The Difference Between LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Home Edition (#31313) and LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 (#45544)EV3 General, Featured, Product GuidesSince I posted our fun little particle accelerator video a few weeks ago (you can see it here), I have received many requests to submit it to LEGO Ideas and create building instructions for it. You can find info on both below. I have also put together another video to answer some questions and show you how it works. For those unfamiliar with Ideas, it gives fans of LEGO an opportunity to suggest potential set ideas to the company. If a project receives enough fan support it is reviewed by LEGO and an official set is potentially made based on the idea. I think it would be great to have another science based set come out of Ideas. Adding your support is easy. /projects/86253) and click the Support button. You will have to create a LEGO account if you don’t already have one. I have put together instructions for the basic ring and accelerator module.
It can be set up on any flat surface and be decorated and styled to suit your tastes. Some notes on the construction can be found below. PDF FileDigital Model FilesLDraw File The ring itself is constructed using these old train rail pieces,which unfortunately haven’t been produced by LEGO in many years. There are actually two versions of this rail piece, one for the inside curve of a track and one for the outside curve. In the instructions I’m referencing the outside rail, but you can also use the inner rail piece instead. It will just slightly decrease the diameter of the ring. The simplest way to power the accelerator is to use a Power Functions M-Motor and one of the Power Functions battery boxes (AAA or AA). Note that with either of these battery boxes alone the accelerator will only run at full speed. If you want to control the speed of the accelerator there are a few options:You can find them under the Power Functions Category. Links to each of them can also be found below.
LEGO Power Functions IR TX (8885) Orders over $29 ship for free.* Don't forget the batteries. BatteriesDuracell Coppertop AAA Size Battery - 16-Pack$10.99 Ultimate control over your Power Functions creations! Build a Power Functions IR receiver, battery box and motors into your LEGO creations, then use this handy remote control to start, stop, change direction and more! The Power Functions IR Remote Control system operates on 4 different channels enabling the use of 4 models being controlled at the same time. Control up to 8 different Power Functions with one remote by connecting 2 Power Functions to 4 different receivers each. The reaching distance of the infra-red RC system is at least 30' (10m). Requires IR Receiver (Item #8884), not included. Requires 3 AAA (1.5V) batteries, not included.To be able to understand why LEGO has been successful for so long, just look to the name. LEGO originally got its name from founder Ole Kirk Christiansen who combed the Danish words "Leg Got" which means "play well".
He later realized that LEGO in Latin translates to "I put together. The LEGO set became a standard of creative play for children worldwide, unlocking the creativity to build vehicles, buildings, cities and more. Historians point to the invention of the wheel as a major turning point in world history. The invention of the LEGO wheel had the same monumental effect in the history of LEGO, making it possible to create cars, trucks and eventually the LEGO train building set that is one of the most successful LEGO sets of all time. LEGO currently produces about 20 billion LEGO bricks a year and has sold over 400 billion LEGOs in their history -- enough for every person on the planet to have over 60 LEGOs each! Control forward and backward The Power Functions IR Remote Control system operates on 4 different channels enabling the use of 4 models at the same time The reaching distance of the infra-red RC system is typically 30" (10m) Requires IR Receiver (Item #8884), not included
Requires 3 AAA (1.5V) batteries, not included Batteries: 3 AAA batteries are required (not included) Product Dimensions (in inches):5.9 x 5.9 x 1.7 This item is sold in our stores Orders placed for Store Pickup will receive online pricing and promotions In-stock status is approximate and may not reflect recent sales Not all items are carried at all stores. Please click the "Select a store" link to check product availabilityNext »(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)No Really, about the Batteries Range is rubbish good price Remote Control in a small package. I want to buy another one next time. Great with the right batteries ProsFunConsDull ColorsBest UsesImaginative PlayOlder ChildrenYoung ChildrenWas this a gift?:NoHow to connect remote with the motors. Tip for Power Functions Technically bought it for ... GREAT ITEM Displaying reviews 1-10Back to topPrevious | To keep the WeDo simple and easy to use for younger children, the WeDo doesn’t have an intelligent brick in its building materials.
No intelligent brick, so no programming and no power. The USB hub is there to provide both from the computer. But, wouldn’t it be great to be able to untether some WeDo creations? Well, it is possible. At least, it is possible to give WeDo creations power, if not programming. The key is to use elements from the Power Functions line of products. The Power Functions use exactly the same cables as the WeDo (and not the same as the NXT or EV3). So, by using one of the battery boxes, your WeDo creation has the power to propel itself beyond the reach of the computer. There’s are trade-offs though. As there is no programming, the sensors cannot be used. A programme cannot be written that controls how far the car will go. And, the battery boxes are large and heavy, necessitating some sophisticated building. This is not a project for grade one students. There are three battery boxes in the Power Function line. The 8881 battery box is the heaviest and largest and takes six AA batteries.
The smaller and lighter 88000 uses six AAA batteries. Finally, the 8878 is a rechargeable battery box that uses the same charger as used by the NXT and EV3 kits. In this photo, a car based on the design from [here] has been modified by removing the USB hub and adding in the battery pack. As there is only one switch on the 88000 and 8878, the car can only go in one direction. However, the switch on the 8881 allows you to power the car in two directions. Still not enough fun? Well, add in the 8869 Control Switch and controlling the direction (back and forth only) is now possible with the 88000 and 8878 battery boxes. But, the Control Switch will likely be built into the car as the cable is not very long. The ideal goal is remote control. Can the WeDo meet this challenge? The most fun might be using one of the remote controls with the 8884 IR Receiver. The 8885 and 8879 remote controls allow you to turn the motors (and lights) on and off. In addition, the 8879 provides power level (speed) control as well.