Building GBC Instructions in the Stud.io 2 Beta

Hey everyone,

I've recently built a fun little module which I'm calling Whirligig, and created instructions for it using the new Stud.io 2 beta from Bricklink.  You can get it HERE.

If you don't know, Bricklink has been developing it's own 3D Lego building software for a while and I've been using it for all of my previous instructions.  The big change in V2 is the inclusion of an instruction maker, and a photo realistic model renderer.  Previously I would have to use an additional application called LPub3D to make the instructions after building the module in Stud.io.

High Quality Render from Stud.io 2 Beta

The new instruction maker has a really great page editor that makes it easy to move things around, and insert images and text.

The biggest issues I have with the current Beta is that the Bill of Materials creator (The Parts List) is not as "Lego" looking as the one in LPub3D, as well it isn't that optimized yet to fit as many pieces as possible onto a single page.

Conclusion?
Overall I think the software is well on its way to becoming the premiere Lego Digital Design tool, especially with the ability to connect directly to Bricklink and set up a shopping list to order all the parts.

If you would like the instructions for Whirligig, they are available on the Lego GBC Instructions Page

Lego Powered Up - Take 2

Recently a Lego Group Representative answered a Q&A regarding Lego Powered Up and confirmed that the current Power Functions line of products would be phased out.  I believe that there is a few areas of concern on how this will affect Lego GBC builders moving forward.

For those of you who are not familiar, Lego Powered Up is the new wireless controlled motor system for Lego moving forward into 2019 and beyond.  All of the new motors and sensors connect to a battery powered hub, which can be controlled with either a Lego brand bluetooth remote, or your bluetooth enabled tablet or smartphone.

I will take a few of the Questions and Answers that directly relate to GBC builders below and add my own thoughts and possible solutions.  I will refer to Lego as TLG (The Lego Group) and Powered UP as PUP.

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Community: Has Powered Up been designed in mind in any way to be more easily utilized by many other themes than before with Power Functions?

TLG: The Powered UP platform is being designed to replace the Power Functions platform. It is offering a more intelligent wired connection with broader usability, a wireless BLE connection with better possibilities than IR and link to mobile smart devices opening a new range of App connected possibilities.

My take: In Yoda's voice "More intelligent, it is not."  There is no longer a simple way to connect a battery pack to a motor, flip a switch and have it run.  You literally need a wireless controller or a tablet/phone to start a motor with these new systems.  As well these new systems rely on battery power which is expensive and bad for the environment.

Community: Is there any kind of backward compatibility with Power Functions?

TLG: The plugs in Power Functions and Powered UP are not compatible.

Community Followup: I really hope the PU Team is still considering at least some compatibility, as the PF extension wires, which double as adapters for 9V, are immensely useful.

TLG: The 2 power control wires of the 9V system, Power Functions and Powered UP have the same function across the 3 platforms (9V, PF, PUP).

TLG: You can make anything happen with a little customization I guess, but we're not going to provide actual products which allows compatibility.

My take: It would be dead simple for Lego to manufacture a Power functions cable that can interface with a Powered Up motor, because they have confirmed they use the same power control wires as the current PF and 9V motors.  I'm unsure why TLG has said they would not be doing this.

Community: Is it possible to upgrade older sets with powered up or is a lot of rework to be done?

	Lego PUP M-Motor TLG: This will very much depend on the product in question. For trains it should be very easy since the Powered UP hub has the same shape as the Power Functions battery box and the train motors are also same shape.
	Lego Boost and PF Motors My Take: The current boost external motor is a little bit larger then the current PF M-Motor, so it's not a direct swap if it cannot fit.  Having said that, the WeDo/PUP M-Motor does look similar in size to the current PF M-Motor and should swap in fairly easily.

Community: Will the Power Function 1.0 line be discontinued and if so, when? / Are any product lines, such as PF, being phased out and if so, which ones?

TLG: Over time the Power Functions platform will be phased out as the Powered UP platform is further developed.

Community: Will we have warning to stock up on specific components? Or will they simply disappear suddenly?

TLG: The Power Functions platform will not disappear from one day to the other and components will be available through shop@home in an overlapping period.

My Take: As soon as the PUP parts show up on Lego Shop@Home stockpile some motors on a Double VIP Points day...  It looks like PF is on the way out and unlike the 9v Speed controllers (which last forever according to Tom Atkinson) motors tend to have a limited lifespan.

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The entire Q&A can be found here: https://lan.lego.com/news/overview/powered-up-afol-community-answers-r146/

Additional End User Discussion is happening here over at Eurobricks Technic Forum: https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/164012-powered-up-afol-community-answers/

GBC Tutorial - Where can you get GBC balls?

I know many of you GBP readers will know where to acquire GBC balls, but for people wanting to start building GBC I've uploaded a video showing where you can get them online.  I also share the reasoning why it's best to build with the official balls if you think you might eventually bring your modules to a collaborative layout.

If you haven't seen it before my online information on this topic is available here.

GBC Tutorial Series

Today I present the first of my GBC tutorial videos.  This new series will help answer questions people have about GBC, and how I built some of my mechanisms.  As well I plan on featuring simple, small module builds in these videos.

First up is a question I've been asked for a while now.  How is the trapdoor on Greylime built?  In the following video I'll show you how to build one.

Instructions!

Hey everyone,

I'm pleased to announce that I have completed the first set of instructions that are free for readers of the Great Ball Pit!

It's the Solaire 🌞 module and it's in PDF format.  Please check out the new instructions page for more information.  HERE

Making instructions is quite a time consuming process, so while I plan on releasing more, I don't have any sort of schedule or timeframe when the next ones will arrive.   Please leave a comment, or message me to let me know which modules you would like to see instructions for next.

Displaying your modules at a public event

So you want to bring your GBC modules to a public event?  A GBC Layout can be exciting and sometimes stressful if you aren't prepared.  Here are a few tips on what you should be doing before and what you should be bringing to the event.

Before the event

• "Soak test" each module for at least 15 minutes to make sure they are not dropping balls or jamming.  The more reliable your modules are, the more you will enjoy the event.
• Run a small layout at home to see which modules will work best next to each other.  If you have a few configurations planned out ahead of time, it can make setting up your layout a lot easier.
• Make sure you have all your power needs sorted out, how many modules will you run off each 9 Volt Train Controller.  Do you have enough Power Function extension cables?
• Label things that matter to you with your name.  Use tape or a label machine.  I label all of my 9 Volt Controllers, and extensions cables.
• Plan your transportation strategy.  How will you bring your modules to the event, what will you pack them in, will everything fit in your vehicle?

List of things to bring in addition to your modules
Power Strip - So you are able to power multiple 9 Volt Train Controllers from a single outlet.

Power Extension Cable - To get power to your power strip from a wall outlet.

Lighting - Desktop or Freestanding Lamps.  Sometimes your display space may not have the best lighting to show off your modules.

Ball Poker - Something to unjam or clear balls easily (lego axle, chopstick, screwdriver, forceps)

Retaining Wall - Something to surround your display so that dropped balls don't roll away from the display.  Brick built walls can add some nice flair to your layout.

Extra Parts - Extra parts for most moving mechanisms, motors, gears, axles, pins

Promo Materials - Want to advertise your modules?  Pamphlets, Business Cards, LUG information.

Camera - Phone or dedicated camera to film your display.  This is good for debugging your modules later.
Table Cloth - Can help prevent balls from rolling too far when dropped from a module.
Water Bottle - Stay hydrated, modules that are jamming and malfunctioning generate a lot of sweat. 😅

Lego Power Function Motors ⚡️⚙️

What are they?

Lego Power Function Motors are the small electric motors that Lego currently manufactures.  They are small motors that can be powered by Lego battery boxes, or an older Lego 9 Volt Train Controller. The motors can run in either direction, and drive an axle socket.  So any lego piece with the cross shaped axle connector can be inserted into the motor.

(left) XL Motor (right) M Motor

These Lego PF motors come in a few sizes: Medium, Large, Extra Large and Servo.

Servo Motors behaves differently then the other motors, as they were designed for adding steering to a radio controlled car, and only have 180 degrees of rotation.  Maico Arts has some instructions for modules with Servo motors here

The regular motors that rotate 360 have different speed and torque ratings as follows:

Approximate Values

M Motor - 40 nMn Torque, 380 RPM

L Motor - 45 mNm Torque, 380 RPM

XL Motor - 90 mNm Torque, 220 RPM

How do they work?

Like most Lego and Technics, the PF Motors have various connection points which include technic pin holes, and additionally on the M Motor there are anti-studs so you can stick the motor directly to bricks. (I do this in my Greylime module)

When connected to a battery box the motor will run at full speed in either direction.  When connected to a 9 volt Train Controller you can vary the speed in 6 increments.

Determining what speed you can run your motor at is one of the first key elements you need to decide upon before you start constructing your modules.  If you don't have access to a train controller you can attain different speeds by building gearboxes and linkages. (To be discussed in another article)

A Lego M Motor connected to a battery box via a Control Switch

A Lego M Motor connected to a 9 Volt Train Controller using an extension cable.

Motors can drive all sorts of mechanisms with some creative building.  Watch a few GBC layout videos you'll see how these motors can be used.

Video: My simple layout with 4 different lift mechanisms.

Where can you get them?

Lego Online and Retail Stores - Look for the 8293 Power Functions Motor Set

Individual Purchase on Lego Shop @ Home: Extras → Power Functions https://shop.lego.com/en-CA/Power-Functions

On BrickLink search for the following parts:
Power Functions M Motor: 58120c01
Power Functions L Motor: 99499c01
Power Functions XL Motor: 58121c01

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Lego Power Functions Control Switch ⚡️🔌

What are they?

Lego Power Functions Control Switches are a three position switch that can be used to turn a motor on in either direction, or turn it off.  This can be done manually or mechanically.  A few Great Ball Contraption modules have used the switch to mechanically change the direction when required.  Tom Atkinson's Up-Down Elevator is a good example of this.

These switches can help configure your GBC layouts by reversing the direction when needed.  For example: If you have 3 modules connected to a single train controller, one of them may be going in the wrong direction. You can use a the Power function switch to change the direction of that module.  This is something I have to do with my Tri-Sep module since the Conveyor and Sweeper are driven by 2 separate motors.

Switches can be built up anyway you want!
I added some coloured levers to these.

I own two variants of the Power Function switch, one with a micro switch that changes the direction (again), and one without.  If for whatever reason you only wanted your switch to flip up and not down.  The microswitch will make sure that when flipped up, it turns the motor in the direction that you want.

Two variants, the one on the left has a second micro switch.

How do they work?

Switches can be inserted into a wired connection to either a battery box or a Power Functions extension cable.  A PF switch cannot be attached directly to a 9 volt speed controller because that uses the legacy connector that only the extension cable can interface with.

Power Functions Battery Box, Switch, and M Motor

One Way Flip

In the below image you can see I've built some stuff onto my train controller.  I've made it so that the switches can only be flipped upward.  They are blocked if they try to flip down.  By setting up your power like this, it makes it really easy for other people to start and stop your module at collaborative layouts.  It reduces the chance that someone else could put your module into reverse which could be catastrophic.

Switches attached to a 9v Train Controller and built so they can only be flipped up, not down.

Where can you get them?

You can order switches from shop.lego.com in the Power Functions section.
Buy them at retail locations in the Power Functions Motor Set (8293)
Get them on Bricklink.com search for part number: 8869-1

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Lego 9 Volt Train Speed Regulator 🔌⚡️

9 Volt Train Controllers. Yes you can build on them!

What is it?

The 9 Volt Train Speed Regulator is an official lego train controller that was last available in  Lego sets between 1991-2004 ending with the Harry Potter Hogwarts train set (10132).  These are highly desirable by GBC builders because they allow you to power your modules with AC power from an outlet.

They have 6 speeds and can be run in either forward or reverse by twisting the large yellow dial clockwise or counter-clockwise.  They can power multiple motors, the only limitation being that they will run at the same speed.

Being able to control the speed in small increments can help you debug your modules.  When running at a collaborative layout, having the controller makes it easier to control the flow of balls through your portion of the circuit allowing you to speed up or slow down depending on how other peoples modules are interacting with your own modules.

How do you use it?

You will need a 9-12 volt power adapter with a plug size of S2.1x5.5mm.

Train controllers to vary slightly since they were produced over a number of years.  1 of the 4 that I own will only take 9-10v input, where the other 3 will take 9-12v input.  Be sure to check what voltage input your controller needs, it will be stamped into the base near where you plug it in.

A 12 Volt Power Adapter

Different Input Voltages 9-10 and 9-12

You will also need a Power Functions Extension cable.  These cables have a different connector at each end.  One fits the legacy connection to the train controller, while the other end will work with Power Function motors.  These cables can be ordered directly from shop.lego.com in the Power Functions section.

A Power Functions M Motor and Extension Cable

Motor connected to the Controller

Where can you get one?

You can order the Train Controllers from Bricklink.com  Search for Part Number 2868b

I would recommend buying an extra if you can afford it.  These will become harder to find as GBC continues to grow in popularity.

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Lego GBC Balls ⚽️🏀

What are they?

They are official Lego Soccer and Basketballs.  More recently they have been used to represent pool and beach balls in several Lego Friends Sets.

GBC Balls are the most important element of a GBC layout, the lifeblood if you would.  They move around, up and down, slow and fast, alone and in groups.

GBC balls are sometimes confused with "zamor spheres", which was another ball type piece that lego produced in the past.  Zamor spheres are larger and can get stuck in GBC modules due to their size and weight.

Zamor spheres on left, GBC balls on right

How do they work?

Lego GBC Balls are all created with a high degree of tolerances the same as other lego components such as  bricks, gears, etc.  They have a specific size and weight that many GBC modules are so precariously designed around.  The majority of GBC builders prefer them over using other objects such as marbles, beads or ball bearings.  GBC layouts at public conventions will always be using official Lego balls, so that all the modules can work as designed.

Where can you get them?

Bricklink.com
Search for these part numbers

• Sports Basketball with Standard Lines Pattern 43702pb02
• Sports Soccer Ball with Standard Pattern x45pb03
• Sports Soccer Ball Plain x45
• Sports Soccer Ball with Magenta Outlined Heart and Star Pattern x45pb06

Lego Sets (Updated for July 2018)
Here are few recent sets that have a GBC ball included, they are quite expensive for just 1 ball, but you also getting other parts.

• 41335: Mia's Tree House (Orange Ball) 
• 41338: Stephanie's Sports Arena (Orange Ball) 
• 41330: Stephanie's Soccer Practice (White Ball)

shop.Lego.com Replacement Parts
Search for Element/Design Number: 72824

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