Rafe Donahue Brian Alano Tom Atkinson Brickworld 2014 June 12 Chicago GBC Workshop Rafe Donahue Brian Alano Tom Atkinson Brickworld 2014 June 12 Chicago

Agenda Distribute kits Introductions GBC rules and specifications Workshop leaders Workshop participants GBC rules and specifications How this module came to be / why are you here? Let’s build! Why the module looks like it does / explained as we go. Thoughts and discussion All done!

Who’s who Rafe, Brian, Tom Participants: Do you all know what a GBC module is? Anyone built one? Anyone tried but failed? Why? Anyone display one at a show? “How hard can it be? Little plastic balls being lifted a couple inches, it should be child’s play!”

GBC specs (from www.teamhassenplug.org/gbc) Each module should have an "in" basket, and will move balls to the next module's "in" basket, which must be directly in line.   The IN basket should be 10 studs by 10 studs (outside dimension) with an 8x8 opening, and should be 10 bricks (beams) tall. The front of the basket should be 32 studs from the back of the module.  This will allow all modules to be lined up against a wall.  The back of the module CAN be closer to the basket, but not farther. The In basket should be located on the left side of the module, and output should go to the right. There are no size limits, beyond those listed Each module should be able to accept balls at an average rate of 1 ball per second.  Balls can be passed continueously, or in a batch.  A batch should not exceed 30 balls.

Follow the spec! Follow the spec! Follow the spec! Follow the spec! Follow the spec!

Follow the spec! Failure to follow the spec is bad manners because it forces your co- presenters to do at least one unpleasant task: Apologize to the audience for a GBC that is not running; or Have to ask you to remove your module from the stream Neither of these is fun. Make sure your module(s) follow the spec!!!

Why this module? Follows the spec. Simple to build, common pieces, inexpensive. Expandable and flexible. Highly reliable. Employs ability to share power across more than one module with a single motor (either m-motor, xl-motor, or 9V technic). Provides basic function of lifting the ball high enough so that you can “do something” with it, if desired, or just pass on to next module.

Let’s build! Instructions are available at http://alittleslow.wikidot.com/gbc-donahue

Building notes, page 4 t = 6 + (4/3)n. t = 6+(4/3)12 = 6+16 = 22. The formula for the number of tread pieces t as a function of conveyor length n, given the small sprockets, is t = 6 + (4/3)n. Note that n must be a multiple of 3. Since the beam is 13 units long, then n=12 and t = 6+(4/3)12 = 6+16 = 22.

Building notes, page 4 There exist two version of the small sprocket, one with a dimple on one of the teeth (57520) and one without any dimples (75903). The version without the dimple works much better due to “sticking” of the sprocket teeth in the treads with the dimpled version. As with any moving parts, be careful not to pinch the moving pieces between the stationary pieces during construction. Things should move nearly effortlessly.

Building notes, page 5 The length-9 beams serve as railings to keep balls from falling out but also serve to clear balls on the edge of the tread from progressing too far up.  With the flat in-ramp, balls can come into the cradle rather quickly and can roll up the tread a bit on their own impetus; these keep those balls from rolling out.

Building notes, page 5 The out-ramp in step 7 is one of at least 5 different possibilities I considered. This can easily be adapted to be made longer or shorter, depending on what you want it to do. This one is designed to get the ball off the lift as soon as possible to preserve the altitude gained via the lift so that you have as much time and distance as possible to do what you want with the falling ball.

Building notes, page 7 The rather complicated cradle on page 7 allows the same interface between the lift and the cradle, regardless of the angle at which the lift is placed. The four technic half-pins in the cradle prevent the balls from entering a place from which they cannot be retrieved, so they are not there just for show!

Building notes, page 8 The axle in step 12 can also be placed into the lower hole in the 2x4 L- beam, since both positions complete a 3-4-5 right triangle. #pythagoras

Building notes, page 9 The large 8x16 tile in this step certainly can be replaced by some other construction that allows smooth rolling. The size of the tile allow the reception of a large bolus of balls to satisfy the spec. Also, any combination of axles to make the railings would be sufficient, as long as they allow smooth rolling and keep the balls in the module!

Building notes, page 11 The gearing on page 11 allows the m-motor shown in the instructions to be running at the full speed provided by 6 new AA batteries in a PF battery box with chaos ensuing. If one were to switch to the XL-motor (I can show pictures of such an installation), then suggest making the gear ratio 1:1, to account for the slower motor speed. Will need to extend the length of the axle holding the crown gear, however, if doing this. If you are short on motors and want more modules, just extend the axle in step 3, using axle connectors and universal joints, to reach the next module in the line. If the modules are built carefully (short lifts and smooth operation), multiple modules can share the same motor.

Questions? Thoughts? Comments? Complaints?