ElectroDiva

That would have been a *much* better choice. Ideally something that people could have modded into a Santa Fe to keep kids and AFOLs alike happy. I think TLG miss a trick with things like that. Yes - the primary purpose of these sets are as toys for kids, but why not try to appeal to both markets.

I hate to be negative about a new train set (we get them so rarely) - but that train set looks awful. The old Monster Fighters haunted train was (in my opinion) - much more interesting at a similar price point. A couple of the other sets look ok though (as least as parts packs). So may pick those up.

Hey Cosmik - really good to hear you’ve received my package and that you’re already starting to get results with the hardware! Not sure if you’ve seen this - but the system is actually really well documented on the Fx bricks website here (including usage guides, a full BLE interface guide, some APIs with source code and even a sound effects library : ) In terms of functionality for your software and the PFx kit - here’s what I’d like to be able to do: 1- On the 2 standard power functions outputs, i’d like to have the same controls as you have implemented for the SBrick - i.e. basic power functions motor and light control (perhaps with the addition of motor speed gradient control if that isn’t already available). I’d also like to be able to trigger these outputs based on an event associated with another device in the network (e.g. a sensor connected to a PUP hub or EV3 brick) 2- On the speaker output, i’d like to be able to trigger one of the stored sound effects based on an event associated with the PFx brick or one of the other devices in the network. 3- On the lighting dock output, I’d like to be able to trigger one of the PFx brick’s preset lighting effects (documented in the brick interface control document) or individual lighting pin outputs based on an event associated with the PFx brick or one of the other devices in the network. To bring the above functionality together with some real world examples - here’s a couple of use cases: A- Automating a Level Crossing. Train passes a section of track, triggering an onboard or trackside sensor connected to a PUP hub. That sends an event to a PFx brick controlling a level crossing. The PFx brick’s 2 power functions outputs are used to lower the barriers. The PFx brick’s lighting dock output is used to start flashing warning lights. The PFx brick’s sound output is used to sound a warning alarm. The train passes another section of track, triggering another sensor and a second event is sent to the PFx brick allowing the barriers to be raised again and lights to be switched off. B- Automating a Steam Train. Steam loco with a PFx brick sets off on a preset journey (ideally at a set time). As it pulls away from the station - the lights turn on, steam buildup sounds are triggered, a horn/whistle sound is triggered, and the motor gradually ramps up to a preset speed. As the train passes another section of track near the next station, an onboard or trackside sensor connected to a PUP hub is triggered, sending an event to the PFx brick to gradually ramp down the motor, trigger a horn/whistle sound, trigger steam release sounds and turn off the lights.

Very interesting solution. How much more can it pull with two motors running off a single PU hub? Assume it’s not quite double? I really need to develop some soldering skills to attempt mods like this and a few other cool things I’ve seen.

Great news - really looking forward to seeing what you come up with! Maybe you can try out some more complicated scenarios once their additional stuff arrives.

How about “Brick Automation Project” or just “CosmikSoft”. As others have said, those who need it for their projects will search it out regardless of whether it has Lego in the name.

You and many others I’m sure! Which is exactly why it’s short sighted of them. Some companies are like that I guess.. Never mind - I’ve sent a PFx kit to Cosmik so we should soon have it supported. Can’t wait to see what he does with it :)

Nice work @Lok24 - love the retro (but very functional) automation with the strings. That’s a genius idea. Very nice demonstration of the potential of Cosmik’s Lego Train Project software too :)

That’s a shame. It would ultimately help them sell their brick system. No problem though - I will get one of my kits sent over to you this week

Hey @Cosmik42 - this project just keeps getting better and better. EV3 integration will be awesome in terms of the possibilities it offers! Btw - did you hear anything back from the Pfx Brick guys?

Thanks for the link @Duq - his work looks great - have messaged him.

This is fantastic @Duq - very clever mechanism. Just wish there was somewhere to get 9v double crossovers

Lol - patience was never my strong point. Just excited to see all of this “homebrew” stuff for train automation happening. Truly a great time to be a train AFOL

No worries - let me know how it goes.

Ok great! They only have a store in Canada unfortunately but I’ll send you one of my kits - it’s fine. PM me your details and I’ll get it sent tommorow.

Not interested in looking at the PFX brick? The offer’s still open to send you a brick/sound/light kit if/when you have time to take a look That sounds really interesting. If you’re serious about potentially doing a small production run, I’d be happy to sign up for 10 or so if the price is reasonable

I’d love another complex Creator Expert train but fear we may never get one due to lack of perceived demand. A creator 3in1 would be a good solution to satisfy (most) train fans in between City train refreshes. It would need to have “proper” windows and doors to really appeal though

@tmctiger - have a look at “70608 - Master Falls” and “70643 - Temple of Ressurection” https://brickset.com/sets/70608-1/Master-Falls https://brickset.com/sets/70643-1/Temple-of-Resurrection

@tmctiger - always a pleasure to visit the forum and be surprised by one of your city updates. Some great additions this time - The solution for Ninjago city and the docks is inspired and looks great! If there’s room at the back left corner maybe you could add a continuation of the path beside Ninjago city and have a small mountain top temple/shrine?

I’m sure there will be plenty of people using the software @Cosmik42 - the community here for a start :) Whenever you do get some time to broaden it out - PM me and I’ll send you one of my PFx bricks, a mini speaker and a lighting kit to experiment with. Also paging @touthomme (one of the inventors of the PFx brick who may be interested in following this thread)

No worries Cosmik - completely understand and agree that you should focus on getting the PuP support as good as possible. What you’re doing is amazing - keep up the good work!

@Cosmik42 - Good to see you’re open to supporting additional 3rd party receivers. Have you heard of and would you possibly consider supporting the PFx brick with your app? It’s a power functions compatible Bluetooth + IR receiver similar to SBrick but crucially allows lighting and sound effects to be supported through the receiver. Here’s a couple of videos of it in action: This + your automation software would in my opinion be close to the perfect solution for automating a layout (perhaps with the cheaper PU hubs used for simpler applications like track switching)

Great news - thanks! I’ve got stacks of 9v parts - just need a cable solution now..

This is amazing @Cosmik42 - fantastic work and very generous of you to openly share it with the community here. I have been looking for a train automation solution using Lego original parts wherever possible and this looks potentially ideal for that. Two questions for you: 1-Any plans to release a Mac O/S version at any point? 2-If/When Powered Up to Power Functions cable converters become available (either from TLG or a 3rd party), do you think your app could be used to control PF parts connected to a Powered Up/Boost hub? (even if only in a limited on/off way)

Depends where you live... If you’re in the Far East/Australia/New Zealand they’ll probably be on general sale in January. If you’re anywhere else - you may never get the chance to buy them without resorting to scalpers unfortunately (they appear to be region exclusive)