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Hello, I present you my last module, a GBB with bucket. The original idea was to use 1 Circle Gear Rack https://brickset.com/article/23288/ which would turn "all alone" on which would be fixed a bucket to pick up the balls. The first roll was a failure, I used 8 gears at 45 ° (4x 12T and 4x 16T) to advance the Gear Rack, but the sync of the teeth was too strict for the lot of play of the whole set . There was either a crack or a Circle Gear Rack lock on the gears. So I had the revelation: put in the back of the module, a complete circle that synchronizes the teeth of all gears in front! I then had a stability problem with only 1 Gear Rack, the guide length was not enough, so I put 2 and the result was much better. At the mechanical level an XL motor rotates an axis on which is fixed a 16T and the 16T directly drives the back circle. And the back circle drives the other 3 axes equipped with 16T. At 45 ° there are 4 axes that are only for guidance. The exit is on the right rear, it can be brought to the front by continuing the guidance via panels. IMG_20191101_112340 by alex peraux, sur Flickr IMG_20191101_112349 by alex peraux, sur Flickr IMG_20191101_112356_1 by alex peraux, sur Flickr IMG_20191101_112408 by alex peraux, sur Flickr IMG_20191101_114023 by alex peraux, sur Flickr and a vidéo: Feel free to comment !
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[GBC]Compact cycloidal drive
Thierry-GearsManiac posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
... whis is, of course, a personal remake of a famous design from Akiyuki ! (because I admired how he turned/staged industrial speed reducers into ball transportation mechanisms) Another motivation was that some famous GBC designers (Josh DaVid, Sawyer) re-create well-known designs in a smaller form factor. And of course, the "self-challenge". So here is my currently final work (despite not yet well-polished regarding input and output's aesthetics) : UPDATE 20200410 : link to a higher quality video of a test : https://diode.zone/videos/watch/fcfe0564-1035-4bb4-b24a-7f0dd04d943d As introduced before, I haven't changed the core mechanism, which relies on the two following main tricks : using 180-53° liftarms for building the heptagonal structure of the "rotor" (only approximately 2° of mechanical stress per side) central pivot achieved by a pseudo gear bearing (pivot = sun gear ; rotor = planet carrier ; no ring gear) because no 7-beam hub does exist in LEGO and less than 7 beams is impossible because 7 is a prime number (whereas Akiyuki's rotor has 9 sides ==> 3 --double-- beams on a 6-hole pulley) The only changes I made (since the above older pictures) were : on the stator, new support structures for the big "teeth" and a brick-based rear wall (for preventing the rotor from wobbling and jamming) the ball catch mechanism : instead of the previous 3-finger layout (with one moving finger), I switched to Akiyuki's 2-(hollow)finger solution, using old crank parts and the material's flexibility : it takes less room, making the ball catching easier the ball can be pushed in/out in perfectly opposite directions, making it possible to load it at the very bottom and to unload it at the very top Then I managed to build the output ramp and input mechanism (input bin with basic steering + 1-by-1 ball distribution) and to adjust them, after several trial-and-error steps too. (I initially attached all the elements on a baseplate in order to quickly adjust them with respect to each other, before linking them together in the form of a hollow but stiff chassis). The mechanical inputs are a crank (behind the stator) and a motor input (behind the input bin). -
[GBC] Newcomer diving right in custom designs
Thierry-GearsManiac posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Hi everybody. This is my first post (except the "members' introduction"). Not being sure if it is the correct way/place to start I at last go into posting about my GBC projects, which are all only at WIP stage now. I already watched and read a lot of GBC resources (events videos, standards, famous modules and builders, balls sourcing hints...), which gave me a few ideas of custom builds, which will be new ideas as well as "remakes". But my work is currently slowed down by a few difficulties when leaving the dark age (getting used to studless building techniques when designing custom only, missing parts despite a huge initial BrickLink investment), so the results would show up bit by bit only. So, for more concrete stuff, my most advanced work is on a compact cycloidal drive, of course inspired by Akiyuki's one, but being a fully custom from-scratch and trial-and-error build. At its current state, only the core mechanism is available and it runs smoothly. However the ball transport (currently built on only one cycloidal "tooth") seems to be the hardest thing to make reliable, and it is not yet the case. A stiffer chassis (with the input bin and agitator + secondary ball transport mechanism will be required too. I'll build it with bricks mainly (when I'll find an opportunity to pick up my childhood stock). The core mechanism features an outer ring of 8 teeth, based on an octagon made up of 6L axles and 135° connectors, and a 7-teeth cycloidal disc (and some associated tricks), resulting in approximately 2/3 the size of Akiyuki's original design. So is my prototype worth a picture right now ? (a few other modules are planned but I built only draft/mock-ups of the core mechanisms now due to the lack of parts.) -
On Tuesday October 15, a free GBC workshop is organized for children in the age of 7 to 14 years old. The workshop is organized by Sioux Technologies to promote science and technique for the next generation. Location is Esp 101, Eindhoven (The Netherlands). Two of the models of Philip Verbeek (PV productions) will be used in the workshop. Philip himself will be there as well as trainer. More information can be found here: https://www.sioux.eu/ (please note that the workshop will be available in Dutch only, so is the information at the Sioux website). -
This question is for folks that set-up GBC modules at events. Do you have an emergency/breakdown/set-up kit that you take to events? If so what do you have in your kit? I did my first event this past weekend and would like to make sure that I am better equipped for the next event which will be in October. Thanks, Daniel
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Lego GBC Dual Forks Module
sawyer klegr posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
This lego great ball contraption module uses a set of "forks" attached to technic lift arms to lit the GBC balls to the next module. The lift arms have to lift when they can't turn any farther. The mechanism is very reliable, but it can't be running to slow. The mechanism that loads the forks looks weird, but it does work well. I had a hard time getting the design right but it works well now. If you want the LDD or Stud.io file you can get them here. -
Lego GBC Rotating Cup Module
sawyer klegr posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
This Lego great ball contraption module uses mechanism with the transparent food covering type pieces (I have no idea what they are actually called) It is a reliable module, even though it looks like it is flexing a lot in the video. The tightness of the mechanism that holds the balls is able to be adjusted very easily to make sure that they pick up the balls each time. I have (as you can see) finally got some proper GBC balls to run my modules with. This module can hold one layer of them in the input bin before they get stuck, I would guess that that is about 30 - 35 balls. Like most of my recent modules it is compatible with my power sharing standard. The LDD file is on bricksafe here. -
[GBC] Multipath
Great Ball Pit posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Hello, here is my latest module which will allow me to split the flow of balls into two separate outputs. I've wanted to do a path splitter for a while. So after seeing a module in a recent European GBC layout that used the Sports ramps in this manner, it inspired me to get started. This module has a recirculation function, massive input bin, and the ability to move balls out quite quickly. The biggest challenge when building this module was getting the sweeper motion to work as intended. If anyone here has a better solution for the sweeper linkage please leave a reply as it is something I'd like to improve. -
Lego GBC Cardan Gear Module
sawyer klegr posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
This lego GBC module uses three cardan gear mechanisms to rotate the platforms that the balls sit on. It is a reliable module when you have the timing between the loading and unloading mechanisms aligned right. The long technic axle you can see running through the front of the module is how it shares power between it and other modules. I am trying to make all my new modules able to share power in this way, as this way I only need one motor for every 4 to 5 modules. If you wan to build this module I have instructions on Rebrickable. More photos on Flickr. The mechanism to load the balls is quite simple, although it is not the most smooth. I would like to change the mechanism to something easier on the parts, maybe by making the main stepper tall enough to let the balls roll straight on. The unloading mechanism is inspired by Akiyuki's mechanism, although it is not exactly the same. This version uses the 2L rubber technic beams instead of rubber bands, and holds two balls instead on one. -
Lego GBC Offset Gears Module
sawyer klegr posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
I came up with the mechanism for this module by accident when I went to put a axle through the middle of the gear, and thought "I wonder why I have never used the other axle holes for anything" and that is how this module started. The mechanism quite reliable, as long as you have the timing between the two parts of the module is right. The timing is easy to set up by holding back the last gear while the mdoule is running. Instructions are on Rebrickable here. I know that I am still using non-lego balls. Yesterday I went to buy them from lego bricks and pieces, I added them to my bag and then went to add the lego hogwarts express set to my bag as well. In the time that it took me to do that they went out of stock, hopefully they will be back in stock in the next few days. More photos. -
[GBC] Ball Catcher
Berthil posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
I've designed and build this LEGO Great Ball Contraption for Lego World 2017 in Utrecht in The Netherlands. Last year almost over 100.000 Lego fans visited Lego World. This GBC will be part of a circle of over 150 machines. The kids control the Ball Catcher Mouse with LEGO power functions and are thus responsible to keep all balls circulating as part of the 150+ machines. I hope that is exciting enough for them :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1ZZsKZlan4 -
This is my take on Tom Atkinsons‘s „Perpetual Prototype“ module in classic GBC style. Often seen in Beyond the Brick GBC videos,
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[GBC] Old Town Road
Great Ball Pit posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Here is a GBC module built using a conveyor, and the older "Racer" track. The theme is based on the song of the same name. The conveyor is powered by a PF-M Motor, and the Sweeper is using a PF-XL motor. -
I’m really excited and happy to share with you the first video from Planet GBC, taking the form of an online magazine. In the video, you will: → Discover GBC → Have an overview of the best GBC modules released over the past weeks → Learn how to build a GBC module from A to Z (get the instructions, buy and order parts you need) and reproduce Sawyer Scissor Lift module → Find and buy GBC balls for your module I hope you will enjoy this video. Don't hesitate to leave comments on this video via this forum thread -
Double Bucket Wheel GBC
Berthil posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
After buying two bucket wheel excavators for parts I had to do something with the Rings and Buckets.So I designed and build this GBC. It rests on 4 wheels and all 4 wheels are powered. This GBC has very tight tolerances almost everywhere. -
When I saw the Scrooge McDuck mini-fig in the Disney CMF2 I knew what I had to build as my next GBC module! I present to you Scrooge McDucks Money Bin, which is loosely based on the vault seen in the Ducktales cartoon. It's built primarily with white and bright green brick, I used flame orange for the $ on the front of the building. The build was a little bit different then most GBC builds. Usually in GBC you build the lift mechanism first, but this time I built the structure first. I then built the conveyor and fitted in in the back. The last part of the build was getting the recirculation feature working inside the "chute" the balls fall through. I hope you enjoy the build !
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Lego GBC Bucket Conveyor Module
sawyer klegr posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Lego GBC Bucket Conveyor Module This Lego GBC module uses a conveyor mechanism with the buckets from the bucket wheel excavator set attached to it. It is a slow but reliable module, and it can (surprisingly) hold the GBC standard of 30 balls. The yellow rail you can see in the back is part of the mechanism that keeps the buckets at the correct angle. It works well but I would like to change it to use small technic wheels to reduce friction on the mechanism and make the parts last longer. The ldd file and instructions are of rebrickable here. The two gray 6L half beams help to stop the buckets from catching on the bottom of the module. I am not using clutch gears in the video but I have tested it with them. It would probably be a good idea to use them, the module ripped itself apart several times throughout the build and testing process. More photos on Flickr. -
GBC - how to use/export bsx parts lists from eurobricks
Jamescole699 posted a topic in General LEGO Discussion
Hi. I’m a long term Lego fan but only just getting into GBC and need some help. I want to build one of Akiyuki’s modules (strain wave gearing) and not that there are instructions and a link to a bsx parts list. I have successfully managed to take xml format parts lists and copy/paste into BrickLink to manage parts buying under my wanted lists but I don’t know how to use BSX? I have researched that I need brickstore/brickstock or possibly Rebrickable but when I click on “parts list” link in eurobricks it opens a new web page with the bsx text and seemingly no way to save down or export this other than copy and paste the text. My question therefore is this: how do I export or utilise the eurobricks parts list (which states bsx forms) into either brickstock/brickstore or Rebrickable in order to be able to create and import an actual .bsx file into BrickLink? Sorry if this question seems stupid but I’m really struggling to find any guidance for this seemingly simple task and would greatly appreciate the help. Otherwise I’m stuck manually looking at the pictures parts list page at back of instructions and manually finding the parts one by one in BrickLink which is easy and doable but naturally takes A LONG time. Thanks in advance for any help on this. James -
[GBC] Ball Shooter Marble Run
Berthil posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
After my experiences at the full week of Lego World Utrecht I decided to do a complete redesign and rebuild of my stand alone GBC version of the Akiyuki based marble run. Only the method of clamping the tubes as tracks is the same as in the previous version. The ball shooter had proven it's reliability during Lego World and because of the improved design only one shooter is used. Very pleased with the now reliable result. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olx4JmtnVq4 -
Hi All! Long time lurker first time poster! Happy to have joined the community! Im an avid lego fan (albeit a bit of a lego hoarder) and I have been collecting lego since the 90s. I really enjoy working with the technic theme theme, creating random machines and creating GBCs, however working with classic bricks also works for me. I have approximately 100k pieces available at disposal (mostly sourced from bricklink), which is probably not as much as what you guys have :) I’ve also recently started a youtube channel to share some of my creations, please have a look and subscribe! Technic Master’s Youtube Channel Looking forward to sharing more of my custom creations. Louie
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[GBC] Big Spiral Lift
dunes posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
I took sawyer's Spiral Lift to a higher level xD Sawyer's thread 7 levels and Akiyuki style and input. -
Lego GBC Scissor Lift Module
sawyer klegr posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
This Lego GBC Module uses a Scissor Lift mechanism to lift the balls up. The mechanism is quite reliable and sturdy, I never had problems with the balls falling out. The gear train is long but it does not have much friction because the stepper does not use much power. I would like to make one with more lift mechanisms similar to Akiyuki's six heads module but I don't enough of the cup pieces. The LDD file is here. More photos here. -
review Review: GBC 25 Sweeper (42049 C model) by PV Productions
mostlytechnic posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
GBC 25 Sweeper This is a slightly different review than normal. This is not a set review; it's an instructions review. PV Productions publishes a line of GBC instructions, made from existing Lego sets. This makes it very simple for new GBC builders, since you don't have to hunt down an array of parts via Bricklink. If you have one of the Technic sets, you have everything you need. Name: GBC 25 Sweeper Set Number: uses parts from 42049, Technic Mine Loader (originally retailed for $50; currently used sets are available for $30-40 on Bricklink) Pieces: n/a Price: €9.95 for the instructions Minifigs: 0 Theme: Technic, GBC I (and my sons) love watching GBC setups. The mechanisms used are fantastic and just fun to watch. I've seen the massive discussion threads in the Technic forum here recreating Akiyuki and other GBC designs. One drawback is the need to assemble an array of pieces, and there's often the need for rare pieces (like the chrome silver reflector dish that's beloved in GBC setups and so sells for multiple dollars EACH). PV Productions publishes a line of GBC instructions, where each design is a "C model" of an existing Technic set. As long as you have that set, you have all the pieces you need to build the GBC (except for the balls, which PV Productions also sells compatible, non-Lego balls). I bought a couple instruction sets to convert Technic sets I own into GBC modules. I did not buy the PV Productions balls - I didn't want to pay international shipping. After some googling for alternatives, I saw recommendations for 9/16" Delrin bearings. I ordered a bag of 100 of them on Amazon for $11.25 shipped. The Instructions PV Productions provides their instructions as downloadable PDF files. They are designed to be printable, but that would be costly, since they have the solid light blue backgrounds like many Lego sets do. Instead, you can easily use a computer or tablet to view it electronically. The files are password protected and have your account information (email, purchase date) across the bottom of each page to prevent piracy. Given that, I don't know why they restrict you to 3 downloads of each file. It seems like an unnecessary complication to the process and would cause extra customer support issues to arise. The instructions are reasonably easy to follow. The image quality is slightly less than Lego and occasionally the steps are difficult. It's obvious that they're generated by computer rather than hand-curated. Some steps aren't turned the best way to view the connections being made, and some steps would be easier to do in a different order. None are TOO difficult, so it's not too much of an issue. It is definitely a significant step up in difficulty though - not for small kids or someone who hasn't done much Technic building. Personally, I liked it. I'm a fan of the older instructions that added more pieces at once and were more complex. The current instruction style feels over-simplified to me. The GBC This GBC is designed to look like a trailer. There are wheels and a tow point at the front. However, it's not really usable as a trailer. The wheels are attached to pins, not axles, so they don't roll easily. That could be modified if you wanted; there's axles left over. And when you are operating it, there's a tool to lock the wheel in place (it's the assembly with the dark grey axle connector just above and to the right of the tire in this photo. The light grey axle goes through the pinhole in the wheel and into the frame of the GBC to keep it from rolling) There's also a few spots that feel like part usage just to use up pieces - such as the "light" made of a stack of clear studs on the upper edge. PV Productions also followed the Technic standard of including a piston engine in the set. In this case it's a tiny single cylinder design, but it works. It is pretty fragile and fiddly during the build process though. At the front, there is this axle with a pair of light grey 3L perpendicular connectors on it. It can rotate, flipping the connectors up. The only purpose I see is that adjusts the angle of the GBC by the tiniest of amounts. The feed tray for the balls is connected by this single point. That does make it wobble around, but that also is part of how it works. I have a feeling that if it was more rigidly attached, you'd have more ball feeding issues. The right-side tire is held out from the machine by this red bush. That is because it'd rub on he yellow liftarm if it wasn't out so far. That does make it feel a little unstable though. Since you can't really roll the unit around anyway, I removed that red bush on my setup to make it a bit more compact and stable. The Video This GBC runs very smoothly most of the time. If you don't put enough balls in, it does sometimes mis-feed and the ball not drop under the "antenna" piece. With 5 or so balls, it runs great. The manual does walk you though how to get the timing right of the lifting mechanism, but I found that if you just position them as shown in each step of assembly, it comes out working right. If you weren't paying that much attention to detail, you just need to remove the black gears, rotate each tan gear correctly, and put the black gears back on. The video also demonstrates the other party trick of the set. If you rotate the exhaust piece at the top of the path, the balls fall straight ahead, making it able to feed into a different GBC instead of returning them. The Conclusion This is a great introductory GBC set. It's easy to get the parts for, since it's all from one set. It runs well, and is a nice level of challenge to assemble. I think it makes a nice display on its own, but there's also room to modify it if you want. You could make it longer, improve the return ramp, etc, and that's part of the fun of GBC. The price seems reasonable on it's own, but when I look at the other, much larger, GBC designs that they sell, in comparison it feels a touch overpriced. This small set was ten euros, but instructions for much larger models are 13 to 25 euros. Given how much work must go into designing and then digitally modeling each set, none of it seems unreasonable. Now time for me to go work on the GBC 14 Strandbeest, built from the 42054 Tractor set... -
Lego GBC Brick Separator Module
sawyer klegr posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
This lego GBC module use 3 brick separators to lift the balls up. I came up with the idea to use them like this after looking at a pile of them that I have and thinking that having more than 2 of them is kind of pointless. The module is quite reliable and in in theory could be made much higher easily. The loading mechanism is designed so that the ball can role back into the module if it does not role onto the brick separator properly, this happens sometimes when the batteries run low. (you can see at 0:46 in the video) The LDD file is here. More photos here. -
[GBC] Separation Anxiety
Great Ball Pit posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Hey everyone, here is a sideways conveyor I've made using 25 brick separators. It is quite a simple build, and has some input restrictions. It can handle a fast stream of 1-2 balls but would fail the 30 batch standard rule. I think it looks great even when turned off. Some people have said it looks like an insect, and I think it has that nice baggage carousel effect when it's turned on. Please enjoy the video.
