TechnicBRICKs

### Temporary post message

2009-12-07T00:37:00.001Z

The previous post about Heavy Duty Differential (HDD) from 29.Nov, got updated with additional related information.
Take a look there, if you want to know more!

This message will be deleted, by the time of the next post.

Week TechVideo, 2009 #49 - LEGO Excavators at LW 2009

2009-12-06T00:58:00.003Z

So you have asked for a fully remote controlled Excavator!?...

Not that remotly controlled in the sense we have been thinking of it, but here it is a video from two awseome Excavators that shown in LEGOWORLD this year.

This is a model based on the CAT 318C Excavator (not an exact copy) made by 2LegoOrNot2Lego, in a video from Barry Bosman (barebos or barman), the man authoring and modeling several "proposals" for new Technic parts. Both LOWLUG members.

It is operated with a RC with 8 functions, which also holds a compressor made of LEGO parts. The boom, stick and bucket are operated pneumatically, while drive and slewing are controlled by electric motors. The model is at a 1:17,5 scale.

The image on the right side is a photo from the same 2LegoOrNot2Lego Excavator. It was found at his BS folder, where you can also find a lot more from the same model. Quite obvious but realize these were taken before the CAT stickers being applied.

The second Excavator on the video is a model from Barry, a Kubota KX41-3v still not finished (WIP). It is a full electrical control model where the boom/stick/bucket are actuated by 3 Linear Actuators. I would be curious to see the axles routing more in detail.
This just makes me to believe, that sooner or later we may get some similar flagship, from TLG itself...

And finally the CAT 318C in a logging machine version. It looks to be the preferred subject of the moment...

The truck seen also on the video is another story, for a new post not so far away.

TBs TechPoll 16 (Results) - What next?

2009-12-05T13:04:00.004Z

The last TBs poll where you were asked to tell us 'Which LEGO Technic flagship, would you like next?' as finished.
It got a massive participation over two weeks, with almost 1.000 votes.

Although the results caught me completely surprised, despite the most voted choice being also my personal preference.
And I say surprised because in the first days, the Supercar option took some advantage over the Excavator and it was increasing still for some time. Suddenly in the second week, both the Excavator and 'Some other construction machine' started an hiking race, that ended with the Supercar option in third place... which I ever imagined it was going to win.

Nevertheless, here are the results to whoever wants to take a look and some conclusions also.

We didn't get as many suggestions in the comments, as the number of votes in the last option. However there were a few interesting ideas that came up:

The return from the Technic Universal Sets. It could even be one dedicated to constructions with pneumatics.
Wonder whether tis is appealing enough, to be put on the shelves and make kids to ask for it.
Probably if not really the year's flagship but some kind of return into this flavor of Technic sets.
A Mech or some kind of Walker (again, it may even be a pneumatic model).

Now lets hope that you are guessing right, or otherwise TLG to put these on the pipe.

TBs TechReview 08 - 8049, Tractor with Log Loader (Part II)

2009-12-03T14:48:00.014Z

A few days ago, we have started the '8049, Tractor with Log Loader' review, with Part I.
So lets now continue for Part II.

Having finished to build the main model, there were a few parts left, as seen from the photo below.

Did you noticed anything unexpected?
So do I, when first opened the box... ...well in fact even before that.

Those with most attention, may have wondered why didn't I post any picture from the box backside, in the 1st part of the review?...
That's where the surprise gets revealed in first place!

Yes! 8049 comes with some extra parts (including one very welcome small pneumatic pump) and instructions, to build and integrate an air compressor, inside the trailer chassis. Thus making this set even more complete in terms of pneumatics assortment, for those who want to initiate into the topic.

But that (the pump), was already there in a few photos... if you look through very carefully.

Also it is worth to mention, this is the second Technic set ever, to include such a feature, after the venerable Air Tech Claw Rig (8868).
To build it you will need however, also some parts from the 8293, PF Motor Set. Those also in the photo below.

The instructions for doing it, are in the end of the 2nd instructions booklet as expected, and you must start by removing some parts from the trailer chassis, before you can install the compressor inside.

Then it proceeds to the parts assembling for the compressor it self.
Funny to see they have used the Engine Crankshaft (2853) part, to create the displacement.

Below some photos from the compressor, after integration into the chassis.

And finally the renewed and complete trailer, for the Log Loader, where the PF Battery Box replaces the grill to separate the crane section from the cargo.

It is interesting to see how such a small displacement from the crankshaft, is enough for the PF M-motor together with the small cylinder and 1:1 gearing, to produce the pressure required and fast enough, to operate the both pneumatic cylinders, in the crane arm.

Here a small video, where you can see it working.

Great playability, for such small set!

Final thoughts

It was great fun, to prepare and write this review! Even more knowing many of you would be anxious for it and probably not imagining that we would get such a great set.

This will be a mark in the LEGO Technic timeline for several reasons and definitely an evidence that beyond the LEGO Technic core target group (boys aged 9-13), there is a team also willing to please their adult fans with fantastic sets and give answer to their wishes.
But we should not forget, this was only possible when they found that boys really liked being able to play with pneumatics in this particular model. And so it should always determine what we can get and expect from LEGO Technic.

This is also a must have set, for those who never had the chance to play with LEGO pneumatic elements. Here you get almost a bit of everything needed to start! and just need to buy two or three boxes if you want more...
It still misses the air tank and the small pneumatic cylinder, but maybe we get to see them again into a Technic set, soon.

Guess this will be selling like bananas!...

The Ratings

   as set value for money (waiting for official prices)
   for innovation
   for set design
   for functionality and playability
   for quality (no issues with the exemplar received, like missing parts, parts color variation, defects, etc...)

Overall rate: To be evaluated

LEGO Education 2010 - Update

2009-12-03T00:40:00.012Z

Today ZED posted additional information at BS, through catalog scans that clarify all the questions raised yesterday, about his first images from 2010 LEGO Education new elements. But also adds info about more to come.

The overall information about the newly announced Renewable Energy Add-on Set (9688) and Activity Pack for Renewable Energy Add-on Set (2009688), is contained in the images bellow.

Click to enlarge and read more about.

So lets go through it, more in detail,

9667 (LEGO Solar Panel)
"The Solar Panel provides sufficient power to operate the LEGO Energy Meter and motors. It delivers: 5V, 4mA in direct light from a 60W incandescent bulb positioned 25cm from the solar panel (>2000 lux); and 5V, 20mA in direct light from a 60W incandescent bulb positioned 8cm from the panel (>10.000 lux)."

Thinking in terms of Technic models, as for the former Solar Panels from LEGO Education eLAB (9912), this seems to be not much effective, for other usages than a laboratory experiment. They should hardly move a loaded motor and using multiple panels to increase voltage and current wouldn't be affordable for sure.
Also they are quite ineffective for indoor usage as we can conclude from the figures announced.
Wonder whether it won't deform if exposed at 8cm from a 60W incandescent bulb...
9668 + 9669 (Energy Display + Energy Storage = LEGO Energy Meter)
"This element displays input and output in volts, watts, amps, and energy storage level in joules. Combine with 9669 Energy Storage to from the LEGO Energy Meter.

This Ni-MH battery with connector is designed to be combined with the 9668 Energy Display. When combined, the two elements form the LEGO Energy Meter. Storage capacity: 150mAh.

...LEGO Energy Meter, which works as a sensor when connected to the NXT. The Energy Meter collects the following data: input/output in volts, amps, watt, and energy storage level in joule. These data can be used for programming or viewed in the data logging window...

Building and exploring renewable energy through real-life LEGO models.

Exploring energy supply, transfer, accumulation, conversion and consumption"

From the description this energy storage unit, seems to be an huge evolution from the former Electric Capacitor (9916). Still don't see much possible applications for Technic models, which is not exactly the same as for MINDSTORMS.
Here and from the images/examples in the catalog, it seems the Energy Meter could for instance be used to provide data to the NXT about the power readings and based on that it could also control the panel inclination, in order to maximize the panel solar efficiency.
So I guess the PF connector on 9668, would be used to connect both the solar panel or the E-motor (generator).

The Energy Storage announced capacity, is also not that much (150mAh), if compared to the other LEGO rechargeable batteries. So this should be targeted just for laboratory energy experiments/demonstrations and never to be seen as competing for the other's applications.
9670 (E-motor)
"The E-motor is a 9V motor with an internal gearbox. Its 9,5:1 gearing ratio provides a maximum torque of 4,5 Ncm and approximately 800 rotations per minute without load. It also functions as a very efficient generator."

Lets first make a comparation between this motor characteristics and those from M and XL motors.*

RPMs
No-Load
Current
Torque
Internal
Gearing

PF XL-motor
220
80mA
40 N.cm
36:1

PF M-motor
405
65mA
11 N.cm
24:1

E-motor
800
-
4,5 N.cm
9,5:1

The new E-motor is a low-torque/high-speed motor. Due to the high-speed and low internal gearing ratio, probably it has only one internal orbital gear stage, per opposition to the M and XL motors, which have two stages both. To better understand about the internal gearings from these motor, you may refer to the "Inside the PF M-motor" post published here a TBs a few months ago.

With this characteristics, E-motor is suitable to work either as a motor or an electricity generator.
In fact every motor does, but their normal characteristics (high-torque) make them unsuitable to work at a Wind Power Generator. Just because the wind wouldn't be sufficient to make the blades turning with such "generator" behind.
On the other way this one shouldn't be very useful as a LEGO Technic motor (unless for instance to build an high-speed fan) exactly because of its characteristics (low-torque/high-speed), when what we demand is exactly the opposite (high-torque/low-speed) - Eventual characteristics, for the the so desired S-motor...

It shouldn't be a coincidence that on page 14, we can see this new E-motor is not marketed as a Power Functions motor, like the M and XL versions on the same page, are!
The prefix 'E' (Energy) is not suggesting any alignment with the other ones, which use size prefixes (M and XL).
Also the 4x6x4 form factor, curved only at the topside, suggests a very specific use like in the Wind Power Generators.

Because of these considerations, I guess this is not a motor aimed to be also used in future Technic sets, hence not branded with the Power Functions tag as none of the other element above.

In addition to this, it looks that the NXT will also get a successor for its actual rechargeable battery version,

So the NXT rechargeable battery specifications, change from 1400mAh (9798) to a 2100mAh Li-Ion Polymer battery (9693).
Battery capacity increase, is always welcome. Just wish the price wouldn't increase in the same proportion...

Following the trend on the Power Functions line and actual safety requirements, this is going to be a DC charged battery and then use the new 10V DC transformer (8887), instead of the former 9V AC version (9833).

*) M and XL motor characteristic data, taken from Philo's measurements on his "Lego® 9V Technic Motors compared characteristics" webpage.

B-model for 8045, Telehandler

2009-12-02T14:08:00.003Z

The 8045 (Telehandler) was the only 1H2010 Technic set, whose respective B-model was still unknown until a few days ago.
Finally one box was seen at a shelf from a store somewhere, and the last photo taken.

A cute Motorcylce with Sidecar and very nice design from the parts included with 8045.

Now we can say, we are ready for the first 2H sets images!...

Once this was set was meanwhile made available at S@H (US), let me take the opportunity and add here the B-model official images.

Last Update: 2009.Dec.02 23:37 CET

TBs TechReview 08 - 8049, Tractor with Log Loader (Part I)

2009-12-01T18:50:00.013Z

Set reference: 8049
Set name: Tractor with Log Loader
Theme: LEGO Technic
Release date: 2010.Jan
Technic Designer: Lars Jensen

Number of parts: 525 + few spare parts

Model under review: Main model
Weight: 220 + 320gr (0,49 + 0,71lb)
Approximate set dimensions (Tractor + Trailer):
Height - 14,7 + 32,0cm (5,79 + 12,60")
Width - 13,0 + 12,8cm (5,12 + 5,04")
Length - 17,5 + 25,5cm (6,89 + 10,04")
Approximate box dimensions:
Height - 6,0cm (2,36")
Width - 28,0cm (11,02")
Length - 48,0cm (18,90")

Stickers: No
Building instructions: 2 booklets (76 and 64 pages)
B-model: Log Handler (instructions available for online download, only)

Recommended for ages: 9 -16
Building difficulty level: Medium
Estimated building time: 2 - 2,5 hours

LEGO Shop@Home
Price range: $--,-- (US) / --,--€ - --,--€ (EC)
Price per part: --,- cents / --,- - --,- euro cents

Amazon.com: $59,99
Amazon.de: 46,95€

Inventory (Bricklink): not yet available
Inventory (Peeron): not yet available
Other user reviews (Brickset): Link

When first announced, this set was received with great excitement by the fans community, because of the included pneumatic elements not seen for awhile. So today it is time for a well deserved review, here at TBs .
The 8049 (Tractor with Log Loader) is one of the latest LEGO Technic sets and the largest Technic set for the 1H2010, which should hit the stores very soon. The largest in 2010 for the moment, till we get to know something about the new sets for the 2nd half.

The package and contents

After TLG to have revised their strategy regarding boxes size, due to environmental and transport economy/efficiency reasons, this one comes into a reasonable box size for the parts included.
The box type used is one of those where you need to punch out at one of the edges, to get it open. Collectors... take care if won't want it damaged!

Inside you will find three numbered bags with parts, which include some other bags inside for the smaller parts, one additional bag for the pneumatic parts and eight loose tires for the tractor and trailer.

The instructions are presented in two square booklets, respectively with 76 and 64 pages, and fortunately this time, I got these in perfect condition from the box interior.
As usually for the time being, the number of steps used in the instructions seems to me, a bit exagerated. Hope it is really helpful for the youngsters, otherwise it is just a waste of time and resources. Fortunately it doesn't get into boring levels, because the model is not that large and the construction itself is also not repetitive. Detailed steps are however welcome in what concerns the routing of pneumatic hoses, which are introduced one by one and my turn a bit complicated to follow for the average builders, when several are introduced simultaneously.
At the end of the second booklet you will find the inventory of parts included with this set (spares not accounted), which could be of convenient use.

Don't know whether there were some intentional actions taken by the building instructions team, regarding the Pantones used or the printing quality, to improve readability and ease the distinction of Black a Dark Bluish Gray colors (a common and well know issue). However I didn't have any difficulty to distinguish them, while building this set. One thing that might have helped too, was a good mix in the usage of both color parts across the model, which made them to appear almost always together in the several instructions steps.

The new parts

In terms of new parts there aren't much of them included with this set, however still a few which are always welcome.

We get one 7L Gear Rack, from the same new design type of those 13L with axle and pin holes, as used in the 8258 (Crane Truck). Most likely this is the same part used for the steering in the new buggy (8048) and thus presumably included with that set too.

There are also three of a new pin type (Pin Long with Center Pin Hole), which may turn into a very useful part.
Myself have many times wished something to attach in the middle of a 3L long pin, whenever wanted to connect beams but at the same time keep them separated by 1L, and there was no space available for the double version. Hence I will call it the spacing pin.
This design has also the advantages of allowing a cross axle, or the connection to a beam going in the perpendicular.
As you can see from the photo, the end pins used in this new part are from that type with friction.

And finally nine Axle 4 with Stop (87083), used as axels to hold the wheels on the tractor (4), on the trailer (4) and one used like a winch to attach the trailer to the tractor.
Quite handy for fixing wheels in free rotating axles, at small/medium scale vehicles, like this.

The part assortment

This is a set which I'd say to have a very good balance of parts in what regards the usage of colors.
While not making extensive used of some most used colors, it takes a very good color mixture and and nice looking balance. I'm naturally referring to usage of the Lime and Red colors. It made me even to get a better impression of the Lime color.

For a Technic set, it also includes some unusual SYSTEM parts, like: a 9 x 13 grill, curved slopes, clips and even some 2x2 round bricks in Reddish Brown for the log.

Definitely all the furor being caused by this set, goes for the included pneumatic parts which were here reintroduced into a pure Technic set, for the first time since 2006.
Not that it was a very large hiatus in the usage of these parts, but more for the fear felt in the community of them being replaced by the newer Linear Actuator parts.
This is a very good opportunity to get a good assortment of these pneumatic parts (pump, large cylinders, valves, 'T's and pneumatic hoses) probably through the acquisition of multiple boxes. Specially for those recent fans who have been wanting to introduced themselves in the pneumatics constructions, but can't afford to get the parts at BrickLink due to the exaggerated prices being practiced.
Hopefully BrickLink prices will also drop considerably, due to the supply reestablishment as as the demand goes down.

The set

For those used to complain about TLG frequently repeating the same type of machines and vehicles in the Technic theme, this is probably a very good example of something where nothing similar was released for more than a decade.
It was back in 1996 the last time a log handling machine (also with pneumatics) was done as an official Technic set. It was the 8443 (Pneumatic Log Loader) - Also a very good set for the time and the parts then available.

I'd say the scale, type of machine and functions, make it a natural choice for the usage of pneumatics and even more to justify their reintroduction.

Building experience

It took me a bit more than two hours to build this set, while taking the photos and some notes for this review.

The first booklet starts with the construction of the tractor, that uses just parts from bag with number 1, plus the respective tires.
Naturally it starts with the chassis, which uses most of the new parts included into this set, as you can see from the photo below.

The new pins are are the sides of the chassis and there is a third one in the central part from the backside.

Looking a it, there are a few questions that come to my mind:

Weren't it possible to use 12t double bevel gears in place of those two yellow knob wheels, that transmit movement from the HOG on the top, to the steering axle?
Does it violates any forbidden design rule?
Wonder why it is used a pair of half bushes in each front wheel axles, instead of one standard bush, which are also used in this set anyway.
Unless they are used at larger quantities in the B-model, which I doubt to be the case.

After almost 40 major steps, here we get the tractor complete.

It looks quite nice with its vivid colors. I just wonder if it was too much complicated to make something extra, to fit under the tractor hood!?
However we all understand that for a set targeting this size, every part counts and tis was not exactly the main purpose aimed with this set.
Personally I've also enjoyed the way the tractor cabin was built and its final look, making used of non-straight and less conventional angles between parts.

The construction proceeds to the trailer, whose main interest is obviously the pneumatic functions.
There were used the bags numbered 2 and 3, as well as the one with the pneumatic parts and the remaining tires.

The assembly starts with the chassis and the first pneumatic elements, to easily get into the crane arm as seen from the images below.
As mentioned before the instructions steps for installing the pneumatic hoses are well detailed and make it a lot easier when compared to the way it was done for some older sets, or at least less error prone.
The pneumatic hoses are also supplied precut to the correct lengths and colors. This removes a little bit of the building experience, but on the other hand it also avoids eventual errors for the less experienced, which are very likely to happen to some, with all the associated frustration.

The pneumatic hosing used in this set also seems to be more from a vinyl type, than the silicone used in some older sets. This has the big advantage of avoiding the dust to easily fix on the hoses, hence improving the handling experience and model shinning look.
Despite nothing innovative, the house routing through the usage of a perpendicular double split connector is also a very nice detail, to avoid getting loose tubes around the crane arm.

In the end we just need to attach the trailer to the tractor, where the trailer fits through an axle with stop in the hole from the spacing pin, at the tractor's back.
And here it is a photo from the whole set together.

The set comes with with a log made of brown round bricks, but I'm sure you will find a lot more, to add into your play area. Probably even some real small wooden logs cut from tree branches, taken from your backyard.
A cute set I would say. And long live to the LEGO pneumatics!

Functionality and playability

In terms of playability the 8049 main model is a three-in one, whereas boys can play with the tractor alone, the trailer and its pneumatic functions or the whole set together. It doesn't have a lot of functions, but those it has are of great playability.

Pneumatic Technic sets, are among my favorites exactly because of their extended playability. Pneumatics are ideal to get parts moving fast, in models where positional precision is not a requirement.
Easily you can achieve simultaneous movements, by actuating the air pump with one hand, and operating more than one pneumatic valve levers with the other hand. Depending on the models, many times with small skilled finger shifts, it is even possible to control multiple valves quasi-simultaneously, achieving gracious movements and a great joy.

Some have also mentioned their concern about the convenience to manually actuate the pneumatic pump in this set, because of the way it is positioned under the trailer chassis. Its positioning along a longitudinal axis may turn difficult to keep the model steady, while pumping air into the cylinders, thus making it move forward. This is that kind of things we can only be sure about, when testing the real thing. So I did!
The conclusion is that this was effectively taken into consideration during the design process. As you can see from the photos below, there is an handy and strategically positioned vertical 5L beam, where you can hold your thumb while actuating the pump with the index and/or middle fingers. This way the trailer keeps steady in its place.

Another frequent comment is about the option taken for the claw operation. Understandably some are questioning why using gears to open/close the claw, and not to have also included one small pneumatic cylinder to make it work like in the former 8443?
Certainly it would have also required an extra valve, another 'T' and some more hosing, but definitely it would have been a better and more natural choice. Also a good opportunity to increase the assortment of pneumatic elements reintroduced, and not to speak about the benefit in terms of playability.
At this point it is not difficult to imagine, what's gonna be the most common modification, that AFOLs will to do this set.

B-model

Still within the forest machines theme, the 2nd model suggested by the TLG for this set is a Log Handler vehicle. This one, a much closer successor for the 8443 above mentioned, in terms of form and functions.
As mentioned in the initial data at this review, the instructions to build the B-model are not included in the supplied building instructions, but available for download online.

Despite still not having built this model, I already feel in-love with it! It looks great and could probably have been also a main model in itself.
Most likely I'll make it a target for another TBs review, to come. So I'll leave the details for a next opportunity.

The verdict ant some additional nuts, will come on the 2nd part.
To be continued...

News from LEGO Education for 2010?

2009-12-01T18:40:00.001Z

The Brickshelf user ZED has posted here, something exciting about presumably new products from LEGO Education for 2010.
Loving it!

Images named respectively 9667 and 9668

Images named respectively 9670 and "9686 mod 9797"

So what's this
I looks like an update for the renewable energies kit, from LEGO Education.

What does it looks to me:

9667, A new solar panel from LEGO Education.
Which are the specifications?
9668, with one potentiometer and one PF plug.
What does this does?
How does it connect to the NXT?
9670,
One motor?
One dynamo to generate energy?
Is the 9668 also an accumulator?
What's going to be released, between references 9668 and 9670?
"9686 mod 9797".
That sails look great and useful!
What does 9686 and 9797 have exactly do to with this image?

Hope we can get to know something more, soon!

Week TechVideo, 2009 #48 - Heavy Duty Differential (HDD)

2009-11-29T23:26:00.039Z

This week, the most recent experiment by sunsky (Jaeho Jung).
An Heavy Duty Differential (HDD), working like any other off-the-shelf LEGO differential, but made from large and discrete Technic parts.

12-tooth gears are used inside LEGO Technic differentials, which may not resist to high torque applications. These gears may easily break-down under load conditions, e.g. when XL motors are directly applied to them, at full power and something blocks the differential body.

This setup doesn't use any thin and fragile elements, which makes it a lot more resistant to load applications. Perhaps very large scale vehicles or high speed concept buggies, could benefit from such a large diff.

In this setup it is used the top side (or ouside) part, from a disassembled Large Technic Turntable, Type 2.

You may find additional photos at sunsky Flickr stream, but guess is already doing something where to apply this.

Interesting experimental setup!

Edit:
Sunsky made afterwards some modifications to his HDD, trying to achive also something similar to a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) [1].
The first attempt however, had some undesired wearing effects at some parts, which were reduced at the 2nd design. This last one may also have adjustable friction if adding a second of those white 1x3 thin liftarms.

Take a look at these, on the photos below.

.
Almost at the same time there was another HDD being developed. This one by Alex Zorko (nicjasno), for his Mustang.
Bellow some of his pictures.

You may find a lot more, directly from Alex's website (www.nicjasno.com).

I found it really brilliant the usage of such old red g9 gears used in Gears Sets from my youth (ya, I'm getting old...) into the transmission attached to this differential, as one solution to increase its robustness for high torque and load stress situations.

Last Update: 2009.Dec.06 02:04 CET

8258 - Modification instructions by Han

2009-11-28T14:06:00.007Z

Certainly you remember some creations from Han, that were shown here at TBs before.

Recently he has been working on some modifications to this year Technic flagship, the 8258 (Crane Truck).
A very nice model with magnificent construction details on its own, but according to Han there are some possible and easy to apply improvements.

The first modification package consists of 8 small changes.

These were classified by his author in three categories:

CRITICAL: many customers noticed that the original set sometimes 'crunches' the 12th tooth bevel gear nearby the XL motor drive-shaft. This can be solved by applying ALL these critical modifications.
- Add 24th tooth clutch-gear on 1st crane arm section.
- Relocation of the 24th tooth clutch-gear of the 2nd crane arm section.
- Prevent ‘walking axles’ for each 12th tooth bevel gear within each PF-LA bracket.
IMPROVED PLAYABILITY: modifications who will contribute to a more effective usage of the technic functions.
- Reverse movement of the outriggers; to avoid a motor direction switch.
- Extra clarification to assure precisely ‘in-line’ steering of 1st and 2nd wheels.
- Correction of lifting eye of extendable crane arm.
APPEARANCE: only 'cosmetic' modifications.
- Correction of last wheel axle length.
- Apply short axles (3L) to the steered wheels.

All these are functional or 'cosmetic' modifications, perfectly integrated with the model, while not entering into details that would definitely change the original look from this truck.

Included with the second modification package you may find instructions (in 41 steps), to apply so-called 'Twin Wheels' on the rear axles (3rd and 4th axle).

These are added without compromising the rear functional outriggers and also make a very good addition to the original.

You may find all these and some more modifications to other official Technic sets from TLG, at Han's website here.

Maybe you would be also interested to know, how does Han creates his stunning building instructions and take a read here.

Test them yourself and tells us about your opinion!

Week TechVideo, 2009 #47 - An automatic gearbox (Ads must be paid...)

2009-11-22T23:35:00.018Z

Long time ago we at TBs realized on a BS folder where Zblj (Jernej member of Kocke Klub, the Slovenian LUG) had photos from his Tatra 8x8 Trial Truck, taped with the URLs from some LEGO related websites (mostly well known ones).

It was with a big surprise and satisfaction that we saw also the TBs URL there.

Because ads have to be paid... , since then I had it also on my slow post queue and have been looking for something special from Jernej to highlight here.

Today I've decided for his attempt to build an LEGO automatic gearbox. It is not the first time we write here about automatic gearboxes [1], but this one uses a different principle. In fact it looks more like a CVT system (Continuous Variable Transmission), despite its narrow sensitive margin as it seems to switch quite fast.
It is a simple automatic gearbox design, using 2 differentials and a couple of gears.

Based on Jernej explanation here it goes how it functions, in simple words.
Differentials always slips to the easiest side. The left side has friction and the right doesn't. This means the power normally goes to the right. But when the load becomes higher than friction on left side, the power is sent to left side, where there is a higher gear ratio.
Total gear ratio varies between 1:1 and 5:1 (the ratio between the gears on the left side).

You will find it at this BS folder.

A good demonstration for the used principle, rests to know whether it can shows effective at up/down-shifts, into a real Technic vehicle or not.

TechnicBRICKs got LEGO Ads

2009-11-21T23:56:00.006Z

Sooner or later it should happen... and yes, TBs already started to represent still a small expense to maintain.
One domain for midterm plans, an hosting service to store post images that otherwise tend to become unavailable after some time, mail accounts for whatever is needed like the latest contest and prizes shipping.

For awhile I've seen some LEGO ads, at some other LEGO related blogs and always wondered how to setup them. After some inconclusive investigation, finally decided to ask the help from who knows, et voilà!...
Hope it doesn't bother you too much.

I would say my primary interest is not for any eventual income, which I'm sure will be very, very small if any, but found it a lot of fun to have such genuine LEGO ads and images in our blog.

Nevertheless and from now on, you are welcome to initiate your LEGO S@H purchases from the adds in the right column, if you want to support TBs to some little extent.
For the very unlikely case that any income resulting from this would take some expression (must first, find out how to provide the required tax forms...), it will be converted in prizes for any future contests after expenses and taxes deductions.

Have some nice purchases and happy building!

TBs TechTips 28 - Connecting the PF Receiver to 9V (III)

2009-11-20T07:59:00.007Z

TBs has already hosted two stories about how to connect an IR-Receiver to a standard 9V LEGO battery box. The trouble with the IR-Receiver is that it doesn't draw its current from the same wires as the motor and so the extension/conversion wire doesn't work in this case.

The first solution involved using a PF battery box (without batteries) [1]:

The second solution consisted of using small strips of aluminium foil to short C1 and the 0V line as well as C2 and the 9V line [2]:

Today I tried my hand at a solution proposed by Rob Hendrix (Brickmodder) in BrickJournal 7.

The solution consists of prying the light grey connector of the conversion cable open (the one that is top PF and bottom 9V) and shorting out 0V with C1 and 9V with C2 from the inside:

Make sure to carefully push the bent black wires between the metal forks that are the bottom part of the connectors. Then place the 9V bottom part on top and press hard to close. Check to see if all the connections are good by using your modified connector to hook an IR Receiver up to a 9V power source. Disconnect and reverse polarity immediately if the IR-Receiver's little green light doesn't go on, as you might damage it if exposed for too long to the wrong polarity.

TBs TechChallenge, 2009 - Reverse 8046 - The submissions

2009-11-19T07:42:00.007Z

The period to submit an entry for this Challenge has finished last Sunday (15).

Given the difficulty level and some challenging aspects, in my perspective we got a very good adhesion to this Challenge. Either considering the number of submitted entries and discussion generated around the topic, through the comments left and dialogs established into the Challenge original post.

We got a total of 6 participants and 6 submissions. Each one was allowed to submit up to two submissions, but it was not the case for any of the participants.
Five of them were valid submissions and one was more for the fun (you will see below) but which can't be considered as a valid participation in terms of the Challenge's goals and rules (you will also understand why this distinction, below in this post).

In order of submission, we got:

Eric Albrecht (Blakbird) - US
Scott
Martijn Bosgraaf (Dryw Filtiarn) - NL
Minshik Kong (Sarafiel) - KR
Sarafiel also provided us with some nice instructions for his submission, which I won't yet disclose, so that we won't get into details about each one's interpretation at this point.
Mike Hatton (Parax) - UK
Nathanaël Kuipers (Industrial Designer) - NL

So and before we can proceed to the evaluation phase (pending on instructions delivery by TLG and time availability), I decided to publish here one render provided by the contestants, for each submission.

In order of appearance from top left to bottom right: Eric, Martijn Bosgraaf, Minshik Kong, Mike and Nathanaël.

And also the funny entry from Scott.

You might remember that when I mentioned about the signed box prize for this Challenge winner, I also wrote that might be something additional as a surprise.
In fact I just wanted to avoid that it would have influenced the way, that contestants would send their submissions and so decided to kept it as a little secret, to disclose after the submission period.
This means I'll have also a small symbolic gift to send to the first three contestants, with valid entries (i.e. those entries fulfilling the Challenge goals and rules).
They are three boxes from the 8046 Helicopter itself. This model was made by Markus Kossman, however the boxes to send are not signed, in case you wanted to know.

Let me express here in advance how thankful I am, for the LEGO Technic design team to have accepted to collaborate with TBs , with this Challenge and to have supported us with all the prizes to give away.

8049 B-model, The pneumatic Log Handler

2009-11-18T07:43:00.003Z

We have here mentioned before, that B-model for the sensation set of the moment (8049, Log Loader) is going to be a Log Handler.

However I guess you have not seen yet any image from this alternative to the 8049 main model!?
So once more at TBs , in exclusive and first hand from TLG to all the Technic fans, here it goes!

Awesome and very good usage from the pneumatic functions!
It may look like quite a large claw for the scale, but somehow imposed by the turntable size. However some real Log Handlers could have such large claws [1, 2, 3] despite slimmer wrists.

Have you liked it?
From December, in a store next to you.

Lego Technic website, got a new face!

2009-11-17T23:56:00.005Z

From today, LEGO Technic website got a a new face.

Content is basically the same for the moment, but the website look got some renovation, new and more up-to-date software.

Easier maintenance and some new capabilities were also added to the Designers Blog. Soon you should start noticing some of these improvements.

Along with the refreshed website, some new amazing video animations have been added, relative to the 2H2009 sets.

Jump in to see them, at much better quality!

TBs TechPoll 16 - What next?

2009-11-17T01:31:00.002Z

Technic sets for the 2H2010 are decided for long and mass production should be in the horizon.
New sets for 2011 should be decided already.

So whatever we would most aspire, either it was meanwhile selected by chance, from the Technic Designers team to be in the roadmap or the next chance will only arrive almost three years ahead...

Nevertheless I thought it worths to ask for your most secret wishes.
Hence the question for the next TBs poll is, "Which LEGO Technic flagship, would you like next?"
And my choices for you to vote*, are:

Some kind of crane
A fully remote controlled excavator
Some other construction machine
A supercar
A truck
A flying machine (either airplane, or helicopter)
Something else (specify in a comment to the respective post)

Let others to know about your preference!

*) You may select multiple entries.

Week TechVideo, 2009 #46 - Just want some treads like these...

2009-11-15T23:43:00.004Z

Just another good example to the idea of a crossover motorized sets product line, on the previous post from today...
These here, more suitable for a sub-theme of imaginary vehicles.

A couple of cool and terrible efficient tracked vehicles made by Peer (Mahjqa), with the participation from some of his imaginary enterprises - Yes! he looks prolific creating them... Stilzkin Incorporated, Arxa Enginnering and Vayamenda Industries. The last one we had already seen before through one of its racing division creations. What's next?...

It looks it was featuring aslo into the LW Zwole 2009, main hall...
And a nice transparency effect, on the running treads.

Amazing use of not so common parts and techniques, freaking cool and distinctive look, superb mechanic articulated transmission and efficiency, awesome offroad capabilities, what else?...

The idea used to build the treads just drives me crazy, despite I can't still figure out how they are made working stable into the drivetrains.

Below the fantasy made reality, in Peer's own words.
"The Stilzkin Igniz is a tracked, articulated, all-terrain carrier developed by Stilzkin Inc. for the Russian Army. It is mostly used for (troop) transport, it's not designed to be used in combat. It consists of two units, with all four tracks powered. It can carry up to 17 people (6 in the front compartment, 11 in the rear), although the trailer unit can be adapted for different applications. (Ambulance, flatbed cargo carrier, tactical operations center...) Its low ground pressure makes it suitable for all kinds of difficult terrain like bogs and snow.

The red version seen in this video is a civilian variant. It was stripped of most of its armour and outfitted with a better engine to take part in offroad competitions."

You will find some more great artwork images for these models in action scenarios, from Peer's Brickshelf folder or his Flickr photostream if you are looking for higher resolution images.

Could it be an idea?

2009-11-15T00:51:00.017Z

Don't know whether TLG ever considered to release a Product Line with models like this featured here today, but I believe it could turn into an interesting business case.
This is something different from the LEGO Technic theme, but still plenty of functionality/playability and a significant step ahead from the former Model Team or some modern Creator sets. They are actually designated 'crossover' models and a style used by many AFOLs and amateur builders.
The new PFS elements came to make creations like these, a lot easier.

A very well done video, indeed!

With some nice stickers applied, this 6 PF motor mobile crane model from Co1Der (DoubleBrick, Russia) would turn into a very nice toy for the teens and above.
You may find additional photos at this BS folder (after moderation).

Meanwhile let me just recap some other constructions previously featured here at TBs , together with a few other models that would fit in the same conceptual range of products.
All these covering different set sizes, making an example how such hypothetical theme or product range, could look like into a given year lineup.

Most but not all of them motorized, these are models from M-longer, Han and Franzhe. Click over the pictures for more images about each of these.

For the high-end consumer range, also believe some like these (or slightly simplified versions in some cases - 6 motors may be a bit too much to make it affordable) would be feasible into a line of commercial sets, price and partcountwise.
I'm just still missing a good marketing name, for such crossover product line, but I can already imagining some appealing boxes on the shelves.

Rumors and nonsense

2009-11-12T13:20:00.007Z

In the last few days there has been circulating a rumor, about LEGO Technic to be discontinued in 2010.
This misinformation have been originated into a Wiki site , which I won't even link here... and also didn't credit before or felt it to deserve a post.

You folks, may get calm as this is not true. LEGO Technic theme will certainly NOT be discontinued!

It was officially denied by TLG in the person of Tormod Askildson (Head of LEGO Community Development) to the LEGO Ambassadors.

The LEGO Group Wants to Hear From You! - November 2009

2009-11-10T07:40:00.003Z

The LEGO Group Wants to Hear From You!

As Adult or Teenage Fans of LEGO, you bring an important perspective to the LEGO Group. We respect your creativity and passion for the LEGO brand.

Since December 2008, we have done quarterly online surveys to learn more about the needs and wishes of global AFOL (defined as ages 20+) and TFOL (defined as ages 13-19) communities. For your information, we have listed the key findings from the latest survey in July 2009 below. Now we ask you to take the survey again. It include some of the same questions, but also a set of new questions for you.

Please take a few moments to complete this short online survey to let us know your opinion about the LEGO Group.

You might notice that the link refers to the LEGO Kids Inner Circle; this is because Satmetrix, which hosts that site, is also supporting our efforts to track AFOL/TFOL opinions. Rest assured that this survey is for AFOL’s and TFOLs only.

Here are some of the key findings from the July 2009 survey:

The survey was completed by 4.800 AFOLs and TFOLs. 32% of respondents were TFOLs, 68% was AFOLs. When asked about likeliness to recommend LEGO products and services to friends and family, AFOLs are (consistent with the previous surveys) more likely to recommend than TFOLs. When asked what the LEGO Group can do to improve willingness to recommend, most frequent answers center around request for products and benefit/recognition programs targeted specifically to AFOLs and TFOLs.

In this survey we asked some questions specifically about BrickJournal. The reason for this is that the LEGO Group has been providing start up support for taking BrickJournal to a printed Magazine and together with Joe Meno and his publisher Tomorrows, we are interested in getting feedback from the AFOL/TFOL community. Here’s what we learned:

High awareness among adults, but there is work to be done with teens! BrickJournal has 70% awareness among AFOL’s, but less than half of TFOL’s have heard of it.

Of those aware of BrickJournal, however, only 20% have acquired a printed copy.

On a scale of 1-4, with 4 the high score, readers gave BrickJournal an average score 3.13. Only 14% of fans gave it a score less than 3.

BrickJournal has some ways to go before being truly international. For those who did not purchase a copy of BrickJournal, almost half cited how difficult it is to get as the top reason for not buying a copy yet.

Thank you,
The LEGO Community Team

Week TechVideo, 2009 #45 - Hypnothic mechanical ecstasy

2009-11-08T23:53:00.005Z

A few weeks ago someone raised my attention to this masterpiece, also highlighted at Tinkernology (a blog for LEGO Robotics and Mechanical Engineering, by Shep).

This is one of those rare videos which I get tempted to post here, with auto and continuous play features switched on. ...won't do it, because some of you would send me e-mail complaining about the noise.

It looks like a complex GBC display, but integrated into one single module and off course not using balls, but small discs instead.

This is one of many similar videos from superbird28, at his YouTube channel. Most of them seem to be preliminary tests or early versions from this contraption. They all worth to see though!

Also it seems there is something new, on its way to grow into a larger project...

Looking forward to see more!

TBs TechPoll 15 (Results) - 2009, 3rd Quarter - Favorite week TechVideos

2009-11-08T15:25:00.003Z

TBs poll for '2009, 3rd Quarter Favorite week TechVideos' finished with 201 votes, after the usual two weeks election period.
Poll objective was to let you choose your favorite videos, from those weekly highlighted here during the 3rd quarter of 2009, at 'Week TechVideo' section.

Huge advance that most voted video took from the competition, this time.
Competition was tough for the third place though.

Below, the usual 1st, 2nd and 3rd most voted videos for your review.

#1- "Week TechVideo, 2009 #28 - 3S Cable Cars at Ballabio LEGO Fest", by SteP

#2 - "Week TechVideo, 2009 #34 - Sudoku Solver", by Hans Andersson

#3 - "Week TechVideo, 2009 #37 - Dump Truck 10x4", by Han

Once more congratulations to the producers of the most voted videos, this quarter!

Week TechVideo, 2009 #44 - Continuously Variable LEGO Pneumatics Tutorial, by Mark Bellis

2009-11-01T23:38:00.004Z

Mark Bellis is one of the few gurus in LEGO pneumatics whose work I've crossed with (not to mention any other areas of technical knowledge).

He has some fascinating work done on LEGO pneumatic building blocks that simulate logical and other functions.
Recently and in the sequence of some discussions about linear actuators an solenoids, Mark that is a strong defender of the pneumatics, made a prototype for what he called "Continuously Variable Pneumatic Control". One block that allows a set of pneumatic cylinders to stop anywhere within their range, allowing pressure and force in either direction to be modulated. A pneumatic linear actuator...

Since it is not a trivial idea, neither easy to put in practice or to understand, he also decided to make a video tutorial explaining how it works.

"A revolutionary development for LEGO pneumatics, opening the door to proportional control and providing a way for LEGO pneumatics to compete with the Linear Actuator found in recent sets. " as he own wrote in the respective video description at YouTube.

You may find some photos and detailed description about this block at Mark's BS folder, or even a lot of his other ideas for pneumatics in the folders one level above.

TBs TechChallenge, 2009 - Reverse 8046 (Helicopter)

2009-10-30T15:00:00.019Z

Many of you should remember about the hype [1] we observed about one year ago, when the images from the 8259 Mini-Bulldozer first appeared.

Since then, I had the idea to repeat it in a planned manner. So, I made a proposal which was very well received and this year, with the sponsorship from the LEGO Technic team, we decided to launch a challenge based on the same idea.

For an "official" (or should I say "sponsored") challenge, we are restricted to release models that do not include new parts. The only 1H2010 small model fitting this criteria is the 8046 (helicopter).

So the challenge TBs has for you, is exactly that!
Reverse and build your own LDraw reproduction from the 8046 main model.

Even so, it does include some other parts not new, but still recent ones and not yet available from LDraw official library. Some were already added to the LDraw Parts Tracker (repository of not yet official parts submitted to LDraw Part Library) and some others were not.
Luckily we got the precious collaboration from Philo, who have designed those missing parts for us and which he made extremely fast and very well done as usual. Thanks Philippe!

So, in case you miss some required parts in your MLCad program or similar, we advise you to look for them into the Parts Tracker list. There you will find for instance:

The hook (30395, x154) [PT, BL]
Technic, Panel Fairing # 5 Long Smooth, Side A (64681) [PT, BL]
Technic, Panel Fairing # 6 Long Smooth, Side B (64393) [PT, BL]
Plate, Modified 2 x 16 with Angled Side Extensions and Hole - Rotor Blade (62743) [PT, BL]
...

Don't forget to download also the correspondent required subparts, or to make it easier if you prefer, to download and install the entire Unofficial Part Files at once.
In case you have difficulties with the LDraw unofficial parts and need further help about this, you may find handy some of the recently tutorials here published at TBs [2, 3].

As in every contest, there might be some rules defined, that will help us also later, do determine who's the winner contestant.

Challenge Goal:

Reverse engineer and reproduce in LDraw format, the challenge proposed model.
The reproduction should be exact (form, color, part list and type of parts used).

Challenge Participation Rules:

Every contestant should submit their participation in the form of one LDraw file.
Each submission must include one single model only.
Contestants should also include one render image from their model, with a minimum resolution of 800x600.
The contestants are allowed to submit two individual participations maximum.
The flexible parts in the model should be reproduced accordingly. Reproduction should be as close as possible to the original.
All the submissions must be sent by e-mail, to the TBs mailbox setup for the purpose of this challenge, with indication of the applicant identification (full name), postal and e-mail addresses.

Challenge mailbox: challenge2009[at]technicbricks.com

Classification Criteria:

The winning participation will be the first sent submission, that exactly matches the: form (parts assembled in the same way), part list and colors from the LEGO official model being reproduced.
If none submission fills all the criteria above, it will be selected the first submitted that gets closer to the different criteria with this order of importance: form reproduction, part list, color reproduction.

Schedules:

All the submissions must be sent to the mailbox above indicated, before the 15th of November 2009, 24:00 CET *.
The organization reserves the right to extend the participation period, if there is a reasonable justification for that.
Results are expected to be published on CW51 (before Christmas).

Prize:

The winning submission will be awarded with a set sponsored by the LEGO Technic team.
The prize will be the 1H2010 sensation (8049, Tractor with Log Loader) signed by Lars Jensen who is the LEGO designer author from this set.

There might be something additional as a surprise for you, but I'll keep it for a later opportunity.

Exceptions:

At the event of any possible leak with further credible details about this model, during the participations submission period, any posterior submissions will not be considered for this contest purposes.
Any eventual issues not foreseen in these contest rules, shall be evaluated and decided by majority of the TBs editors.
The organization reserves the right to cancel the contest at anytime, if participation quality levels are not getting satisfactory.

Take part in the fun!
And do not forget... this unique prize can become yours.

*) Use the link to find the correspondent local time, for your Time Zone.

	RPMs	No-Load Current	Torque	Internal Gearing
PF XL-motor	220	80mA	40 N.cm	36:1
PF M-motor	405	65mA	11 N.cm	24:1
E-motor	800	-	4,5 N.cm	9,5:1