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I have been shamelessly plugging the Lego Technic 42042 Crawler Crane over in the "What should I buy" thread here at Eurobricks but I just came across a new reason to buy it that I thought was relevant to a more general audience. A company in Europe called PV Productions has created a C-Model that is a GBC contraption. (No relation, ownership nor knowledge of who they are.) calls it a D Model because he has two GBC C models created from the set, but only the D Model is available for purchase now... and purchase it, I did! My seven year old son is into small Lego Techic models as he doesn't have enough patience to build the 1,000+ piece models, but after showing him the video, he wants to build it with me this weekend. Only problem... I don't own any of the Lego soccer or basketballs that are used for GBC models and I have no desire to pay the crazy $2.50+ costs per ball!! I've attached a video below (I assume that's okay) to the Youtube video he created of the D model. I'll be picking up the C-Model as soon as it's available for purchase. He also has pending future GBC models for sales that are all C Models of 42043, 42054 and another that is a 2 set C Model but I cannot recall which... Watch the video and you want to buy the set and want to figure out how to buy some Lego balls or alternatives. If soeone has a good recommendation for an alternate source, I would love to know it. Update: just checked my Paypal receipt and the PV stands for Phillip Verbeek, I think. -
BWE - C model (GBC)
doug72 posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
PV Productions now have instructions for a C model LEGO GBC 15 – 7 Modules – 42055. Looks good. http://pv-productions.com/product/lego-gbc-15-42055-building-instructions/ -
GBC: Lego balls vs Chinese beads
dr_spock posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
My eBay order of 14mm beads arrived in the mail from China today. Big thanks to EyesOnly for providing the eBay link. They costed about $5 USD. Since I have a few Lego balls, I thought I do a comparison. Here is a picture of the recent Lego balls from Friends sets and the Chinese bead on the right. As you can see the bead is shinier and smoother than the Lego balls. Also the bead has a bigger hole that goes all the way through for the strings. The hole in the Lego balls do not go all the way through, therefore, you can't make a necklace or bracelet out of them without drilling. With the bigger hole there is probably less mass. I weighed 8 Lego balls and 8 beads. 8 Lego balls = 12 grams 8 beads = 11 grams The slight weight difference didn't seem to cause a problem with my ball accelerator module since I am not flinging the beads that far. GBCs that shoot long distance may need some testing and adjustments. There is also a size difference with the beads. They don't have the exact size consistence as Lego when measured with a caliper. Lego ball = 14.07 mm beads = 13.5 to 13.7 mm In general, they seem to work well with my 4 GBC modules. One issue I found with the bigger hole is it can create a flat spot that the beads can't roll over if it doesn't have enough momentum. Some of my GBCs uses incline with gravity to feed and the beads some times get stuck until another bead knock it loose or I manually free them. Summary. At 5 cents USD each, they are a bargain compared to Lego balls. They are lighter than Lego balls and the bigger hole can cause the balls to get stuck on the path. So more 'babysitting' of the GBC module may be required. Overall, I think they are great for doing public display of GBCs where balls tend to get lost throughout the day. -
[GBC] Simple Pump Module
Lasse D posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
The pump and anti-jamming mechanism of the Yellow Submarine worked so well that I had to make a module just focusing on these parts: Here are the building instructions: http://c-mt.dk/instructions/lxf/gbc_pump.lxf Here is the thread for the Yellow Submarine module: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/146542-gbc-yellow-submarine/ It is fun making GBC modules. Now I just need a good idea for the next module :) -
Suggestion for GBC subtopic
9v system posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Hi gbc fans, i have noticed over the past few months that quite a few gbc topics have been created, I have been finding it hard to find them in amongst all the model team stuff. Do you think we should have our own gbc subtopic so it is easier to find everything relating to gbc? thoughts? -
[GBC] Yellow Submarine
Lasse D posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Here is a GBC mod of the LEGO Ideas set 21306 Yellow Submarine with The Beatles! The XL motor runs on speed 1 or 2 (both will do, but speed 2 is better at handling batches of 50+ balls) A closeup of the mechanism from outside: I'm quite satisfied with how well the "anti-jamming" mechanism works. I intend on making a separate module with all themechanism exposed so it's easier to see. But for now. Enjoy the Beatles :) -
GBC Curved chain ball lift (MOC) (WIP)
doug72 posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Having used 12 pce BWE gear qaudrants for two other MOC's I had two left over. These have been used as support guides for a ball lift module using the large Lego Chain links which have studs Clearances for the lift arms is tight but with carefull setting up works well, still some work to do to improve the ball loading hopper which is too high at present. IMG_4244 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr IMG_4243 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr Video: -
[TC10] Pneumatic lift [GBC] module
Captainowie posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Hi. With the quality of entries I've seen so far, I don't like my chances of winning, but it would be nice to get a badge! I'm going to use this contest as an excuse to redo a previous model of mine - a GBC module powered by pneumatics. This is what the old version looked like: I have used it in a previous display, but it has numerous shortcomings as a GBC module. The output is not in line with the input, violating the spec. It was what I needed at the time, but it's not suitable for general use. The output is impolitely high. Again, it was what I needed at the time, but I couldn't put this into a normal circuit. It would frequently jam. It spilled lots of balls. I will be using the same sequencing (basically the simplest alternating sequence possible). I had toyed with the idea of something more complicated, but 1) I couldn't get my head around how to make the sequence I wanted, and 2) it would have been too slow anyway. I probably won't make a compressor for this one, leaving it hand-operated. The idea being that in a display it can be somewhat interactive - the audience gets to power the Contraption (or at least some portion of it). Best of luck to all entrants! Owen. -
EV3 GBC starter module?
Huaojozu posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
I have recently become interested in the art and science of GBC and I am looking for the best way to start building. One problem though, I don't like to mix my sets . I have seen some great GBC c-models (such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb5kTm9Ykn0 ) but unfortunately haven't been able to find any instructions. In particular I am looking for simple GBC modules made of single sets to study the entire GBC mechanic and learn from it to make my own modules. It doesn't really need to be fancy or cool, just functional and c-model-ish. Has anyone come across something similar? It seems that in all topics I've found, the possibility of making modules as c-models of existing technics sets isn't really discussed. -
Downsizing my Akiyuki Collection
Blakbird posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
As I am packing to move to my new house, I am forced to take stock of my current collection and conclude that it is ridiculous. I've disassembled a number of old Technic sets and a few Technic MOCs, but in particular I went overboard on building Akiyuki GBC modules. I've chosen a few of them to get rid of, but rather than just part them out I thought I would offer them up to see if anyone is interested. I could take them apart and ship them or, if someone is close, they might even want the custom display cases I built! Here is a list of those that will need to go. If anyone is interested in making me an offer, please contact me by PM. Elevator Lift Triggered by a Stuck Ball Zig-zag Lift Catch and Release I had already previously parted out two others, but if anyone wants them I probably still have the parts. Pneumatic Module Fork Module -
[GBC] Tree Slide Module
dr_spock posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
For Brickfete 2016 and the Friends contest, I made a Friends-ly tree slide GBC module. The input and output are to GBC standards so it should play nice with other GBC modules. During the event I had make various modifications and fixes. Although, it worked great at home. I think I got the bugs out of it now. It had pretty good response and feedback from girls and moms. LEGO Friends Tree Slide GBC Module by dr_spock_888, on Flickr Watch the balls climb up and slide down. -
Quincunx LEGO GBC Module (Galton Board)
bartneck posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Today I would like to share my latest GBC module with you. It is a Quincunz, also known as a Galton Board. The balls are being transported up with a conveyer belt and a light sensor counts how many balls have passed. The balls then roll down the board and at each peg they can either bounce left or right. After the last peg the ball is caught in a repository. Once 100 balls made their way down, the gate opens and releases all the balls. Probably no GBC module could deal with 100 balls at a time, so I queued them up and deliver them one at a time. More information and the math behind it is available. -
[GBC] Wheel Bucket Excavator MOC
dr_spock posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
LEGO Friends Wheel Bucket Excavator Great Ball Contraption - the Friendly WBE way to move GBC balls It has been a while since I've made a GBC module. This is something fun for the LUG's upcoming event season. I've been sitting on an idea to use those "scoop" pieces in a GBC for a couple of years. The upcoming BWE finally kickstarted my bum to action. It took some trial and error to get them to work. I may have to do more tweaking once it starts going to events. As GBCers know, what works great at home, does not outside the home. Wheel Bucket Excavator GBC by dr_spock_888, on Flickr I still have to make a suitable ball receiving/loading bin. I am not sure the events GBC coordinators will let me use the lid from a take out order of french fries. -
GBC Module - Drag & Tilt (Fixed Video)
LegoGBC posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
My new GBC Module(s). These are actually two modules working together,both using the same motor. The tricky part was to sync everything up - making the motor switch the cart direction just when it reaches it's extreme. Everything stays in sync without any drift (tested for ~2 hours,stays in perfect sync) The motor always spins in the same direction. Here's the video Thanks for watching! (It's very hard to name GBC modules ) -
GBC by Doug #3 (MOD)
doug72 posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Looking for another GBC to build I downloaded the excellent instructions by Paul Verbeek for building his GBC # 5. This was built as per instructions but as I only had one 40T gear I had to use for the 1st stage reduction a 36/12T gear combination, giving an overall gear reduction of 15:1 instead of 25:1. Many of my studded parts are quite old & worn. When the contraption was run the increased cycle rate caused it to fall apart !! Decided to build a stud-less version and eliminate the double gear reduction which was replaced by a simple 24:1 worm gear unit directly driving the crank arm. Instead of using the ball loading device shown in the instructions I used the same ball loading gate as used on my GBC #1 - Bucket Wheel Lift. Getting the trip lever geometry right took a lot of attempts to perfect ! Ball return run is only temporary until I build a 4th module (vertical lift ?) and link them all together. The only non lego part is the 56L x 28L base plate by Play BLOX from Wilco at £3.50 - approx 1/4 equivelant lego price. See video which is best with sound Off. [m.e.d.i.a.] [/m.e.d.i.a.]Doug -
Double Helix GBC Modules
bartneck posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Great Ball Contraptions are fascinating and I designed two GBC modules that use LEGO slides for getting the balls up and down. The first uses a ball pump to push the balls up through the tower. The balls then roll down a double helix: The second modules uses the double helix for an Archimedes Screw. This is a very effective method of lifting balls up. -
[GBC] Kicker Module
Captainowie posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Hi guys. I have begun construction of my newest GBC module, and I've decided to try sharing my journey with you. I am aiming to make a projectile launcher, that will get the balls across the gap between two tables, a distance of about one meter. I have considered two approaches: contra-rotating wheels as in a bowling machine; or impact from a moving lever, like someone taking a golf shot. After an afternoon playing around with contra-rotating wheels, I decided that the moving lever had more chance of success. As most of my structural elements are currently tied up in display models and other GBC modules, I decided to use the one set I have that isn't either built or assimilated into my collection - a 8110 Unimog (no longer MISB because I had already raided it for the pneumatic pump). As a result, I would like to see if I can make this from only the parts in this set - because this wasn't going to be hard enough already! Here's a very quick rendition of what I've got so far: The part on the end of the arm is the rubber 2-length liftarm, because I thought it would make for a gentler impact on the balls. I plan to raise the balls vertically into the path of the arm just like they do at some driving ranges. In order to get a rate of ~one ball/sec I'm probably going to have to build two or maybe even four of these things side by side. I do have a couple of questions I'd like to ask the forum: When using shocks like this, should I stop the movement of the arm before the shock expands fully? Or will the shock handle the sudden stop by itself? Has anyone built a reliable projectile module that shoots over such a large distance? I don't remember seeing one online anywhere, though I've seen plenty that cover smaller distances. I fear that at this range precision is going to become an issue. How should I prime the arm? I need to allow for quick release, and automatic re-arming. Is there any other mechanism I should consider? Like perhaps a centrifugal gun? I'll keep you all updated on how I progress. Owen. -
Next GBC - Any takers?
nerdsforprez posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Saw this video today.... Just had to post. Simply amazing. Honestly, I post as a potential GBC in Lego jocularly. Not sure all elements in Lego can behave in such a manner as to make this possible. But what fun if it could! Would be another great group project. -
[GBC] Irreversible Screw
torso posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
As can be seen in the movie, this screw can't be reversed - balls are always transported forward regardless of rotational direction. A very simple mechanism. The time consuming part has been making it sturdy. Had to rush the design at the end to finish before an exhibition, so some things will be adjusted later. I intend to post a picture of how it's constructed when the 3D model is finished. The switch is purely mechanical using regular transmission parts. Driven by a medium motor. -
[TC9] GBC module/ building thing?
9v system posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
here is an unfinished entry for the contest, photos to come soon 9v system -
Another GBC module from Akiyuki -
Hey everyone! Here is my new GBC module, designed to operate similar to a ski lift. It uses a single L motor to operate the chain movement. The balls are loaded automatically into the chairs as they rotate around. The hopper can currently only hold five balls, but can be configured to hold more. Here is the video, the building instructions and a link to some additional pictures: Building Instructions: http://www.mediafire...bc_ski_lift.lxf Additional pictures: http://www.brickshel...ry.cgi?f=555913 Enjoy!
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VIDEO: LEGO Great Ball Contraption (GBC) - 60 Modules (Skærbæk Fan W
Zusammengebaut posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Hello, this is amazing: LEGO Great Ball Contraption Circuit - 60 Modules, GBC-Layout 2015: Skærbæk Fan Weekend, shown by Kris, BeLUG. Enjoy! Best wishes Andres -
GBC idea - wheels as gears
syclone posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Good day everybody ! Just found these wheels - http://alpha.bricklink.com/pages/clone/catalogitem.page?P=64712&idColor=11#T=S&C=11&O={"color":11,"ii":1} and discovered that they can act as gears! -
GBC Ball Counter - Version 2
LegoGBC posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Hi I've made a GBC ball counter which uses an android smartphone and an app I wrote in order to detect and count GBC balls. Iv'e done this before (here), but this time I tried something different: counting the balls directly from the GBC track, without a special module. The counter uses the phone's camera to scan a row of pixels (most of them positioned on the track itself). If it detects a drastic change in one of the pixels' colors, it registers a pass and does some calcucations (such as balls / second). It also waits 200ms before scanning for balls again, so the counter won't register the same ball twice. Also included is a small algorithm that will ignore changes in lighting, to prevent false positives. More information: - 100% accuracy rate - never misses a ball or counts the same ball twice - Can handle up to 5 (!) balls per second, which is 5 times more than the GBC standard - The app uses the camera preview mode (~20 fps) - Coded in Java for android devices. I hope you'll like it :)
