[TC6] Technic SBrick Contest - Information Topic

[Appie]

Oh wow, I was wondering how the rules would be for this contest, but it seems to line up perfectly with what I intended to build in the first place. I bought alot of PF stuff lately to make a MOC with it. Considering my Sbrick should arrive any day (hopefully), I wanted to make a model that used 2 IR recievers (for the purist in me ) and 4 motors and have the possibility of replacing it with a Sbrick. I am not sure at the moment if I can even manage the model with all the functions and scale (especially scale is going to bite me probably) I have in mind, but it's not the first time I had that challenge At least I don't have to worry about a part limit and having the option for a gearbox is very nice since I might need it.

Cool contest

Edited December 19, 2014 by Appie

[aol000xw]

I don't understand why the number of motors is so important.

My take on this would be "Use the 4 channels of the SBricks on at least 4 different remote controlled (motorized) functions "

If every function takes one motor or more motors or if one motor controls a gearbox to multiplex functions ... who cares?

[Epic Technic]

I really want to make a huge dragline for mining but it requires rope/string and I really do not want to cut my official LEGO string/rope. So, can having none LEGO string be allowed?

Please say yes!!!!!!!!! :drool:

[sm 01]

Wow! What a great idea for the contest - big thanks to the SBrick team for their role in this!

I must say, I'm really looking forward to it, although I still don't know what to build. Prizes are amazing and they will motivate lots of people to do their best - I can't wait to see those motorized MOC's!

Regarding the rules, I agre with D3K's sugestion: "you must use four (no more, no less) of the outputs on the SBrick(s), regardless of the amount of motors." If you put it like that, and considering that controling pf lights with SBrick is not counted as a function, the minimum request for participating this contest is to use 4 outputs of the SBrick to power 4 or more pf motors - The rest (gearbox or no gearbox, pneumatic, manual functions...) should be left to our imagination.

Edited December 19, 2014 by sm 01

[Blakbird]

How about "Use exactly 4 motors (and do with them what you want)"?

This is more or less what you mean.

It seems like the intent is not so much about the number of motors but rather the number of outputs. A model which uses all 4 outputs of the SBrick would have at least 4 motors, but could potentially have many more if multiple motors are used on the same output. In fact, the extra current capacity of the SBrick is an important feature that makes this possible. Likewise, such a model would have at least 4 motorized functions, but could have many more if gearboxes are used. Therefore I would say:

The model must be provisioned to use all 4 SBrick outputs, and must therefore have at least 4 motors and 4 independent motorized functions.

Regarding LEDs, I would say that if a motor is used to actuate the LEDs (like the motorized switch on Madoca's wing body truck or the flashing indicators on Sariel's models), it still counts as a motorized function.

Regarding pneumatics, I would say that a regulated compressor does not count as a function because it is not controlled by the SBrick. On the other hand, 4 autovalves using the compressed air would count. Allowing additional motorized functions that are not controlled by the SBrick gives an unfair advantage to those who want to spend a lot of money on motors for their model, but I feel like an exception for a compressor would be reasonable.

[Milan]

Regarding pneumatics, I would say that a regulated compressor does not count as a function because it is not controlled by the SBrick. On the other hand, 4 autovalves using the compressed air would count. Allowing additional motorized functions that are not controlled by the SBrick gives an unfair advantage to those who want to spend a lot of money on motors for their model, but I feel like an exception for a compressor would be reasonable.

I was questioning myself is a compressor as a function fair...SO...compressor as a function that powers multiple pneumatics (operated manually via switch)...ok or not?

[Tommy Styrvoky]

So is it only 4 motors or can there be only be 4 motorized outputs off of the s brick being controlled or can the battery box or switch for other motors, like continuously running motors for compressors/ fake engines, this rule getting confusing.... and would it count has having each track being motorized as a function, or would that just be driving as 1 function. Could someone clarify that its a requirement to only use all 4 outputs of the Sbrick, and other motors can be used outside of that, or is it only 4 motors in total?

Edited December 19, 2014 by Tommy Styrvoky

[madsen1997]

Hi... cool contest... but I don't really understand this,,, may we only use 4 motors, and 1 SBrick, or may we use for example, 2 SBricks, for 8 motors? ... I'm understand this like we may only use 4 motors.... And is it only moc which may allowed in this contest? :D ...

[Erik Leppen]

I am having an idea, but it requires a manual function (or five controls).

Why don't you use gearbox, like me?

Gearbox was already accounted for in my counting. I wanted 3 + 4 + shifter, where 8043 has 3 + 3 + shifter.

Technically, I could add a second gearbox with the 3 motors remaining (2 + 2 + shifter requires 3 motors) but that would become impossible to build and to control.

this rule getting confusing...

You guys are confusing yourselves.

Just make a model that you can comfortably play with using 8043's controller.

[Epic Technic]

Guys it's SIMPLE *oh2* . What you need to do is to create a MOC that has 4 RC functions (NOT LEDs), each of these Functions must use a motor.

[Jim]

Gearbox was already accounted for in my counting. I wanted 3 + 4 + shifter, where 8043 has 3 + 3 + shifter.

Technically, I could add a second gearbox with the 3 motors remaining (2 + 2 + shifter requires 3 motors) but that would become impossible to build and to control.

You guys are confusing yourselves.

Just make a model that you can comfortably play with using 8043's controller.

That pretty much sums it up

Guys it's SIMPLE *oh2* . What you need to do is to create a MOC that has 4 RC functions (NOT LEDs), each of these Functions must use a motor.

And this

I am away for most of the weekend, so I will probably answer your questions (and define the final rules) on Sunday.

In the meantime Erik will answer your questions

[miguev]

Hopefully a simple question, but don't want to assume without asking: is the MiniZip also disallowed as "third party" part?

[Saberwing40k]

Could an exception be made for non lego string? I think allowing it would be okay, as it could be replicated with Lego string, but certain people might not have it on hand.

[rollermonkey]

Be aware that the mold has changed. The current one is depicted in my promotional image.

I know it's 4x4 studs, but what's the height now? 2 bricks and one plate?

[jorgeopesi]

I think I can try this time . Just two questions is the sbrick a Lego part? and I have to build something to use with sbrick but using normal receptors, isn´t it?.

[Doc_Brown]

Are 3rd party Tires allowed?

Also what about the use of 3rd party pneumatic hoses and string?

Very awesome contest!

[matelegotechnic]

I have'n got Sbrick.

[Omikron]

Part count restrictions?

[Milan]

I have'n got Sbrick.

Part count restrictions?

These two questions are already answered, guys.

1. You don't have to have a Sbricks, just use 2 lego receivers. Imagine a moc that could use full potential of one Sbricks, and build it with 2 regular receivers.

2. There is no part count restriction.

[Epic Technic]

So is non LEGO string/rope allowed? Please answer Jim!!!

[Saberwing40k]

Also, are we allowed more than one entry? I was thinking that would work, but you could only win once.

[dhc6twinotter]

Regarding pneumatics, I would say that a regulated compressor does not count as a function because it is not controlled by the SBrick. On the other hand, 4 autovalves using the compressed air would count. Allowing additional motorized functions that are not controlled by the SBrick gives an unfair advantage to those who want to spend a lot of money on motors for their model, but I feel like an exception for a compressor would be reasonable.

I was wondering that as well. I'm thinking of using a regulated compressor straight from the battery box. This would add a fifth motor, but I'm not sure this would count as a 5th function since all it does is pump air for the function(s).

[Epic Technic]

Also, are we allowed more than one entry? I was thinking that would work, but you could only win once.

No you can't, Jim said that in the original post.

[nxtstep101]

Nice contest. I might have to try to enter into this one.

[Omikron]

Quick question - if each motor controls a separate axis of motion does this count as separate function? For example motion on the X axis and motion on the Y axis? Or another example. In 8043 2 motors controlled movement and steering. Each motor operated on the same axis forward or backward. However the combination of different positions gave you forward movement, backward movement, clockwise or counter clockwise rotation.

If there is a gearbox can it be switched manually? So I can have 4 + 4 functions in total? operated by 4 motors?

Edited December 21, 2014 by Omikron