We would like you to introduce RCBricks – and at most, our first project – ServoBrick PRO. LEGO compatible RC Servo.

Have you ever imagine to put together LEGO and RC Hobby? Then your dream is coming true ;-) But we need your help to get the idea be alive.

Together with my friend we just started our crowdfunding campaign on PolakPotrafi.pl – it is Polish crowdfunding portal (like Kick Starter) - with PayPal payments and accepting also the customers from other countries than Poland. We already translate the campaign to English - gray text below original Polish text.

http://www.polakpotrafi.pl/rcbricks

There are two option: 120 degree servo (f.e. steering) and continuous rotation 360 degree (like motor).

Visit our website to get more information:

http://www.rcbricks.com

https://www.facebook.com/rcbricks

See also the product review posted by Sariel - the most popular LEGO fan in Poland Emotikon smile.

This product looks very interesting. I found Sariel's review very helpful as far as the capabilities of your system. However I am having a difficult time understanding your project page, I went to your Project page and I can't tell what is included and what is a price in US$, and what is included. I am sure it is my misunderstanding, but if you have some time for clarifications it would be much appreciated.

I hope your project succeeds because of the technology and I like to see startup's succeed.

Thanks,

Andy D

Edited March 19, 20168 yr by Andy D

I think this project will get more attention in the Technic section. Moving it now.

Very great concept RC bricks .

Also the start up prices in different pakkage are nice(simple calculate for polish ZL to € = 4 PLN ZL = 1€

I hope for you guys from RCbricks that you can funded the start up and can make it into full job

Very good concept, guys! Just one nitpicking question: why 120 degrees instead of 180?

I think this site frowns upon joining to just advertise a product. I remember a topic being shut down recently for this exact reason

I think this site frowns upon joining to just advertise a product. I remember a topic being shut down recently for this exact reason

I think they kind of look the other way when it is directly LEGO related. Like S Brick.

Just MHO, YMMV

Andy D

Looking good. Waiting for more info.

I think this site frowns upon joining to just advertise a product. I remember a topic being shut down recently for this exact reason

While you are right, I think this project is rather interesting. so I'm willing to keep the discussion open.

Oh boy this sounds dangerous :) I like.

Funny thing is a while back went off to college, didn't want to bring my Lego's at the time because of space reasons. So I tried RC cars and building those. While fun once it was build I lost interest.

Though something like this, now this looks like something I could get into. RC with Lego's = Win.

While I really like projects like this, and support this one, it feels somewhat bland when creators of this product remain silent about questions asked here. It just does not feel good. Similar thing was going on with Sbricks topic.

Hope the creators of this topic will be more active here.

Oh boy this sounds dangerous :) I like.

Funny thing is a while back went off to college, didn't want to bring my Lego's at the time because of space reasons. So I tried RC cars and building those. While fun once it was build I lost interest.

Though something like this, now this looks like something I could get into. RC with Lego's = Win.

Wish it were true. Many have played with this idea a lot. I am one of them. I have whole pages on my MOCpages dedicated to this idea. For example, about a year ago I applied an RC motor (Titan 380) and it helped with the speed. However, the speed was still limited.... not by the power of the motor but by the bounciness of the springs.

http://mocpages.com/moc.php/412797

Yes.... I could have rebuilt the model with two yellow shocks instead of one.... or any combination of those made from Lego.... but the lesson remain the same. I don't think that Lego Technic is limited by motors etc. as much as we think they are. They are more limited by the material that they are made out of.... and therefore, even with stronger motors you will continue to run into some problem that will inhibit performance. Another example was a rock crawler I build just a few months ago.

http://mocpages.com/moc.php/422162

The message of the build was that Technic performance is limited not by its motors (as everyone assumes) but rather the connections. Check out Minds-i on youtube. They have a video that shows them doing essentially the same thing as this company. But look at their motors. Not so much more powerful that PF motors. The real difference in performance is higher RPMs and their connections. They have a system that allows their bean (like liftarms) to lock together. Therefore not only do they have higher performing motors.... but they are allowed to use all their power. More powerful PF motors would not do much for Technic. It will only rip models apart.

Blakbird has commented on this several times.... and I tend to agree with him to a degree. If you want something that is uber fun to drive or has uber performance.... transition to RC cars/trucks. If you want more versatility in the build.... stick with Lego. Can their be a happy medium? Sure.... and that is what I think the makers (and OP of this post) are going for. But for one to think that Lego will ever be able to perform like a real RC car/truck... that simply is not the case.

I like the idea of a strong servo with technic connections, the Lego servo has proven to be a little weak for my own custom Lego RC projects, mostly when steering involves bionicle ball joints. Simply not enough torque.

EDIT: I agree with nerdsforprez, Lego will never be comparable to hobby RC, maybe toygrade as some builders have proven with similar RC systems helping them, including myself. This idea is good, it is not trying to qualify Lego models as true RC, it is offering builders a nice tool to increase the playability of their remotely controlled MOCs and offer an easy to install upgrade for builders who wish to tackle crazier projects that require more precise control or greater pulling/pushing power. Maybe a motor with such strength might need a few more pinholes to secure and reinforce it, though.

Edited March 22, 20168 yr by z3_2drive

While I really like projects like this, and support this one, it feels somewhat bland when creators of this product remain silent about questions asked here. It just does not feel good. Similar thing was going on with Sbricks topic.

Hope the creators of this topic will be more active here.

I agree with you on this one. I am willing to keep this topic open, but they should at least actively join the discussion. I will send a PM.

Hi guys, sorry to stay still for long time. Thank you for all the nice words in this thread.

About the questions:

120 degree - we ask about it LEGO users, so the mostly asked for 90 degree. Because RC transmitters easily allows you to limit the range, so we decide to offer 120 degree - so you can still limit it to 90, but if you need more, can still use 120. 180 can cause some problems on the end of range for some constructions.

As you can see in the Sariel's review, the two pinholes should be enough for the most cases. We have optimized the design to be a good Price/Value. After some tests we have seen, that it should be enough with two holes, because of the distance between them.

Wow, This Rcbricks idea is Awesome. What I like about Rcbricks is that it expands the amount of Servo that can be used and here you got one powerful micro motor basically with the 360 degree servo. The potential behind RCbricks allowing function to 3rd party servo motor is impressive but I'm just saying it would be even more impressive here if Rcbrick possibly control the Lego Servo through the RC system. I've seen it done before but likewise you limiting your self to one kind of servo use either Lego or 3rd. Combing both kind of Servos systems and have the ability to expand the select-ability of different kinds of servo motor units. Now not to knock the idea down but to rather to Show to you that your Rcbrick in general could be simply be replaced by this PF wire mod with ESC and your good with Driving any Lego motor with a 3rd party RC ESC. All you would need is the Compatible Servo Lego case design to connect with LEGO and your good to go with a simple Rc conversion. Now here my Idea pitch to you I see Rcbricks is more then just a simple RC conversion and in fact I think it is possibly is the next step to an function that would be Incredible to have with Lego and that is a working Lego Servo Function that can be built from the very LEGO parts themselves which in turn is powered from any Lego Motor and all controlled by RCbrick. It would be a great expansion to have with Lego when you can build a function Servo steering and have it work from an XL motor instead of relying upon the standard Lego Servo choice. That was just a quick idea.

Wish it were true. Many have played with this idea a lot. I am one of them. I have whole pages on my MOCpages dedicated to this idea. For example, about a year ago I applied an RC motor (Titan 380) and it helped with the speed. However, the speed was still limited.... not by the power of the motor but by the bounciness of the springs.

Before I start saying if it's true on not true. I wrote this here to inform you that 380 motor is for 1/16 scale RC vehicles and you tried to use it with a roughly 1/8 scale model (sheepo's mustang), Its know wonder the 380 Motors was not quiet effective as you wanted. That Motor could spin as fast it can and the Torque Flow through the Transmission could take any where from 1/5 to 1/3 to 1-2 of the motor's Torque at driving it alone and that is excluding the tires... it all really depends on the friction. To drive the behemoth you would probably need a 550 drill motor like the motors in the picture below. The motor is fast when it can be and it has plenty of starting torque to move any tire that you throw at it. But that is not all, I even have my own 380 motor sitting right next to these 550 motors and from my observation its no contest about which motor you needed and by motor I mean 550 motor. Face it you had the incorrect motor to drive the huge Mustang model but don't feel bad sheepo's mustang is an incredible piece of Lego engineering and It deserves the best I would say.

Watch this Video here and see the difference between 1/16 scale and 1/10 scale models.

Edited September 13, 20168 yr by Boxerlego

Perhaps you misunderstood the reason why I posted my projects. I knowingly used a small motor because I anticipated that other things would fail before the lack of power from the 380 motor, and I was right. I posted them to demonstrate less about the power of the motor, but rather, even at the power of only a 380 motor other LEGO elements, or at least how the Mustang was built, were beginning to fail. Even at the moderate speed I was able to achieve with a 380 motor the suspension of the vehicle was beginning to fail; the car was bobbing up and down profusely. Yes, the suspension could have been rebuilt but the overall point was that in terms of trying to make LEGO perform more like RC there is SO much more to consider that just power. I would argue that connections (pins and liftarms, pins and connectors, etc.) are much more important to consider than even motors and power. Such was the rational for this project here:

http://www.moc-pages.com/moc.php/422162

But in terms of increasing speed many other things to consider as well. Suspension, tires, gears, lubrication, etc. And even after all that, suppose, for arguments' sake, one can build a LEGO model that performs like an RC vehicle, then you will inevitably have some crashes, which as LEGO stands right now, won't hold together. I think it is a valid question to ask: Okay, I know people want LEGO to perform better, but really? At the Level of RC cars? They will spend more time rebuilding and ordering parts than driving.

Don't get me wrong, one look at my pages and you will see I am all into third party parts, increasing the functionality of LEGO, including its strength, speed, etc. I use more third party parts (at times) than probably most out there. But, I know the limitations. LEGO into RC territory? Just ain't gonna happen. Perhaps very low-grade RC (brushed motors, etc) but nothing compared to what RC is really capable of. To me, the question of "why can't LEGO perform at the level of RC cars" is much like the question "why can't LEGO cranes lift as much as real cranes?" [relative to their weight of course] or perhaps the most infamous one "can LEGO fly?". The answer lies in the fact that regardless of building methods, planes/drones, real cranes, like RC cars, are using completely different materials than LEGO builds. One has to consider not just building methods and techniques, but actual materials. And sure, you can use third party elements that use metal or other stronger materials than ABS, but then you have to seriously consider the question if the end product is actually LEGO......

In summary, I am all about increasing the performance of LEGO. My pages demonstrate that. But, lets not lead people astray that LEGO performance will ever compare to RC. Speed aside, there are so many other factors to consider. You would have to change the tires (LEGO tires separate from rims too easily), likely the suspension, gears (ABS would be stripped with a 550 drill motor before you could say "play well"), drive line, the hundreds of connections that would burst at too much stress, not to mention add constant lubrication to the whole drive line (anywhere an axle went through a hole), and more for the model to behave like an RC car. Sounds less and less like LEGO to me...

@NerdsforPrez Perhaps I misunderstood some of the reason why you posted the RC project, but I do understand this reason and that is you wanted to RC the Mustang. Sure a 380 motor can show underlying problems of such a massive build but so can every other motor inherently. My conclusion is simple maybe that Mustang wasn't such a Great choice to RC after all there are limitation with LEGO and that Moc certainly pushes the limits what we Expect from a LEGO Build can do. Sure it Sounds less and less like LEGO to you but For me its fun to build and good building challenge at that. I find it Hilarious that People love to see LEGO push the limits in one way but when pushing the limits in another way that seems impossible for many, Everyone suddenly wants to call out a Lego Heretic and tell you that LEGO is not designed to do that. Well I got news for you I contemplated such a powerful motorization Idea and I started small (build wise) to get it functional but you are stating with a Moc that really never was designed with the Main thought to have such a Powerful Motor to be used in it, Right. See Its obviously what is holding your build back and its the Model Build itself that was to be a Functional Lego Model not a Functional Lego RC and I get it that is the point your making. But the point I am Making is dont give up to easy and jump to conclusions because one build didn't turn out how it was wanted to turn out.

I get there is major Doubts about what LEGO can do but Skepticism towards RC modification as if it not possible is alot like believing the world is flat becasue you simply see a flat plane of existence. You see LEGO melting at the mere thought of a 550 motor power being applied to LEGO and I know for a fact that you can do that but Just becasue the Fact exist does not mean anything about the reality toward a Functional Fact that don't melt. In a world full of possibilities Facts are on all sides People want Science to be there base of rational but I say Nature is the base of way things are And Nature will fool us every time when we think One or the Other.

but For me its fun to build and good building challenge at that.

and good on you for that.... .this is what LEGO is all about. You kind of lose me on the whole "world is flat" analogy but at least we can agree on what is quoted I have always enjoyed your work and look forward to your future creations/improvements to stock LEGO elements.

Here is an Idea I just want to throw out there. From what I've been noticing with 3rd party servo motors is that the servo rotations is pretty much variable to a certain degree so with that in mind when it comes to LEGO having that ability to adjust and control the rotation that would be best for all possible servo steering setups for Lego instead of having the Ideal 180 degree turn like we see with the Lego Servo. There is Something to think about.

Allow me to jump in. Being new to this forum, please guide me if this should be posted somewhere else.

For some time I'm working on a 2.4GHz RC controlled LEGO car. Trying to create maximum speed with a LEGO-based car using standard RC-components.

To make this work, I introduced some rules. The car must be build using LEGO parts, except for the battery, motor, speed control, steering-servo, remote-control and receiver (and optionally a car-body). 

Fully agree with previous comments regarding LEGO not being able to match RC-performance. But, nevertheless, I enjoy pushing the limits to see what speed can be achieved using (mainly) LEGO. It has been a great journey so far. Lots interesting problems to solve.

I can't share any achievements yet. Version 1.2 is waiting for the weather to improve. There is a guy on Youtube reaching 57 km/h which is the first target I'm aiming for ....

Anybody else interested in this challenge? Building the fastest possible RC controlled LEGO car.

Happy to share high and lowlights and images soon.

 

 

Edited November 21, 20168 yr by janssnet

My interest in having access to a 2.4ghz system is the reliable control and range options it gives. We're not all speed freaks although a little more speed would be very welcome. 

18 hours ago, scifunk said:

My interest in having access to a 2.4ghz system is the reliable control and range options it gives. We're not all speed freaks although a little more speed would be very welcome. 

Hi. You are reviving an old topic. Please be aware that topic bumping is frowned upon. Please read the site guidelines on posting behavior.

Other than that; welcome to EB and have fun!!