great Ball Contraption videos from YouTube.

This week we have 3 great modules from members of the Lego GBC community Discord server which can be joined by clicking this link: http://discord.gg/YPwm9w7

First up is a nice clean take on an Achemedes screw by RJ.  As usual with RJ's builds this one is very clean in design and the spinning logo at the top really is the cherry on top!

Next up is a "brick built" conveyor from Sawyer.  This one uses the often overlooked engine block piece as the main component to the lift.  

And finally NDL shares his SawBlade wheel lift which was built using the "shark fin" technic connector.  

Have a great week everyone!