Automatic Shooting Mechanisms Video

[Kelkschiz]

This is a video about automatic LEGO shooting mechanisms. I should warn you, some of it is pretty basic stuff, and probably not very interesting for the typical AFOL. However some of you may still like it. I made the video because my most asked questions on youtube are about shooting mechanisms. So I thought I best make a video about it, that tries to answer most of those questions. I hope you like it.

[darsedz]

interesting presentation, very instructive...

[Imanol BB]

Hi, i must say that those are very important and useful tips for any builder, i just got inspiration for new projects, and sure i would use these tips, nice video!!!

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Nice tips!

Thanks for sharing

[oracid]

Thank you, very interesting!

Can you tell me what software do you use for your vidéo animations.

[Sylvian]

Thanx for making this! This is really helpfull for me :).

[Kelkschiz]

Thanks for the great comments guys.

Thank you, very interesting!

Can you tell me what software do you use for your vidéo animations.

The program I used to make the 3d logo animation was Aurora 3D Animation Maker. It was the first time I used a program to make a 3D animation and it was fairly easy. It took me about one hour to grasp how the software worked and then another hour to make the animation. Before I also tried using Adobe After Effects, but the learning curve was too steep for me; I wanted to finish the video, not spend days learning a new program.

[Gonkius]

I'm working on a GBC module and need a shooting mechanism, your video was very helpful and certainly gave me some ideas. What principle would you recommend for a long-lasting mechanism with a capacity of 1 throw/second? Low noise and good repeatability of throwing speed is certainly a bonus. Direction of ball is extremely critical, but this has already been solved and will be handled after the throwing mechanism.

[Kelkschiz]

I'm working on a GBC module and need a shooting mechanism, your video was very helpful and certainly gave me some ideas. What principle would you recommend for a long-lasting mechanism with a capacity of 1 throw/second? Low noise and good repeatability of throwing speed is certainly a bonus. Direction of ball is extremely critical, but this has already been solved and will be handled after the throwing mechanism.

Well, quite a lot depends on the force you need. There is a relation between the buildup elastic force and the amount of throws per second. If you need fairly little force, a modification of Sariel's mechanism (the one with the single large spring) seems the most likely candidate. If you need a stronger mechanism then I don't think any of the mechanisms I have experience with will suit. Stronger mechanisms generally work too slow to get 1 throw per second. They need more time to buildup the required force. Although you could think about gearing down Sariel's mechanism with a strong spring and then have several of those mechanisms operate in sequence. A bit like how Samolot's massive launch system works:

I am mentioning the spring powered mechanism because it seems relatively straightforward to transfer the power from the spring to the balls. Although I have to say, I have zero experience with GBCs. I always watch them in amazement and I am sure they have their own set of difficulties that I know nothing about.

[Gonkius]

Ok, thanks for your feedback. I could make a few in parallel to increase the recharging time to 2,3 or even 4 seconds. I need to have enough energy to throw a ball about 1.5m height, so important to keep the moving mass as low as possible. I will do some experiments to see how many rubber bands or springs that are needed to store this energy. I dont like to bend axles as I suspects that these will loose its spring chracteristics after a while. Remember that a GBC needs to work many hours during a exhibition...

[Sariel]

Very professional video, I have enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks for your effort!

[oracid]

The program I used to make the 3d logo animation was Aurora 3D Animation Maker. It was the first time I used a program to make a 3D animation and it was fairly easy. It took me about one hour to grasp how the software worked and then another hour to make the animation. Before I also tried using Adobe After Effects, but the learning curve was too steep for me; I wanted to finish the video, not spend days learning a new program.

Thank you so much !

I have looked at your videos in YouTube, very good, thanks again.

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

WOW the tank is incredible!

Nice tracks and powerful guns! :thumbup:

[Kelkschiz]

Thanks guys!

Ok, thanks for your feedback. I could make a few in parallel to increase the recharging time to 2,3 or even 4 seconds. I need to have enough energy to throw a ball about 1.5m height, so important to keep the moving mass as low as possible. I will do some experiments to see how many rubber bands or springs that are needed to store this energy. I dont like to bend axles as I suspects that these will loose its spring chracteristics after a while. Remember that a GBC needs to work many hours during a exhibition...

Totally agree about the axles, they will wear out. Looking forward to the end result you come up with.

Very professional video, I have enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks for your effort!

Thanks for the encouragement, I am glad you liked it! I try to improve each time I make a video, but I still have a long way to go... There are plenty of other AFOLs like you who show me there is still a lot room for improvement.

Edited September 27, 2015 by Kelkschiz