Challenge 2021 Winners!

 

The challenge this year was to build a module that raised a ball to a height of 24 inches (64 bricks).  The GBC standard rules for input and output were to be followed as well.

17 modules were entered, and 10 previous challenge builders returned to vote!

The winner with the most points was ...

fhariede with his stacked shooter module!

This module did a few things that I really enjoyed.  It used the crown piece (part: 39262) for each shooter,  and the output chute was super clean and visually appealing.  Great job fhareiede!

This years runner up was ...

Pinwheel with his "shoo the dragon" shooter module.  This large module tells quite a few stories as a few brave souls attempt to get rid of a dragon who has taken an interest in their castle!

This module uses a pair of shooters (catapults) to get the ball up an over this large custom built castle.  The theming is great and there are several small stories being told as you can see in the video.

In conclusion I would like to thank everyone who participated in this years challenge, I find it interesting that the two winning modules were shooters when there was so many other great lift mechanisms being used.  BvB's impressive coaster track module, and Rohan's giant 2+ meter tower deserve a special mention!

If you would like to join the Discord community chat you can click here: https://discord.gg/YPwm9w7

Challenge 2021 - Submissions and Voting!

Here are the 17 entries in this years challenge "Great Heights" (in Alphabetical Order)

1. Ben Stoever - Ball Track Race : https://youtu.be/yavCByfA1Qg
2. Berthil - Shoot the Loop : https://youtu.be/ncShBru6J0
3. Buz la mouche - Blue Bridge : https://youtu.be/ZbTMCwz_ag4
4. doug72 - High Rise : https://youtu.be/7RuCxnu7jN4
5. dunes - Twin Bucket : https://youtu.be/Wzs6lmmVQbs
6. fhareide - Platform Jumper : https://youtu.be/Ehra-riFDwU
7. higgins91 - Challenge Entry 2021 : https://youtu.be/6xmYCig8Ztk
8. John Sherman - Climbing Tower : https://youtube.com/shorts/nY1ixM22poY
9. Kevin Mitcham - Challenge Entry 2021 : https://youtu.be/5VtFExwKYDM
10. Matt Norman - Laminar Flow : https://youtu.be/E8LvOIAITrI
11. pikohan - Vertical Shooter : https://youtu.be/Q2KUwX9RW68
12. pinwheel - Shoo the Dragon : https://youtu.be/xW4K6dIFuyM
13. Rohan Beckett - The Tower : https://youtube.com/shorts/Aa38rOAG6SE
14. Sam Friesen - Challenge Entry 2021 : https://youtu.be/hBuxO3vlt7A
15. Sawyer - Mindstorms Vertical Train : https://youtu.be/xEnxHkUUcM0
16. Toothwheell - Ball Launcher : https://youtu.be/d7prG5PFftA
17. Walt White - Challenge Entry 2021 : https://youtu.be/DnTVj6WnqJ0

Be sure to like, and comment on the videos if you've enjoyed the builds!

Voting

Votes will be accepted by Private Message to "Matt (Great Ball Pit)" on the community Discord server.  Anyone with a "Challenge 20xx" tag will be allowed to vote for their first and second favourite modules. 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. Matt's module "Laminar Flow" is not eligible to receive votes.

Votes will be accepted until Friday November 26th at 12:00pm.  The winners will be announced shortly thereafter.

New Lego GBC Module - Laminar Flow

 

This is Laminar Flow, my latest Lego GBC module that I built for the 2021 Great Ball Pit Challenge.  The main constraint of this years challenge was to lift a ball to a height of 24 inches (64 Bricks).  I achieved the height with a twinned conveyor powered by a Lego PF-M motor.

This module features a Zamor Sphere (Part: 54821) filter that recirculates the Zamor's inside the module, while Lego GBC Balls are allowed to exit.  Well... this is what's supposed to happen.  Sometimes the Lego GBC balls are also re-circulated, which is something I will need to improve in the future.

The filter is simply 2 beams spaced apart at a distance that allows for the GBC balls to fall through.  The new beams with pinholes on all sides (Part:71710) seem to work well for this application.

The gearbox is fairly simple, with the medium motor clutched and geared down so it can move the large conveyor without any issues.  The conveyor is tensioned like my other Technic built conveyors using a pair of light-grey spring shocks.

In summary, I'm really happy to have been able to use up the following quantity of parts that were sitting lifeless in my workshop:

• Blue Zamor Spheres (Thanks VLC Diana)
• Blue Duplo Slides that were once used in my 8 foot long slide video VIDEO HERE
• Lots of LUGBulked Black 1x16 Technic Bricks and  Black 7x11 Technic Frames

This module is sure to have great table presence if I can ever get it to a live GBC event.  (Hopefully sometime in 2022). 

Thank you for visiting, and feel free to join the community Discord server located here https://discord.gg/YPwm9w7

Great Ball Pit - Challenge 2021

Welcome to the 4th annual Great Ball Pit - Lego GBC Build Challenge

Before we get into the details, let's take a look back at the previous 3 winners and their modules.

(2018) "16x16" Winner: Serendibite

(2019) "Wheels Up" Winner: Ryk Field

(2020) "Bakers Dozen" Winner: Sam Friesen

2021 Challenge

This years theme is "Great Heights" where the challenge is to build a module which will lift a ball up to a height of at least 64 bricks ( 24 inches / 61 centimetres ). This will be referred to as "The Minimum Height" in the guidelines below.

Module Guidelines

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

• Multiple lift mechanisms can be combined and chained together to reach the minimum height.

• The minimum height is not the maximum height, there is no maximum height.

• Once the ball(s) has/have reached the minimum height, anything is allowed to happen to them. I would recommend removing some of the energy from the balls before they exit the module.

• The module must meet the GBC standards for input bin height (10 bricks high), and capacity (30 balls minimum in the input area).  Output speed needs to be "reasonable" which should be a maximum of 1 ball per second.

• 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.

• If you have any questions about the module guidelines please PM me on Discord.

Challenge Details*

- Submissions will only be accepted in the Discord "challenge-2021" channel. Click HERE to join the Discord.

- Submission Deadline is 11:59PM (PST) November 21st, 2020

- Submission must include a video of the module operating. YouTube or posting a video file directly to the challenge-2021 channel is preferred.

- Builder 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.

**New for this years challenge** : Previous Challenge builders (2018-2020) will be allowed to vote regardless of an entry this year.

 

Prize Pool

First Place Prize

- Choose *one* of the following items:

75317 - The Mandalorian & the Child (new/sealed)

43177 - Belle's Storybook Adventure (new/sealed)

75546 - minions in gru's lab (new/sealed)

30 Official Lego GBC balls (new from Lego replacement parts)

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

 

Runner-Up Prize

- Choose *one* of the remaining prizes, after the first place winner has selected.

 

All entrants will receive the new "Challenge 2021" role on the discord server.

 

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

New Lego GBC Module - S13

A few weeks ago I finished my entry to the 2020 Great Ball Pit Challenge, but did not have time to make a video for it.  The video has now been released and you can watch it below.

The module uses a serpentine lift which was originally built by Brian Alano.  I used Lawrie's revised instructions, and then made further changes. I increased the height, and used several 36T bevel gears to chain all the lifters together.

This was my first time building a serpentine mechanism, and my first time building a weighted tipper.  My original idea for a "13 batch" module was to use a PUP HUB and sensor to determine when to unload balls, but I wanted something even simpler.  By reusing my trapdoor switch (tutorial available), it allowed me to use the simplest way to batch balls, a weighted tipper.  Getting the balance right was fairly simple, but the mechanism is a bit harsh at times, and a ball or two may escape while a tipper is being reset.

We had 18 people build modules for this years challenge, and I'm expecting even more next year!  Join the GBC Community chat here! http://www.discord.gg/YPwm9w7

Challenge 2020 - Winners

Each year the Great Ball Pit challenges Lego GBC builders to build something different.  This year 18 builders were challenged to build a Batch module, and after voting here are the top 3 results!

Sam Friesen from Canada secured top spot by producing a *NEW* mechanism to batch balls.  It's a fresh take on a stuck ball mechanism and is quite novel as it waits to pinch the "14th" ball before releasing the 13 in front of it.  You can view Sam's winning entry below.



Sawyer out of New Zealand places top 3 for the second year in a row!  His Banana gear based lift only lifts when there is enough weight in the basket.  Where does he come up with these ideas?

And placing 3rd, Pinwheel from the USA created an awesome "Marble Race" module that was triggered by his own take on a stuck ball mechanism.  I love marble races so this one was one of my favourites!

Thanks to the other 15 builders who also participated, a lot of cool mechanisms were developed that are sure to be "borrowed" for peoples future creations!

Challenge 2020 - Entries

Welcome back to the Great Ball Pit.  5 weeks after it was announced, the 2020 challenge has produced 18 GBC modules with builders participating from all around the world.

This years challenge was to build a module that would output batches of 13 balls.  This could be achieved using either mechanical or programmable Lego hardware.  The original post with all the details can be found here: https://www.greatballpit.com/2020/09/great-ball-pit-challenge-2020.html 

Here is a list of the 2020 builders and their modules (in no particular order):

Pikohan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYJbLMKwfoU

John Tooker -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzOEXaBiZ0Y

Louis Friesen -  https://youtu.be/AUjlr12E_pA

NDL-GBC -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OofB8kGeyM

4BarLinkage -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctU3Omf7Kl0

Walt White -  https://youtu.be/rTy4VaaR9aM?rel=0

Lawrie George -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2HF0bijuqg

RJ Bricks -  https://youtu.be/ZAA7wd8TX4A

Sam Friesen -  https://youtu.be/n1QdawabRns

Sawyer -  https://youtu.be/SG_paJqcFfM

Serendibite -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZRRA1fOecw

SmartBricks -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAfal5dHOow

Snowy (Neil) -  https://youtu.be/-RzRgZdwrPQ

Pinwheel -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gN3UhrAbY8

IgetzHappy -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdhXy2jzxwg

Jason J - Submitted via GDrive on Discord

SnowyTheLeopard - Submitted via GDrive on Discord

Matt (Great Ball Pit) - Module video coming soon (not eligible to be voted on)

Each builder will now be allowed to cast a vote for their two favourite modules, with results being posted shortly thereafter.  Thank you to everyone who participated!

If you would like to speak with any of these talented builders, or discuss anything else related to Lego GBC you can join the Discord server here: https://discord.gg/YPwm9w7

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.

Challenge 2019 Winners

The 2019 Great Ball Pit Challenge has come to an end.  Votes were counted and the results have been published in the video below.


Big thanks to everyone who participated!  An archive of all of the entries will be posted here: https://www.greatballpit.com/p/2019-great-ball-pit-challenge.html

Lego GBC Observer 👁 Week 49, 2019

Welcome to week 49 of the GBC Observer.  Today we will look at some of the modules that were created for the Great Ball Pit Challenge 2019 - Wheels Up!

I've put together this playlist of 13 of the 15 modules that were entered.  It's going to be hard for me to vote when so many great modules were built!



Have a great week everyone!

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