SBrick General Discussion

[Sariel]

I'm surprised with all this cables talk. When PF elements with permanently attached cables were first introduced, people were like "silly idea, wires have limited length, will get damaged, will require replacing the whole part etc., etc.". Now SBrick is free of any of these risks, and people are like "silly idea, I will need to spend $8 on a cable". Guess there's no pleasing everyone.

[rm8]

For more than 50% potential user of cabled Sbrick damaged cable=broken Sbrick. These group of buyers will not reapair, but drop to recycle bin. Sbrick without cable is long life unit.

I am sure that Sbrick without cable + original LEGO extesion cable is cheaper than price of Sbrick produced with cable.

Edited July 23, 2014 by rm8

[ratmatix]

That's really not following the point I'm trying to make. It should be made clear (on the kickstart page, for example) that you can't just buy a 9398 and an SBrick and swap out the ir receiver.

[Jim]

That's really not following the point I'm trying to make. It should be made clear (on the kickstart page, for example) that you can't just buy a 9398 and an SBrick and swap out the ir receiver.

Exacty! It's not a problem that the cable is not included or attached. It is probably even better that it's not, but it should be made clear that simply buying the SBrick is not sufficient to start using it. Simply to avoid disappointments.

[pasztorl]

We receive the question if we include the extension cable in the SBrick package or not.

The extension cable is not included and let us explain why we came up with this design. The first prototypes we built included an extension cable soldered to the electronics.

1) legal problems

2) mechanical problems of the connectors, which needed to be repaired once in a while

We're sorry if wasn't entirelly clear about this topic, we never said we will include the cable. We will update the Kickstarter page shortly to be absolutely clear on this.

[Jim]

We're sorry if wasn't entirelly clear about this topic, we never said we will include the cable. We will update the Kickstarter page shortly to be absolutely clear on this.

No problem. I think we all agree that a separate cable is better. So just a friendly word of advice to mention it on the KS page

[codefox421]

1) legal problems

Knew that had to be a reason. The use of negative space is really great!

[ratmatix]

No problem. I think we all agree that a separate cable is better. So just a friendly word of advice to mention it on the KS page

Yep, all good.

Cheers!

[Moz]

Now SBrick is free of any of these risks, and people are like "silly idea, I will need to spend $8 on a cable".

Just to clarify, by "the cable will be a problem for a lot of people" I meant "having to buy a cable when they missed that bit on the Kickstarter page" would be the problem. I expect but don't know that without the extra comments on the KS page a lot of backers would miss that requirement and be unpleasantly surprised when the brick(s) arrived. It's not explicitly mentioned, and given how many people missed the click-to-unroll FAQ entry about GBP3 shipping, I'm not optimistic.

I'm hugely excited by this, but still a little confused about the pricing. If I could just get 4 of the GBP29 bricks that would be magic, but it looks as though I'm going to have to pay more per brick to get four rather than one. Or more than four, I keep thinking of new ways to build an interactive diorama for Brickvention. Plans and colours don't matter to me, if I wanted to control one of the listed models I'd DIY it (for that matter I bought a 42000 for the parts and didn't assemble it), so paying for them when I likely won't even download them is pure extra cost. Again, to me alone, I'm not projecting this onto anyone else's situation.

[Zimix]

I pleged in the first days, and added some money on top of that not only the 3 GBP. I'm not pledging for getting a super bargain. I'm in because I want this to reach production, not only for me but for all who waited too long for such device and solution.

Of course the creators could have made a lot of different pleges, but you would not find it clear also, as there would have to be to many of them. So I like how it is, the addition of the train pledge is a good gap filler too (8 SBrick).

for this project.

[kolbjha]

Regarding the need for extension cable, I think it will be possible to connect it directly to a 8881 battery box, using a PF plug (for example to another PF unit powered by the same battery box, or a loose PF plug) between the battery box plug and SBrick. I think part of the battery box switch will slide under the SBrick. But I guess the green LED will be covered. Perhaps even easier and sturdier with 88000 (but then the control switch will be covered).

[Jim]

I have added a poll to this topic. Could you please vote and give your opinion?

Thanks a lot

[pasztorl]

This is JJZ's public comment on our kickstarter page:

"have you thought of include a movement recorder on your software? may not be interesting to drive cars, but can be very useful for certain mechanisms. could also include a small time editor-like video editors- to refine movements .. then you only will have to press a button and reproduce a complex movement."

I really like that idea. We will include this feature on the application.

[kolbjha]

I have added a poll to this topic. Could you please vote and give your opinion?

Thanks a lot

I just put my vote, but how can we specify under the option "Other (please specify)"?

[Jim]

Just write your specification/opinion in this topic

[kolbjha]

I have added a poll to this topic. Could you please vote and give your opinion?

Thanks a lot

In the poll, is it possible to add another option for most liked feature, like the fact that "64 PF devices may be controlled from one remote control". For me, one of the biggest limitations with PF IR remote system, is the limitation of 4 X 2.

[Eigenbroetler]

In the poll, is it possible to add another option for most liked feature, like the fact that "64 PF devices may be controlled from one remote control". For me, one of the biggest limitations with PF IR remote system, is the limitation of 4 X 2.

+1

[Jim]

In the poll, is it possible to add another option for most liked feature, like the fact that "64 PF devices may be controlled from one remote control". For me, one of the biggest limitations with PF IR remote system, is the limitation of 4 X 2.

That's exactly what can be specified in this topic

Thanks for your input.

[Joel Baker]

"What will be your primary LEGO theme used with SBricks?"

So far I am the only vote in the "Other" category. SBricks are ideal for displays with motorized areas, e.g. I would use it in a castle display and kids could use the controls to lower a drawbridge, have knights joust, etc

[pasztorl]

"What will be your primary LEGO theme used with SBricks?"

So far I am the only vote in the "Other" category. SBricks are ideal for displays with motorized areas, e.g. I would use it in a castle display and kids could use the controls to lower a drawbridge, have knights joust, etc

Nice!

One of my friends just build a "LEGO Disco" for his child using Friends Theme. The app will listening sounds received by the internal mic and this will be control the lights. :)

[Jim]

"What will be your primary LEGO theme used with SBricks?"

So far I am the only vote in the "Other" category. SBricks are ideal for displays with motorized areas, e.g. I would use it in a castle display and kids could use the controls to lower a drawbridge, have knights joust, etc

Sounds like a great implementation of the SBrick

[mdbz]

In the poll, is it possible to add another option for most liked feature, like the fact that "64 PF devices may be controlled from one remote control". For me, one of the biggest limitations with PF IR remote system, is the limitation of 4 X 2.

+1

Same here :) Just "working" a big mobile crane, and the 4*2 is not enough. Some functions will work with onboard switches. With SBricks, it could be full remoted.

[pasztorl]

+1

Same here :) Just "working" a big mobile crane, and the 4*2 is not enough. Some functions will work with onboard switches. With SBricks, it could be full remoted.

+1 :)

[zux]

Black and LBG colors are nice as tthey are close to original colors (well LBG mostly), however I was thinking DBG color could be a good option too.

[mdbz]

The color is secondary for me. Most of the cases, it will be inside the creation.