[GBC] Timing/Release mechanisms

[Huaojozu]

I have build a few GBC modules and the one part that gives me always the most trouble is the timing for whatever mechanism is getting the balls up. For a few modules like a conveyor belt based lift, it doesn't much matter as the ball will simply slide on the belt until it finds a pin (as long as the module is not overloaded with balls). But for most others, they really only work if the ball is "served" at a precise moment for the lifting mechanism to grab it and do its thing.

Can anyone point me in the right direction as to how to make these timing mechanisms? From what I've seen, there seem to be 2 basic types - (1) a motor driven one when the timing is assured by the mechanism being driven by the same motor as the lift at the same speed, thus requiring only the initial sync and (2) a release mechanism triggered by the lift in a way that as the lift comes, it pushes and opens a "gate", allowing the ball to be released and picked up by the lift at a correct moment. I am more interested in the second one but I have struggled to find any clear examples to see the construction behind it.

[DrJB]

Your best bet here is to study Akiyuki's and Philo's various mechanisms and learn from them. Keep in mind that the original GBC Specification states that balls are to travel at the rate of one ball per second. This is done to ensure no modules are starved while others have a huge backlog of balls. Again, the best way to learn is to watch 'attentively' what others have built.