GBC General Discussion

[Jim]

Great Ball Contraption (GBC) - General Discussion and Index

This is a topic used for GBC general conversation, questions, hints, tips, etc.

This first post will be used to maintain an Index of GBCs here on Eurobricks or other websites.

Eurobricks topics

LEGO GBC 8 + Building Instructions (5 modules - 2 motors)

New Akiyuki GBC

Instruction Index

Other sources

Greatballcontraption.com

[legolijntje]

Well, I can see the use for a general gbc topic, but what do you want to put inside that index?

[dr_spock]

Will you be going through and indexing all the previous GBC MOCs? The index could be pinned.

Edited November 5, 2013 by dr_spock

[Jim]

Well, I can see the use for a general gbc topic, but what do you want to put inside that index?

I was thinking about collecting all the posted Contraptions and maintaining/updating the index with these posts.

Or would it be better to have a single topic (general discussion) with an Index in the first post?

(I have locked the index topic and done the latter)

Will you be going through and indexing all the previous GBC MOCs?

I would like to do that, maybe with some help from GBC enthusiasts.

[pmichiel]

Newbie question to the GBC experts: I see most (all?) GBCs are using the same standard kind/size of balls. Are these a standard LEGO part?

[Jim]

Yes they are standard lego. However, they are pretty expensive. There are some third party alternatives to be used or balls from the Friends product.

Balls like these:

http://www.bricklink...nv.asp?S=4470-1

Mostly from the sports series, if I am not mistaken (no expert myself either).

Here's some generic information:

http://www.greatballcontraption.com/

[DrJB]

Nice initiative Ted/Jim ... I was thinking along the same lines ... How about an index/discussion for most notorious Cars/Trucks/... MOCS .. ie, those definitely worth replicating.

PS. not sure where this fits, so por favor, relocate at will.

Edited November 5, 2013 by DrJB

[dr_spock]

Newbie question to the GBC experts: I see most (all?) GBCs are using the same standard kind/size of balls. Are these a standard LEGO part?

Yes, they are standard 14mm balls. Current sets that have them are the Friends sets. There are older balls from soccer and basketball sets and those balls are more expensive. An alternative are cheap 14mm jewelery beads from China through eBay. I did a review of the cheap beads. http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=86686

You don't have to stick with the standard ball size if you don't plan to have your GBC compatiable with other people's GBCs. Following the GBC standard is important if you ever plan to have your GBC displayed at events and shows as part of a bigger GBC display with others.

[LYMP]

Just getting started on my GBC journey. Pricing sets/pieces/balls. I found a site this morning and ordered 330 of the 14mm beads for about $13 (US). That being said, I JUST NOW ordered them so I can't speak to the reliability of the seller.http://www.aliexpress.com/item/330-pcs-lot-14mm-Multi-Neon-Beads-Acrylic-Round-Beads-Chunky-Beads-For-DIY-Jewelry/1068139959.html

[S.I]

I'm planning on building a few modules once work quiets down, but will be using 14mm glass marbles instead since I can get them quite cheaply (4 euros per 100). I'm hoping the mechanics will remain mostly compatible. I also will probably end up integrating some custom electronics since that's another topic that I'm interested in.

Edited November 5, 2013 by S.I

[dr_spock]

I would like to do that, maybe with some help from GBC enthusiasts.

I found my old GBC threads:

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=86784

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=85731

I'm planning on building a few modules once work quiets down, but will be using 14mm glass marbles instead since I can get them quite cheaply (4 euros per 100). I'm hoping the mechanics will remain mostly compatible. I also will probably end up integrating some custom electronics since that's another topic that I'm interested in.

Marbles are heavier than Lego balls. You'll need more force if your module shoots balls like into a basketball hoop.

[LegoGBC]

Could you add my modules to the first post?

Specific threads: (some of the older modules in my channel don't have a thread )

See-Saw Module http://www.eurobrick...showtopic=87554

GBC Android Counter V1 http://www.eurobrick...showtopic=83844

GBC Android Counter V1.5 http://www.eurobrick...showtopic=86343

Marble Pump V3 Module http://www.eurobrick...topic=85490

Drag & Tilt Module http://www.eurobrick...topic=85411

GBC Loop 3: 4 Modules http://www.eurobrick...topic=82329

Scissors Lift Module http://www.eurobrick...topic=81477

Mini Ferris Wheel Module http://www.eurobrick...topic=80863

Accelerator Module http://www.eurobrick...topic=79949

Clicker Module http://www.eurobrick...topic=78689

GBC Loop 2: Dual Runway http://www.eurobrick...topic=76344

Thanks!

I thought about opening a topic like this a while ago and also include a basic guide for GBCs,along with a "GBC Database" of all GBC videos split into categories, never had the time,tough.

Edited November 7, 2013 by LegoGBC

[PG52]

If you like, you also can add a link to my GBC playlist on YouTube :

The last three are the most interesting, the others are quite old and simple.

[Jim]

Thanks guys, great. I will update the index this weekend.

Keep 'm coming!

I thought about opening a topic like this a while ago and also include a basic guide for GBCs,along with a "GBC Database" of all GBC videos split into categories, never had the time,tough.

With a little joint effort we can make a nice collection of models, guides, videos, etc

I will also add this topic to the Technic Index.

[Yiharua]

Hi!

Amazing initiative!

Here you have the biggest Lego GBC index I know so far: There are more than 100 GBCs:

http://yiharuablog.w...m/tag/lego-gbc/

Almost every single GBC published since late 2011 has been posted to my blog. I hope it helps you.

My own modules are also between those topics, but you have them here as well:

Another interesting article could be this one. Tips for Lego GBC making:

http://yiharuablog.w...ego-gbc-making/

And finally, if you are interested in alternatives for lego GBC balls, you should check this article: (Spanish, English and Portuguese)

http://www.blastem.e...llar-beads.html

I would be greatful to help ;)

Edited November 17, 2013 by Yiharua

[Jim]

Sweet!!

Thanks man, great source.

When I find some time, I will update everything in the Index.

You are already helping a lot!

[S.I]

The marbles I ordered arrived yesterday, I've now been trying out various types of rails. Can someone confirm these all would work with the normal GBC balls/beads as well?

[DrJB]

Are those made of glass? If so, they may not work with many of the GBCs out there because of the extra weight ... unless you limit the number of balls going into a specific GBC at any given time. Plus,and again because of the weight, those may cause more wear on the various plastic parts. I would 'test' them with caution.

[S.I]

I'm not worried about using the marbles with other people's modules, I want to be sure the dimensions match well enough that if I design my modules to work with this size "official" balls won't get stuck.

I also can't imagine wear due to the balls being a problem, the wear should be due to permanent movement of the modules by the motorized functions, compared to that a couple of grams of marble won't matter.

[DrJB]

I'm not worried about using the marbles with other people's modules, I want to be sure the dimensions match well enough that if I design my modules to work with this size "official" balls won't get stuck.

I also can't imagine wear due to the balls being a problem, the wear should be due to permanent movement of the modules by the motorized functions, compared to that a couple of grams of marble won't matter.

I did not mean that you'd go and test your glass balls on other people GBCs ... What I meant is, unless you're akiyuki, you will most likely begin by replicating many of the GBCs out there (e.g. on Philo's website). If you do that, such GBCs may not be forgiving to the extra weight of the balls.

Also, maybe not wear pey say, but many GBCs involve balls being lifted and dropped. Glass falling/hitting on plastic will ultimately make dents. That being an issue is really up to you whether it is important for you to keep your lego parts smooth and shiny or .. make theme disposable/replacable. GBCs (with plastic balls) are notorious for undergoing 'serious' wear and many peolpe who display them at Lego events typically let them run for hours to make sure they won't fail midway through the show.

Lastly, go ahead and try your balls, we're all looking for alternatives to the plastic/rare lego balls. If you find they work, there'll be many grateful GBC'ers.

Edited November 23, 2013 by DrJB

[LegoGBC]

I'm not worried about using the marbles with other people's modules, I want to be sure the dimensions match well enough that if I design my modules to work with this size "official" balls won't get stuck.

I also can't imagine wear due to the balls being a problem, the wear should be due to permanent movement of the modules by the motorized functions, compared to that a couple of grams of marble won't matter.

The extra weight would probably be a big issue for some modules (ball shooters,accelerators, etc) and a smaller problem to other modules,which you'll have to test and see for yourself. So its really not guranteed that anything that will work with GBC balls would work with the glass marbles, and vice versa.

[S.I]

DrJB: I'm not really planning on copying any existing modules, instead I'm just going to take forever to build something of my own. I don't care about dents under drops either, I just think it will take a very large number of drops until the pieces are so broken they have to be replaced.

I was hoping someone could check whether the real lego balls would fit in a similar way in the rails I set up, and also would not be blocked by the train grate thingy, to ensure the size matches well. If that is the case I can start with a simple circuit with some kind of pump, and continue from there.

Edited November 18, 2013 by S.I

[DrJB]

DrJB: I'm not really planning on copying any existing modules, instead I'm just going to take forever to build something of my own. I don't care about dents under drops either, I just think it will take a very large number of drops until the pieces are so broken they have to be replaced.

I was hoping someone could check whether the real lego balls would fit in a similar way in the rails I set up, and also would not be blocked by the train grate thingy, to ensure the size matches well. If that is the case I can start with a simple circuit with some kind of pump, and continue from there.

If I understand your request correctly, then all you need to ask is 'What is the diameter of the lego GBC balls?' ... and to my recollection, it was 14 mm. Very easy. If someone has a 'better' number, please come forward and help out.

Edited November 18, 2013 by DrJB

[S.I]

All I found was 14mm as well, which is why I ordered the 14mm sized marbles. However with tolerances that may cause issues in tight locations, so I was hoping someone would take a look at the different rails I built to make sure the normal balls wouldn't slip through or fall off due to their slightly uneven surface with the embedded seams.

E: for example I have the two tall wing pieces (so 2x4 with slanted cutout). If I offset them by one stud, some of my marbles fit through while others do not. It would be good to know whether the real balls would get stuck there.

Edited November 18, 2013 by S.I

[LYMP]

Just got my plastic beads in from China. 17 days from order to receipt. $13 for 330 14mm plastic beads similar to the ones dr_spock posted above.

Edited November 23, 2013 by LYMP