Looking for a Lego Technic motor

[metalgeekzy]

I am looking for a motor. But JUST a motor. I want to do some like ferris wheel builds. Or a sort of repetitive motion build. And i need a motor to run those things. 

Is there a motor where i dont have to deal with battery packs or controllers or anything like that? One that plugs into the wall, has an on/off switch and maybe a direction switch? 

[deraven]

There are plenty of hacks out there to let you do that, but the most common Lego-only way I've seen of accomplishing that (often used by GBC builders) is to use Power Functions motors along with a 9v Train Speed Regulator (which is plugged into the wall, not batter-operated).  You can also use the rechargeable Power Functions battery box (8878) and leave it plugged in, but I think those are going for a premium price these days vs the train speed regulator which are pretty cheap.

This is a decent summary that you might find helpful: https://www.planet-gbc.com/get-started-with-gbc/bring-motion-to-your-modules/

If you're not opposed to using a non-Lego solution, there are plenty of options out there for turning a standard battery box into a continuous power supply or even just hacking the power cables directly- just google those if you're curious.

[metalgeekzy]

OK so i think i misunderstood the whole setup when i first started looking into this. 

I thought to use a motor you had to have the controller and remote and all that jazz. But i guess all you really need is a battery box and a motor? Thats....simpler. 

But, is there a cheaper way to get into this? Found a battery box and motor set on amazon for 87 dollars. Thats spendy for just a battery box, that i need to supply that batteries for, and a motor. 

i would rather steer away from "fake" legos, but is there a cheaper option? 
And the set i found on amazon is here 
https://www.amazon.com/Lego-Functions-Power-Battery-M-Motor/dp/B00OEHKWTY/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=lego+battery+pack&qid=1631044118&sr=8-5

[1963maniac]

37 minutes ago, metalgeekzy said:

i would rather steer away from "fake" legos, but is there a cheaper option? 
And the set i found on amazon is here 
https://www.amazon.com/Lego-Functions-Power-Battery-M-Motor/dp/B00OEHKWTY/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=lego+battery+pack&qid=1631044118&sr=8-5

I agree that's a lot of $$ for that! Check ebay.com or Bricklink.com

[MAB]

Power Functions are now discontinued, and the M motor being so popular means that they have gone up in cost massively on the secondary market. Depending on what size wheel you are building you might need something a bit more powerful too. Although it is fine if you go reasonably small like the official ferris wheel set.

[Toastie]

1 hour ago, 1963maniac said:

Check ebay.com or Bricklink.com

@metalgeekzy can't agree more with @1963maniac,

maybe steer away from Amazon. It appears to be convenient, and it is, but as Jeff said when he flew into the skies upon his return: "... you are paying for this ..."

There are much better sources. Expensive, they still are. Because TLG abandoned ship. So it is up-to you to decide on where to go.

Best
Thorsten

[metalgeekzy]

Ya im right now looking at the lego store. Has a lot of retired products.

[Johnny1360]

Had no idea M motors were so pricey now and I got plenty.

Anyway I would suggest looking for a older set that already has motors, seems cheaper that way plus you get more parts. 

I know it's hard to find at a reasonable price anymore, sure glad I got one before they were retired but if you can pick up the power functions motor pack, they are great. You get a battery pack, M motor, switch, lights, two universal joints and a clutch gear. Funny I remember spending $40 on one thinking it was crazy expensive, now they are $170, insane.

[1963maniac]

There are chain stores here in the US that are Called "Bricks and Minifigs". Check their webpage for a location near you. There are other Lego resellers too. Just google for your part of the US.

[howitzer]

By far the easiest and cheapest option is to get any PF motor and a battery box, and maybe rechargeable batteries. That way you'll avoid dealing with various cables, conversions and all that stuff but then you're stuck with battery-operated machine, which might be annoying if you want to run it continuously for a long time.

PF L motors are plentiful and cheap, as are the aforementioned train remotes. With train remote you'll need a transformer too, and I'd recommend getting an official one, as it can be hard to find suitable third party transformers. You'll also need a conversion cable to fit the PF cable to the train remote, those you can either try to find online or get some of the both, PF and 9V cables and solder them together.

All of this stuff is available in Bricklink, which is also probably the easiest and cheapest way to get them.

Third party solutions might be cheaper but require more know-how on getting them to work.

[1963maniac]

To clarify, PF extension cables (60656 or 58118) will connect 9V train controller (2868b) and any PF motors. No batteries or soldered cables are required. I can run my roller coaster all day with this set up. BTW, if you are buying the train controller make sure you get the correct transformer for it (110 volt input).