A GBC is one or more modules that pass Lego basketballs and soccer balls to each other, usually in a circle that recirculates the balls.
Building GBCs
Building Great Ball Contraptions can be very fun. They are usually
made up of an input system that takes balls from the module before it
and gets them ready for the lift mechanism, which brings them up high
enough to pass on to the next module. The last segment is the output
system that takes the balls from the lift mechanism and drops them
into the next module. It is sometimes optional when the lift mechanism
does not require one.
Requirements
There are several requirements for GBCs so that they can be used in
a circuit with other modules by other builders. Of course, if you don't intend to use your modules in conventions, they are not necessary. They are mostly size restrictions.
The module must be able to pass balls at a rate of at least l
ball per second.
The module can pass balls individually, or in a group. The
groups can not excede 30 balls each.
The input must be 8 lego units by 8 lego units inside, and 10 by
10 outside, while being 10 bricks tall.
The front of the input cannot be more than 32 lego units from
the back of the module.
There are many types of lift mechanisms. Some are shown in the
list below.
Conveyer
Bucket
Ski lift
Ferris wheel
Ball Pump
Stepper
Sweeper
......
Input systems
Input systems vary depending on the lift system. It may be as
simple as attaching a ramp that is the right size, or you may have to
develope a sophisticated sytem to release the balls at the right
time. Unless the lift mechanism provides a way to keep the balls from
jamming (e.g. a conveyor that jostles the balls as it turns) you will likely need to include one. Either way, inputs usually require several major revisions to get them right, so don't give up if the whole thing
crumbles. You just have to keep trying.
Output systems
Output systems are usually the easiest part of a GBC module to
complete. However, they can still be suprisingly complicated. An
output system is usually something that takes the balls off
the input, then neatly dumps the into the next module's input. It is also common to see outputs that do something interesting (see: Widgets) with the balls before they are passed on
Conventions
There are many Lego conventions that have GBC circuits. The most
known are the Brickworld,
Brickfair, and Lego World conventions, but there are many others that have GBC circuits as well. If you plan to go and bring your
modules to one, you should tell the event organizer what you are
bringing beforehand so they can plan in advance for what they will
have.
Tip:
If you are just starting to make GBC modules, you will want to
check out these great ball contraption websites for other tips.
