KEvron

if it's the planet gear that is snapping, which is likely the case, then the additional gear won't help, but if it's the axle gears that are giving, then the 4th gear will help. oh, and am i the only person who adds a 1x1 technic brick to the center of the diff? KEvron

*jaw drop* yer gonna need a bigger boat. KEvron

here's another auto-winder. it's a more elaborate method, involving a timing cam and few differentials: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ResguhNh-uQ

for some reason, it puts me in the mood for a sidewalk sundae.... KEvron

damn, that's good. they seem to perform perfectly, and they look great. an ideal app for an unusual element. that's how stripes are earned. KEvron

thank you, F0NIX, for going the extra mile. you're too gracious. and thanks to the rest of the forum for their input. KEvron

ah, so it's a simple open/close switch. good to know. i suspect that's only of concern when used as a sensor. the rcx would transmit a passive signal (nomenclature?) through the device, which would be subject to that bounce, while i intend it as a remote power switch. all this still leaves me wondering how to implement the device into the circuit F0NIX suggests (battery box, motor and touch sensor). i have to admit that i'm not very electronically inclined. i suspect some redundant wiring is involved, in order to isolate the polls on the sensor's single connection point. i don't own a sensor, and most of the few electrical elements i do own are visible in the auto-winder video, so i'm not in a position to experiment. i need to know the layout before i drop some scratch. KEvron

then i consider myself fairly warned. ah. could you provide the schematic? is it done with simple in-line connections, or must the sensor be hacked? KEvron

i would kill for that schematic! i've recently purchased that element. i've discussed its properties on this thread. 47154, shown in video in the aforementioned thread. hmmm. interesting. what kind of kinetic resistance does the switch offer? is it rather stiff, or just enough tension to hold its position? i'm using the drive train in my clock to actuate, so irregular torque is a concern. KEvron

tiger-striping the treads is a really cool effect. doubling the spacing (2 grey, 2 black, 2 grey, etc) might amplify the effect when the vehicle is moving. KEvron

....okay, so i took a cursory stab at cracking 88000. 4 black course-thread screws hold the battery holder to the top plate. as i began to peel back the plate, i noticed that one side of the top plate seems to have a tab which fits a notch in the holder. and that's where i stopped. look, i work in the data-com trade, and i've learned that if you try to crack an unfamiliar component without knowing the proper steps, you stand a good chance of cracking it for good. i just bought that box! took tlc more'n two weeks to get it to me! am i being selfish? update: okay, it's not a tab. it seems to be hung up on the connection between the external power point and its internal connector block. i reaaallly don't wanna crack it for good.... KEvron

i've given that element a look or two. does it have an "off" position between the two directions? i'm firing the battery box only intermittently; continous power wouldn't work for me. here's the thread on the project for which the box is employed. KEvron

oh, i was just toying with the notion. it would certainly make things simpler for me; then again, where's the fun in simpler?! KEvron

for your consideration.

well, like i say, i like to keep things to just the essentials. i always try to avoid superfluous elements. the down side, of course, is that my pieces tend to lack much in the way of aesthetics, other than symmetry. i let function more or less determine the form, not that i have much option in the matter. if anything, i'd put the "brains" in the head. give it some purpose. maybe make it modular, too. KEvron

no, 88000 has the green on/off button. no answer to my question there, but i did find the answer to an as yet unasked question regarding reducing the battery count in order to reduce the voltage output. thanks for that. <anxiously fidget> me?! i, uh....er....i would, uh....um....</anxiously fidget> KEvron

has anyone cracked the PF battery box 88000? i'm trying to devise any auto-wind for my clocks, and i'm finding that the on/off button requires more actuating pressure than suits my design. i thought i might crack the box and cut back the button spring a bit, if there is one. insights? KEvron

if you need the stability, then of course. otherwise, the skeletal look works just fine for me. i like things stripped down to just their essentials. KEvron

heh. right before they went belly-up, i used to get great deals at k-b toys. i'm gonna miss those chumps! KEvron

does burf, jr know what you have in mind with these casters? i've got half a mind to give cps a ring.... KEvron

yeah, that's my philosophy, too. i prefer the challenge of designing only with elements bearing the logo. now, i don't look down on the work others who do choose to design in mixed media. it's just a personal philosophy, not an attitude. heh. i browse bricklink's new parts page just about daily. i'm always on the look-out for a that new, just-so element that will solve all my designing problems. every now and then, i discover one! Kevron

i have sdeveral unopened bags of chain link, which i purchased years ago from pitsco-lego dacta (now defunct). your sellers may have made similar purchases in the past, or they've purchased discounted sets in bulk, which they part out for sale. try contacting your sellers to discuss a discount price for a large purchase. doesn't hurt to try. KEvron

more heresy!!1! am i gonna have to convene a synod up in this joint?! KEvron

i build on my coffee table.... i'm pretty sure there's still a coffee table under there somewhere. KEvron

....100th! KEvron