1. Info
Get even more out of SAM and use the light sensor from SAM Labs to detect different colors! To show case the use in a fun way we built a GBC loop consisting out of 5 modules. This GBC is entirely build using only the LEGO Crawler Crane set 42042 and some SAMs.
The loop starts at the horizontal mover which picks one ball at a time and then turns over 180 degrees to drop them into the conveyor belt. This belt will bring the balls up to the color detect station.
The ball go into a tunnel which creates a stable light environment for the light sensor to detect the balls. The white light of a SAM LED, which is shining at the balls, reflects the light back into the light sensor. Because white balls reflect the light and blue balls absorb the light you can easily detect difference. It is also possible to detect different colors. You might need to adjust the color of the SAM LED for optimal results.
After the ball color is defined, a SAM servo will separate them into the correct bin. When the bin is filled up to 8 balls it will automatically empty itself and release the balls back into the loop.
The balls then go into the Ferris Wheel Module which is fully mechanical automated. The ferris wheel has 4 cabins each holding 1 ball. The timings mechanisms, which releases one ball in one cabin, uses a specific gear ratios to get the timing right every time. After 3/4 of a revolution on the wheel the balls drop of and continue the loop by starting at the begin point again.
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- Original LEGO Crawler Crane 42042
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- GBC 10
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- Overview Ball sorter
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- Timings mechanism
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- Horizontal Mover Module
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- SAM DC motor drives the machine
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- Color detect Module
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- Sorting bins
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- Timings mechanism
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- Timings mechanism Ferris Wheel Module
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- Cabin Ferris wheel Modules
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- Drop balls from Ferris Wheel
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- SAM DC motor drives the machine
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- Timings mechanism
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- The SAM Labs software – See video
2. Building Instructions
Get the GBC Balls
The GBC Balls are available HERE.
This GBC is in collaboration with SAM Labs.
SAM Labs Electronics is a library of smart electronics modules connected to the Internet of Things. SAMs, as the modules are called, consist out of sliders, buttons, motors, lights and much more. Getting interested? See also more awesomeness at their website.
