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These are awesome guys, look forward to any new modules posted!
There are two really easy to build modules that have been created in the last year or so.
The first is the 'GBC Ramps' module from Brickworld 2017.
The second is Maico Arts' module from Skaerbaek 2017. This one is designed to be linked with other modules of the same design, so that one motor drives multiple modules.
Huw has built Maico Arts' module, and I've built a version of the GBC Ramps module, and they're both nice simple, reliable modules, great for an introduction to building GBCs.
Enjoy!
I've not built the ramp but may have a go at doing a studless version.
But dang, those balls are expensive!
And this is what I came up with - an Axle Lifter module. It has the same input design as the Sweeper too. Like the input on the Sweeper, it's also detachable:
I've also done a video, which shows it alongside the Sweeper module and my trusty four-step lifter.
Are you taking them to NSC?
The M motor has a higher speed, where the XL motor has more torque (but is slower). Depending on your modules requirements you will probably use what works best. Sometimes it comes down to using what you have available as well.
On my recent Mine Loader Remix module video I used an XL motor on both the Mine Loader, and later in the video on the small conveyor module. Confusing for sure! Neither of those modules need that beefy XL motor and could run off an M-Motor for sure.
The simple answer is I used those motors because of their slower speed. For the "Remix" series of modules I like to use the motor that will work best at full speed, because those modules are supposed to be accessible and people that build them may not have access to a 9v Train speed controller, only the battery box (which runs at full speed).
The small conveyor uses the XL motor because of the speed I need that to run at when it's connected to it's partner module the Tri-Sep.
I have a small blog article written up about the motors here if you are interested. http://www.greatballpit.com/2018/01/whw-power-function-motors.html
I also design all my modules to work off a battery box and gear down as necessary.
I only have 1 L and haven't found a need to use it, although it would be much easier to mount in studless constructions. It's also double the price of an M...
In other GBC news I was surprisingly delighted to notice that I could chain up multiples of my Roadwork Redux module off a single motor by adding an axle and two universal joints.
As others say though, in most modules there's really no need for anything faster or with more torque. In fact most of my modules are geared down so that they're slower than the motor runs. I've only used an XL motor in one module (which isn't finished and probably never will be), but even then its entirely possible that using an M motor would be fine.
I can see why complex modules (such as Akiyuki's Ball Factory) might need something with a bit more torque, but I've not built any really complex ones yet. For normal modules, M motors are fine.
Most of my modules don't need full power, and will happily run on half power. I've come up with a colour-coded system so that I know what speed each module is best run at. I also suspect that if you need less power to run a module, you can probably then run more modules from that Controller. I'm not an electrical engineer, but that kinda makes sense to me.
@Huw mentions that he gears down as necessary when using a battery box; presumably the use of a 9v train controller gets around this to some extent as you can vary the voltage, and therefore the speed?
The 7l beams were printed by Fab-Bricks and intended, of course, to identify my modules at displays.
Inclination Power Station (Stand Alone Mode - Motor Internal)
Power Station Mode - Motor External, I will use the Dogbone pieces to secure the modules together.
They grey with clear panels looks very nice.
Here is my latest video, its a Tipping Ramp module made out of parts in the 42062 Container Yard set.
The standard obviously won't matter if you're just doing a layout yourself, but if you do a collaborative one then there may be some issues! :)
Here's the more GBC standard compliant versions of the previous modules I showed.
It is two tipping ramp modules and a double ball pump module that can be run separately or together.
I still need an adapter though.
Does anyone have links on Amazon or eBay for an adapter that works with a 9-12V controller?