It is not only the bad first impression, but also the lack of B-model. For me, the MOST enjoyable technic sets were those which they did not have power function but you could incorporate in them. First you enjoy playing all the functions manually then you double your enjoyment by adding power function. Good old days!
I have lots of older sets where I added Power functions afterwards, you are correct this was a far better experience and made for much more playable sets.
I think it is quiet clear that many of us do, most of the comments prefer Power Functions. I too much prefer Power Functions, I have bought just one set with the new Powered Up and don't plan on buying anymore with it. Sadly I'm not sure Lego will listen to its fans.
ya i invested 200+ dollars into power functions but couldn't get my hands on the servo motor before the stopped making it and i dont have the money to buy legos new cash grab electronic system
I have to say I love it! I've just been playing with the motors from 42100 (got it 2nd hand for £250 and it's never even been opened as all the bits are bagged!) and the control with PoweredUp app now is great, there's also BrickControler2 if you want to use a PS4 controller, sadly working around obsolete apps and hardware are just a fact of life now, there's no practical alternative due to apps being "Free", the variable speed control on the motors with the app/controller and also the programmability is just next level and nothing like previous technics, there will be enough "old" working smartphones with compatible bluetooth and APK files downloadable for decades. As for "screen time" parents need to get with the times, school is almost entirely screen, life, work etc, it's a skill kids need, if Technics helps them to code then all the better. I played with lego a lot in the 90s with sets like 8082 Multi Control Set which was as "remote control" as I got, I definitely made a lot of my own creations that drove along, but only ever in a straight line really, because there was no good remote control options at least with the budget I was getting gifs on. Powered Up has already given me way more fun having fine control over motor speed and turning/skid steering custom builds! Also on Cost and Power Functions, everything has gotten more expensive, sure £40 is a bit of a jump but you're comparing an end of life cost to a new cost as well & development costs etc. Also my experience of power functions wasn't great, the 42009 Crane 10x10 only had one motor and was really rather under powered, I've not finished 42100 but having that many more motors and less complicated powertrain can only be good thing!
i just hate the fact that it replaced power functions. Now we have to go out and buy all this new expensive stuff when we already had perfectly good power functions right there.
I’ve been hesitant to purchase any sets with the newer powered up bricks and motors. I have so many power functions that the newer system seems repetitive without any discernible upgrade. Between the power functions motors and battery boxes and the NXT line of mindstorms, it’s hard to justify buying a lot of the new sets that have them.
i agree. having the old NXT is okay because modern MS windows can run programs that are 2 decade old with no issue, unlike smartphones which cant run a 6 year old app
Powered Up has only 2 advantages over Power Functions. 1: Bluetooth. 2: Rotation Sensors. In every other Aspect, Power Functions are superior. - Powered Up Motors are longer, they take more space - Powered Up has only 2 available motors left: The angular motor and the L motor (the M-motor as well as the XL motor is discontinued- latter because it was just bigger then the L motor while not being more torquey or faster, it was basically a miscalculated design) - Powered Up has only 4 ports and the ports can't be stacked - Powered Up has no remote controller - Powered up STILL uses Batteries (1980's standard..?!) Now bring a Buwizz or even a CAD/Mould King Battery box to the table: PF in combination with an Buwizz has all the advantages: More Power, stackable ports, many motors for different needs, reloadable battery pack etc. With a Mould King battery box you also have a remote control with accurate, linear controllable joysticks. So the one thing that remains is the build in rotation sensors. Let's just say, they are useful when building a robot or production machine etc. but for these applications they are not accurate enough and they always need calibration when turned on. The are unnecessary for vehicles- the PF servo is simpler and does a reliable job. I've said it many times and I say it again: Power Functions is superior to Control + and it will always be.
I still have my Technic from back in the '80s, pop some batteries in and it still works. How usable will Control+ be in 30 years? Control+ does have some cool features, but it is indeed too limited in many ways and way overpriced.
Personally, the biggest problem for me with Power Up is the native requirement to use a smartphone as a remote. This is frankly the last thing I want to do when I'm playing LEGO. They can't create a four channel remote by combining the functionality of the Infrared Remote Control and the Infrared Speed Remote Control.
I’ve decided Power Functions is going to be what I stick with when it comes to Lego-brand motors and power banks. Power Functions are considerably cheaper than Powered Up as well. I may not be into the multi-motored builds, but even converting an older train to Powered Up is around $100 a train, even at usual retail prices when I was last at a Lego store.
It tends to feel more childish, less professional than the Power Functions it replaced. Also, it is much harder to overpower it with higher voltages, as well as modify the motors to perform better
One of LEGO's biggest problems is that they always think short term with their products, and often forget about about the long-term consequences of using App-based technology. Seriously, most of the apps they have put out since around 2012 (when they first started releasing Apps) are virtually unplayable at this point.
This is one of my major issues too. I plan to pass on my sets later in life, but will they still work if using these apps? Probably not. I don't think apps and smart devices have a place in Lego, it is not what Lego should be about.
@@totallyaddicted2bricks989 Toally agree here, the reason Lego is popular is it offers something different to the world of videogames and smartphones we find ourselves in. We want physical controllers with buttons and feedback that will work so long as there are batteries in the world.
I just simply cant get my hands on even the cheapest C+ set because lego sets are just stupidly expensive. Not the brands fault tho, it just feels like a waste of money for me compared to what I get.
@@dowesschule Thats a different story, but what I was trying to say is, I was able to get a similarly priced set for half the money 4 years ago, it is about the local currency, not the sets price in dollars/euros. It is a little hard to explain but I hope you get the point.
Bro, did you ever look at LEGO Group financial results? 68% gross margin, 25% operating margin, almost 20% net profit margin. These are almost software-like margins. Probably one of the most profitable companies in Europe. And this is for 2023, in 2021 it was even better.
i like hard controls, touchscreen interfaces are clumsy. the ultimate system would let you build your own controller, out of lego, and to your specifications. i imagine lego bricks (containing: thumbstick, trackball, encoder, potentiometer, switch, button, etc), along with output bricks like rgb leds, vibration and sound bricks. everything would plug into a transmitter brick which would include the radio and a small oled screen with some small buttons for configuring mappings (like you would find on a mid tier hobby rc radio) and a battery box. this would go with a receiver unit at the other end that interfaces the motors and sensors. high throughput radios are somewhat cheap now, so the possibility of sending video back exists. that is the ultimate lego rc solution (possibly also cover robotics as well with a cheap arm micro in the receiver unit that runs a programmable vm).
Yes, 'Powered up' is very frustrating & I hate it. I have spent over 12 hours venting my frustrations on this subject with LEGO. * batteries only, unlike 9 volt trains of the past * no direct connection to older systems * overly expensive * no simple switches * no extension wires * have to use a smart device
You can easily make one yourself, better than any LEGO remote ever made. Simplest is by programming a 20€ HUB as remote. You can tilt it in two directions for analog control of 2 motors, for example a front back tilt for speed, and a left/right tilt for steering. If you hang it in a frame and add a "joystick", it can also do auto-return. Both things, analog control and spring return have never been implemented in a LEGO offering.
For me as a MOC designer I wished they only upgraded the PowerFunctions system with extras like a motion or distance detector etc. and replace the unreliable IR-Receivers with something like the S-Brick. When I heard the new motors have even less power than the PF motors my decision not to support this shit was fix.
The new PoweredUp stuff is good for me for one reason: the Bluetooth is needed for running trains on my Lego train layout. Infrared just doesn't work - it doesn't cover the distance, and is blocked by buildings, scenery, etc. What I most want for PoweredUp is a rechargeable train battery box/controller. Having to disassemble a locomotive, remove the battery box, open it up, and replace the batteries (I use NimH rechargeables) is quite awkward. The lack of a way to dual power a locomotive is also an issue. I did the wire-flip trick on a PF engine, and so made it have a pair of powered bogies. With my custom lightweight trains cars, it will actually pull 20 cars on level track. As for the "App Controlled" stuff, I agree with your comments there. My smartphone is quite old (and I will be keeping it as long as possible), and I haven't even bothered to try their app. I will be very very upset if they stop making the train controllers - much better than the horrible knobs on the PF one. And yes, I have a spare, as well as the 3 for my 3 locomotives. (My layout is a very oddball mix - 9V, PF and PoweredUp.)
I don't like that high price of control+ sets as well as they need to have smartphone for work. I would be happy if Lego was making power functions versions of sets as well as control+ (both with same price) , like You would choose which You like more
I hate lego Powered up. It was possible to connect Ev3 with lego PF just by destroying two extension cables. But since lego does not make lego Powered up extension cables it is so expensive so it is impossible. Why they don't make a program to connect Ev3 with powered up with Bluetooth? Because people would not be forced to buy the new and expensive system.
The price is the main reason why I don't like Control+. People are selling Power Functions motors for double their original price on Bricklink, but they're still way cheaper than Control+.
Control plus seems really overpriced, not to mention that several sets with it will be discontinued. I don't understand why lego can't release something like buwizz either.
Lego should actually still sell BOTH Power Functions and Powered Up! Power Functions being the BASIC or BUDGET LOW-END option, the Powered Up MID-RANGE, and the Mindstorms HIGH-END!!
I think it was a bad move by LEGO to discontinue the power functions, especially when the powered up product line is unfinished and severely lacking in ability to meet the customers demands. Plug and play is essential for most people, particularly people like me who make MOCs that need the manual controls. The app is just too complicated and unsupported for me to fathom what’s going on.
It would be amazing if someone created an adapter that plugged into the PU hub and had a PF connector on top. People could use their old motors with a new hub that they can control from their phone
1 - It's expensive. 2 - you need a phone. I really hope Lego will change this system. At least in our Lego store, Control+ is selling badly, and when I buy Lego, I want to pay for Lego and not for some Bl. devices.
@@AusKipper1 same. Plus I’ve picked up some PF motors on Ali express for 4 bucks each. Work great. Plus a spool of wire and some ends, and making custom cables is possible while repairing old 9v stuff.
@@legonut78 I dont have any cable and ends, but maybe I should. I do have extensions. I have a whole separate collection for aliexpress bricks and technic that's the kids and they it leave laying all around the house, that also has the cheap aliexpress motors and stuff for them. They also have some genuine Lego in there from sets they have gotten, that whole collection is a giant mess but no point trying to deal with it at the moment I can barely get them to keep things in rough categories let alone genuine vs aliexpress, I just worry about my own "adult" collection separately that they don't use. Long term I would like to get some properly powerful RC motors with longer range controllers, metal parts etc but for now the budget does not stretch there nor do I have any idea how to program Arduino or Raspberri PI stuff.
I have one control+ set, the RC buggy. Requiring a smart device is definitely the reason I hate control+. The buggy controls like garbage with touchscreen controls and using a 3rd party app with a PS4 controller drains my phone battery. I much prefer driving my old PF tracked racer even if the performance is much worse.
I would have bought motorized sets if there was a physical remote controller with buttons and joysticks and not an app with controls on a touch screen. I agree with the arguments discussed in the video.
I didn't found real answer on the internet so I'm asking here : Did anyone had problems with shutting down motors when using a certain brand of battery inside control + or power function battery boxes. My old sets (8049 excavator and the offroad 4x4 from 2012) have perfectly working motors but whenever I try to run them the motors start to struggle then stop. I can't say whether I builded the sets in a wrong way or if I just need better batteries.
I can see that the RCX cables are stacking cables. 5:58. Very similar to power functions. And also, before there was LEGO Wedo 2.0, there was a LEGO Wedo 1.0. The LEGO Wedo 1.0 has power function motor and even power function sensors.
At first, the only time I heard about PoweredUp was with the LEGO City trains. Then I heard about Unbrickme and learned more about PoweredUp. At first, I wasn’t disappointed nor impressed. Why? My parents would never let me get PoweredUp sets because of how big and expensive those sets were. Well now, I see why they didn’t buy them.
That is exactly my fear with app controlled things. The number of things that now don’t work because the is no longer supported because technology have moved on.
A few months ago I got a bunch of motors, vintage 2 ways remote controller and some receivers, I didn't immediately identify them, and discovered it was Sbricks receivers. After looking at how to use them, I find it way easier to use than the new Lego powered up sets. It's fully modular, programmable, can use the app or pair a gaming controller directly. And finally, it can be used with standards motors, you dont have throw away your old motors and can even buy some new cheaper.
I know that the PF battery boxes were considered bulky, but the powered up battery boxes are bigger and wider. This makes putting a powered up system in to something like a lego train almost impossible. I prefer to use a physical controller over my smartphone but powered up may never have one. That's why I'm sticking to my old PF system for as long as they work.
Phone/tablet makes sense for Boost and Mindstorms because you expect to learn some coding and you are not mainly using the device as manual remote control. For RC models it makes no sense because you do not want to mainly program with RC model. When you see remotely controlled devices like cranes or big industrial lawn mowers they do not use app but they have large remote controls. Make modular remotes with switches and buttons and it will be much more fun then the app. And yes I have to agree that it goes exactly against the screen time reduction.
I think the biggest issue is that this whole system is not only costs more than just the actual hobby grade rc equipments, but also much worse in every aspects. If you own a 3d printer, you can very much make adaptable parts to install actual rc servo, esc, receiver and motor into your sets, that not only costs less but giving you a better experience.
I didn't really like power functions back then, as older lego racers sets already had better motors and more range (not like 2m with ir receiver), but power functions were compatible with that and also much cheaper, smaller and easier to fit in models, not to mention compatible with the old models and non lego options like sbrick and buwizz, which made them really practical. I really don't understand why they created powered up in the first place, motors and receiver are bigger and bulkier for the same performance, several times more expensive and aren't compatible with any electronics lego has created up to date. I have a few pf motors myself and if I ever need a replacement motor or an additional one I can't get it form lego, as they discontinued them and I can't get the new ones either because they aren't compatible. Not to mention that for the price of the powered up receiver and two motors that are no better than pf large I can pretty much get a buwizz power budle with the unit and 2 buwizz motors, that are much more powerful, more compact, compatible with my old motors and allow me to build actually functional lego rc veichles. Powered up is a huge fail in my opinion, lego should really reconsider the decition to discontinue power functions, although that is likely never going to happen...
For Christmas of 2020, I got my first power functions L motor and triple A battery box and in 2021 I got my first I.R receiver and remote control. Overall, you could either have either 1 powered up motor or a power functions L motor + a battery box and a remote control, plus you can add as many motors as you want with power functions. Power functions is a much better value.
I was very unimpressed with the WeDo or whatever it's called. Went to a Lego Club with my kids and everything was through that stupid app... the bluetooth issues are boring and shouldn't have anything to do with Lego. I bought the robot system like 2 years ago for my kids, they never play with it. Moreover, every technic set which is app controlled ends up failing. This app garbage needs to stop. I want buttons and dedicated control systems.
new to Technic and I like it.. PoweredUp for coding and BrickController2 for Dualshock connectivity but i dont like Control+, whole ecosystem needs "native" physical controller which acts as PoweredUp inputs (same as widgets) as C+ alternative.. EDIT. I like C+ APP for sets like Liebherr or Volvo Hauler.. anyway best would be to get physical controller for driving and use display for other stuff like gauges and controlling excavator arms etc..
Bluetooth is clearly better than IR by a LOT... and I like being able to code my own commands. I can make my offroader crawl at set speeds by "setting the throttle" and that is awesome.
I would prefer a controller over a app. I have somethings that have the same setup, but they went out of business and now I have items that don't work anymore.
The update happened fairly recently. Make sure to update your control+ app and then there will be a switch. If you toggle the switch in the interface, all the sound buttons will be replaced with a second control stick
I think that splitters with the same plug would be pretty complicated to understand for non-technical people. I guess that lego's solution is to use more hubs. But now that pybricks supports the lego powered up remote, the control+ models can be remote controlled directly. A smartphone or pc is only required once for the initial installation of the program.
Is there away to create control interfaces in a regular programming language like Java or Python and type the code by hand instead of dragging and dropping blocks?
My problem is with the new pneumatic air pressure sets. The air always escapes and the crane/digger arms tend to drop to the ground overnight. I would take the old school winding method or the powered up function any day over pneumatic 😢
I just use PF. The non-Lego motors and servos are plentiful, not expensive, and have RF, IR, and BT connectivity. Also, they are easy to hack, bypass the Lego controller, and just use another microcontroller, like Arduino or ESP32.. Customization is easy and can incorporate Wi-Fi connectivity, different power sources, cameras, and endless possibilities for sensors and other functionality.
Last week I finally bought the Liebherr 42100 for 280 euro. So that's 2 hubs, 3x XL motor and 4x L motor (and 4000 pieces) so that's pretty OK. I also had to buy a bunch of rechargeable batteries so I have bought 28x AA batteries from IKEA hahaha. They should be almost as good as the Eneloops and only 6 euro for 4 pieces. I don't even want to build the Liebherr haha
It's an interesting system. As someone who's studied Electrical Engineering and observed Powered Up for the last three years, I can strangely appreciate the development and technical intricacy that makes Powered Up so cool, but also wonder how necessary/unnecessary some things are with the system. There are so many factors I've observed that make Powered Up a more capable system, yet a more complex and expensive one to use. As for adapter cables, it's not impossible, but it's also not a simple "solder the right wires together" kind of thing. Powered Up has a communication protocol between the hub and devices plugged into it so that the hub knows whether it's a motor, a sensor, light, etc. None of the previous LEGO electrical systems have a way of telling Powered Up what it is, so Powered Up can't determine how to treat it.
I only this morning found out that the powered up Large motor also has absolute positioning, just like the spike/51515 motors. It's not marked with a dot, but connected to the hub and setting motor position to 0, it always goes to the same spot. That's probably why it's so expensive compared to the power functions motors
I think having an internal rotation sensor is what makes it so expensive; not just having absolute positioning. Absolute positioning shouldn’t require too much on top of the internal rotation sensor
PoweredUp for trains is in any case a good development. So you can control your trains (on the same track) independently. What is still missing is a battery pack for quick replacement.
One of the biggest issues for me is the lack of stacking. Especially with BuWizz, you got 4 PF ports, and all of them can handle multiple things at once, while C+ is one port, one motor/sensor/whatever. Other issues like lack of physical RF controls, and having a buttload of PF parts only for them to become useless were mentioned by other commenters. A PF upgrade that simply added a pure data line and still was compatible with "old" PF would have been much, much better.
Definitely possible, the zetros and the 4x4 xtreme off roader should be the easiest to retrofit. Other sets that have a transmission need to have a physical stepper mechanism built
there would need to be a stepper mechanism between the shifting motor and the transmission. I think it might be possible to add a small stepper mechanism in there as there is some empty space inside. If you don’t want to have a transmission at all in the hauler then retrofitting should be very easy! Just have a PF xl for driving, PF L for dumping function, and PF servo for steering
@@Unbrickme I’m trying to debug my hauler. Right now, my machine’s truck bed does not lift or lower. Whenever I press the lift/lower buttons, it engages the driving motor, and the vehicle moves forward/backwards. The truck bed lift/lower mechanism never engages. Any idea what I could be doing wrong? Thanks for any help.
@@pearlshark1 there should be an option to re calibrate the set in the app. Try it a few times, and if it still doesn’t work, then make sure that the position of the orange shifter piece and the limiter is correct. It’s an easy thing to miss when building the set since the instructions don’t give it much attention, even though that one step can make or break everything
I like PU mostly because the new motors have far more attachment points than the PF motors. The app really could do with some documentation/instructions because the programming symbols are pretty arcane for a first-time user, overall it's not bad. Biggest benefit for me is being able to map a slider onto a range of positions on a motor for things like steering, but there seems to be more of a delay on those controls than for regular speed controls?
i bought a bunch in the beginning. like the liebherr and crawler and some other stuff. now 8 of 11 motors is bad and dont work as it should and i have a 2 year long discussion with Lego support that i just got frustradet over so i stopped responding because it gave no help or anything good in return
3:58 I disagree on that. First of all, if you're programming on a phone or on a tablet, you're actually doing productive things so doesn't matter that you're using a phone. Also I started laying lego about 25 years ago, nobody had computers or smartphones back then...
I got a control+ set for Christmas (The giant excavator) and i have tried to make large machines with them but they are simply completely to underpowered and just cut out when there is too much torque while with power functions the motors power through it and just get the job done
Something about this feels like a microcosm of the current age of electronics in general. Nobody ever prioritizes robustness or accessibility in anything they create.
How can this be more accesible. Lego C+ is the easiest to snap together and do quick prootyping, it has the best documented API ever, and you can write custom firmware and program with at least 4 non LEGO environments. It has never been more accesible, and it will be for 20-30 years to come.
@@lovemadeinjapan You.... You watched the video, right? The whole point of this video, at least what I gathered from it, is that C+ isn't accessible because it's expensive and requires an app...
@@GarryDumblowski I did watch it, it is not expensive, 20€ for a programmable hub is peanuts compared to 200€ for a Spike Hube, and the nice thing is you can do without the crappy LEGO apps very easily because LEGO has made the whole software side open source AND open access. People who talk like this about C+ have NO CLUE. So it is false information for most part.
@@lovemadeinjapan ...On second thought, I can sort of see where you're coming from. I still feel like LEGO as a whole is too expensive, so I guess this is less of a problem with C+ and more of a problem with LEGO in general.
PU is much better for compact models like Chevy Corvette or McLaren Senna. It also has a huge advantage since any motor can work as a servo. PF is better for big models like Zetros or the Volvo hauler because it's XL motors have a hugeamount of torque. If you need a faster model - use RCbrick or Buwizz with PF servo and 9V buggy motors
I'd rather the motors are made optional like LEGO did in the PF era and before; not every set needs to be motorized by default, and most of the functions can be done manually. By burying the motor components inside the sets with no disassembly in mind LEGO is discouraging part reuse and forcing the consumer to bear the unnecessary cost. If a system brick made today can work with the one from 50 years ago, then modern Technic sets should have the ability to work with different motors from earlier generations. Technic collectors 50 years in the future will be scratching their heads like: What is this control+ thing? What is an App, What is a phone? What am I going to do with this useless heap of plastic that can't move?
Please correct me if I'm wrong. Control+, Boost, Wedo, Spike Prime, and Mindstorms RI are all part of the Powered UP family. This level of compatibility with Mindstorms has been absent since the RCX was retired for NXT. Currently, there are a few critical components that are absent from the system: A good rechargeable battery component for the Technic Hub 88012 and Battery Box 88015 that can be tethered like the Mindstorms RI Hub; Proper availability of the simple battery box (88015); Integration of BT remotes (this could be just a firmware update on the HUB); Certainly there are others, but these are issues that presently prevent me from using Powered UP in my projects. In my mind, griping about the unavailability of obsolete products is a pretty sideways way of addressing the current issues. I would like a good discussion on where things may be going and what should change or improve. Also, how can you declare a controversy without discussing the advantages and future potentials of the Powered UP system?
I do alot of kinetic mocs at shows. Power functions, 9v, RC and NXT are all systems I use because all of these systems can work together. I can't find any value in the Powered Up system for what I like to build. I'll look at getting into Powered Up when and if they develop some backwards compatibility and cost reductions.
I think that they really didnt need to abandon power functions. The only real issues were hard to find recharbeable battery boxes and bad cables (which can both be easily fixed).
to me the worst thing about it is the fact you cannot stack many motors on 1 port. It's fucking ridiculous when you build a car with 7 motors instead of 8 doing the drive using all ports on 2 hubs. You end up with an odd number on top of that.
For all the reasons you mention I really dislike the new powered up. The only set I have purchased so far that uses it is the is 6 x 6 Volvo Hauler and that was purely because I wanted it to display with my L350F Volvo Wheel Loader, I have no plans to by any other powered up sets. Another awesome video!
Thank you very much! Honestly I love the 6x6 Volvo articulated hauler! It is the first one ever to have a remotely controlled and motorized speed transmission gearbox! Wow!!!
@@Unbrickme the motorised speed transmission gearbox did make me glad I had bought this set, certainly something new in Lego for me and it is what technic should be about. The set looks great too, especially with my L350F Wheel Loader. Have to say though I still prefer the simplicity of the Power Functions used on the L350 Wheel Loader, like you said the Powered Up stuff is massively overpriced, and the main reason for me is I hate having to use an app on a smart device. I firmly believe apps and smart devices have no place when building and playing with Lego, that is not what lego is about. Lego should be taking people away from that stuff. Thankfully my favourite looking set of this year, the Heavy Duty Tow Truck, has no Powered Up in sight. I do love Pneumatics though, so I can't wait for this set 🙂
@@adrianprepelita8683 Yeah, the reliance on an app to make Lego set works concerns me because I intend to keep this stuff and pass on to someone else after me. Apps and smart devices should not be a part of Lego, Lego should be a getaway from that stuff.
How long is the Lego app supported? Another 2 years? 5 years? And then the sets get bricked (in the mobile phone sence of bricked, not in the Lego sence) ...
I think control+ would be better if they had a custom interface. Like SBrick. So you don't need to have the motors In a certain configuration, but any way you want.
I was horrified when I discovered the price of those things, I work with a friend on the reparation of a pinball made for pubs and the pieces we have to redo are the electronic and mechanic parts. They are way more powerful than what lego offer and way cheaper I'm pretty sure something like the batterry hub would cost 5 dollar a piece or less imported from china and in bulk it could probably go lower. This is madness, honestly I'm getting back to lego this christmas but if it comes to power function I might ask my friend to help me build something similar from scratch it'll cost me a few hours but I might save 200€ so it's fine.
I hate playing with Lego using a smartphone. It is so sad for me that Lego forces us to do it. I really enjoyed the system used in mindstorms EV3 in which you could use your phone or a ir controller to play
That's why the buggy seems to be such a good deal. It is but then you have bought into this very expensive platform. There is so much third party support for those power function boards too.
For me it's mostly the price and lack of physical controller. I have a buggy, some trains and latest mindstorms and I cannot understand why the buggy's hub cannot be controlled by Powered Up Pilot. It's bluetooth. I don't understand why LEGO cannot release mode where a HUB or Mindstorms cannot be controlled directly by Xbox or PS controller. Third party software seems to be able to do this. I still believe lego engineers will be able to release a simple app in which you could select Pilot's port and pair it into Hub's port and define directions and mode of operation. This could be as easy as selecting one of two or three modes like: stepping acceleration (like for trains), full on (like for old PF remotes). perhaps steering mode (if it needs to differ). It seems simple and yet very reasonable. But for some reason I doubt that LEGO wants to do it. Perhaps they have some limited hardware capabilities because of some wrong decisions from the past, perhaps their software team is too small. I don't know, but it looks bad, when you think of alternatives.
My main points for not liking it: A) LEGO can stop supporting the app at any time and then you sit on a pile of hyper-expensive garbage. (I'm not cosidering 3rd party solutions here, because we are talking LEGO) B) The parts are hyper-expensive (hilariously overpriced) Even I as an adult with money mostly buy chinese Power Functions, because they have adequate prices and work well enough. C) The app does not give you haptics. So you constantly have to look on your phone or tablet to hit the buttons, when you actually want to look at your model. It's the same issue like in modern cars with those siilly capacitive buttons and silders. Worst egonomics ever and someone should get fired. Imagine Modelling people would be forced to use an app on a haptic-less tablet to control their planes or vehicles. That product would be DOA. D) Still no good option for a rechargable battery, except for the hilariously hilariously overpriced large hub. It's 2023, ya know? E) The only real advantage is the 2.4 GHz system and the motors, than can (kinda) act as servos and kinda be programmed. But the latter is still not comparable to a real servo. And the former is 20 years overdue. F) From perspective of a child: Why would I want my 6, 8, 10+ yo to use his dumb Smartphone he's using all day long with 20 distracting other functions, when I'm actually trying to make him play with a physical toy here? Some Models give you a physical Control+ controller. Most don't. Power Functions all the way!
I'm really annoyed that the controller only has 1 speed for the large motor. So I have to run my Crocodile locomotive with the app which i'm not a fan of. Luckily i have a few rechargable battery PF boxes for my custom trains.
I am so tiered of the constant unnecessary system change. So I just stopped buying new stuff. Not only the technic part but also the train part. For me it started when the trains went from 12 to 9V. Even tough it was nice to consolidate on one level.. yet it kind of kept changing...
Even with how much of a pain it can be to remove AA batteries from PF box it's still better than Powered Up and C+... And man the recharchable PF box costs far too much. I don't understand why Lego can't produce products similar to buwizz or sbrick, I'm hesitant to use those because third party has always rubbed me wrong, but even PF can be unnecessarily bulky and the IR isn't great versus bluetooth
the first reason for me was the fact that old power function could be stressed out like there's no tomorrow and they still function....new power up block the motor with just a little bit of resistance.....i built a crawler with pf system and it will litterally break a joint or axle before stopping the motor.....i have the 4099 set.....beautiful estetically but trash in performance....motor would stall with a little bit of resistance......i think i will try to buy buwizz and even try mould king pf system....lego power up for me it's dead.
It is not only the bad first impression, but also the lack of B-model. For me, the MOST enjoyable technic sets were those which they did not have power function but you could incorporate in them. First you enjoy playing all the functions manually then you double your enjoyment by adding power function. Good old days!
I have lots of older sets where I added Power functions afterwards, you are correct this was a far better experience and made for much more playable sets.
I prefer no b model, I have never once made a b model and without I find they put more effort into the a model
@@markfoley4247 dont think so
They just creatively struggled on the design of the b model only using few pieces found in the a model
@@jonathandemiguel1458 Correct, just look at what MOC builders come up with for B/C/D/E models
Agreed
I want power functions back :(
@@gustavbreitbartnielsenasf1124 but s brick doesn't have motors with rotation sensor feedback
Me too
@@Unbrickme yes, this is the ONLY advantage of powered up, other than that, power functions with all compatible and third-party products is better
I think it is quiet clear that many of us do, most of the comments prefer Power Functions.
I too much prefer Power Functions, I have bought just one set with the new Powered Up and don't plan on buying anymore with it. Sadly I'm not sure Lego will listen to its fans.
YES , I prefer power functions back too.
I was not impressed when Lego announced powered up. They should have just updated power functions.
Yes
ya i invested 200+ dollars into power functions but couldn't get my hands on the servo motor before the stopped making it and i dont have the money to buy legos new cash grab electronic system
So true
I have to say I love it! I've just been playing with the motors from 42100 (got it 2nd hand for £250 and it's never even been opened as all the bits are bagged!) and the control with PoweredUp app now is great, there's also BrickControler2 if you want to use a PS4 controller, sadly working around obsolete apps and hardware are just a fact of life now, there's no practical alternative due to apps being "Free", the variable speed control on the motors with the app/controller and also the programmability is just next level and nothing like previous technics, there will be enough "old" working smartphones with compatible bluetooth and APK files downloadable for decades. As for "screen time" parents need to get with the times, school is almost entirely screen, life, work etc, it's a skill kids need, if Technics helps them to code then all the better.
I played with lego a lot in the 90s with sets like 8082 Multi Control Set which was as "remote control" as I got, I definitely made a lot of my own creations that drove along, but only ever in a straight line really, because there was no good remote control options at least with the budget I was getting gifs on. Powered Up has already given me way more fun having fine control over motor speed and turning/skid steering custom builds!
Also on Cost and Power Functions, everything has gotten more expensive, sure £40 is a bit of a jump but you're comparing an end of life cost to a new cost as well & development costs etc. Also my experience of power functions wasn't great, the 42009 Crane 10x10 only had one motor and was really rather under powered, I've not finished 42100 but having that many more motors and less complicated powertrain can only be good thing!
i just hate the fact that it replaced power functions. Now we have to go out and buy all this new expensive stuff when we already had perfectly good power functions right there.
I’ve been hesitant to purchase any sets with the newer powered up bricks and motors. I have so many power functions that the newer system seems repetitive without any discernible upgrade. Between the power functions motors and battery boxes and the NXT line of mindstorms, it’s hard to justify buying a lot of the new sets that have them.
The dealbreaker for me is having to buy an entirely new overpriced set of motors and hubs that aren't cross-compatible and are in many ways worse.
i agree. having the old NXT is okay because modern MS windows can run programs that are 2 decade old with no issue, unlike smartphones which cant run a 6 year old app
Powered Up has only 2 advantages over Power Functions. 1: Bluetooth. 2: Rotation Sensors.
In every other Aspect, Power Functions are superior.
- Powered Up Motors are longer, they take more space
- Powered Up has only 2 available motors left: The angular motor and the L motor (the M-motor as well as the XL motor is discontinued- latter because it was just bigger then the L motor while not being more torquey or faster, it was basically a miscalculated design)
- Powered Up has only 4 ports and the ports can't be stacked
- Powered Up has no remote controller
- Powered up STILL uses Batteries (1980's standard..?!)
Now bring a Buwizz or even a CAD/Mould King Battery box to the table: PF in combination with an Buwizz has all the advantages: More Power, stackable ports, many motors for different needs, reloadable battery pack etc. With a Mould King battery box you also have a remote control with accurate, linear controllable joysticks. So the one thing that remains is the build in rotation sensors. Let's just say, they are useful when building a robot or production machine etc. but for these applications they are not accurate enough and they always need calibration when turned on. The are unnecessary for vehicles- the PF servo is simpler and does a reliable job.
I've said it many times and I say it again: Power Functions is superior to Control + and it will always be.
I don't want to use my phone! I want a controller!
Get a blje tooth xbox 1 controller paured to your phone
Powered Up has a controller
@@wihanjooste7469 to your phone. lol. WE DONT WANT TO USE PHONES AT ALL
I still have my Technic from back in the '80s, pop some batteries in and it still works. How usable will Control+ be in 30 years?
Control+ does have some cool features, but it is indeed too limited in many ways and way overpriced.
Personally, the biggest problem for me with Power Up is the native requirement to use a smartphone as a remote. This is frankly the last thing I want to do when I'm playing LEGO. They can't create a four channel remote by combining the functionality of the Infrared Remote Control and the Infrared Speed Remote Control.
I’ve decided Power Functions is going to be what I stick with when it comes to Lego-brand motors and power banks.
Power Functions are considerably cheaper than Powered Up as well. I may not be into the multi-motored builds, but even converting an older train to Powered Up is around $100 a train, even at usual retail prices when I was last at a Lego store.
Plus, you can find a lot of cheap Chinese copy with very similar quality if not better.
It tends to feel more childish, less professional than the Power Functions it replaced. Also, it is much harder to overpower it with higher voltages, as well as modify the motors to perform better
One of LEGO's biggest problems is that they always think short term with their products, and often forget about about the long-term consequences of using App-based technology. Seriously, most of the apps they have put out since around 2012 (when they first started releasing Apps) are virtually unplayable at this point.
This is one of my major issues too. I plan to pass on my sets later in life, but will they still work if using these apps? Probably not. I don't think apps and smart devices have a place in Lego, it is not what Lego should be about.
@@totallyaddicted2bricks989 Toally agree here, the reason Lego is popular is it offers something different to the world of videogames and smartphones we find ourselves in. We want physical controllers with buttons and feedback that will work so long as there are batteries in the world.
I think you totally got the point! When someone ask me "Why don't you like Control+?" I will send them this video!
👏
Thank you so much I really appreciate it
I just simply cant get my hands on even the cheapest C+ set because lego sets are just stupidly expensive. Not the brands fault tho, it just feels like a waste of money for me compared to what I get.
how is it not the brand's fault? they sell little plastic pieces that cost almost nothing to produce and sell them like it's pure gold ^^
@@dowesschule Thats a different story, but what I was trying to say is, I was able to get a similarly priced set for half the money 4 years ago, it is about the local currency, not the sets price in dollars/euros. It is a little hard to explain but I hope you get the point.
Bro, did you ever look at LEGO Group financial results? 68% gross margin, 25% operating margin, almost 20% net profit margin. These are almost software-like margins. Probably one of the most profitable companies in Europe. And this is for 2023, in 2021 it was even better.
Let's be real, the app is the number one reason it sucks. It's the one reason I refuse to get it.
i like hard controls, touchscreen interfaces are clumsy. the ultimate system would let you build your own controller, out of lego, and to your specifications. i imagine lego bricks (containing: thumbstick, trackball, encoder, potentiometer, switch, button, etc), along with output bricks like rgb leds, vibration and sound bricks. everything would plug into a transmitter brick which would include the radio and a small oled screen with some small buttons for configuring mappings (like you would find on a mid tier hobby rc radio) and a battery box. this would go with a receiver unit at the other end that interfaces the motors and sensors. high throughput radios are somewhat cheap now, so the possibility of sending video back exists. that is the ultimate lego rc solution (possibly also cover robotics as well with a cheap arm micro in the receiver unit that runs a programmable vm).
Yes, 'Powered up' is very frustrating & I hate it. I have spent over 12 hours venting my frustrations on this subject with LEGO.
* batteries only, unlike 9 volt trains of the past
* no direct connection to older systems
* overly expensive
* no simple switches
* no extension wires
* have to use a smart device
I just wish that LEGO would continue making remotes for the PoweredUp sets, like in the LEGO City trains.
You can easily make one yourself, better than any LEGO remote ever made. Simplest is by programming a 20€ HUB as remote. You can tilt it in two directions for analog control of 2 motors, for example a front back tilt for speed, and a left/right tilt for steering. If you hang it in a frame and add a "joystick", it can also do auto-return. Both things, analog control and spring return have never been implemented in a LEGO offering.
For me as a MOC designer I wished they only upgraded the PowerFunctions system with extras like a motion or distance detector etc. and replace the unreliable IR-Receivers with something like the S-Brick.
When I heard the new motors have even less power than the PF motors my decision not to support this shit was fix.
The new PoweredUp stuff is good for me for one reason: the Bluetooth is needed for running trains on my Lego train layout. Infrared just doesn't work - it doesn't cover the distance, and is blocked by buildings, scenery, etc. What I most want for PoweredUp is a rechargeable train battery box/controller. Having to disassemble a locomotive, remove the battery box, open it up, and replace the batteries (I use NimH rechargeables) is quite awkward. The lack of a way to dual power a locomotive is also an issue. I did the wire-flip trick on a PF engine, and so made it have a pair of powered bogies. With my custom lightweight trains cars, it will actually pull 20 cars on level track. As for the "App Controlled" stuff, I agree with your comments there. My smartphone is quite old (and I will be keeping it as long as possible), and I haven't even bothered to try their app. I will be very very upset if they stop making the train controllers - much better than the horrible knobs on the PF one. And yes, I have a spare, as well as the 3 for my 3 locomotives. (My layout is a very oddball mix - 9V, PF and PoweredUp.)
The fact that you need an app alone is enough to discourage me from getting this.
That's also why I think the new Mindstorms stinks compared to EV3.
Not sure why that makes the new mindstorms worse. Every generation of mindstorms required a computer to use it
I don't like that high price of control+ sets as well as they need to have smartphone for work. I would be happy if Lego was making power functions versions of sets as well as control+ (both with same price) , like You would choose which You like more
I hate lego Powered up. It was possible to connect Ev3 with lego PF just by destroying two extension cables. But since lego does not make lego Powered up extension cables it is so expensive so it is impossible. Why they don't make a program to connect Ev3 with powered up with Bluetooth? Because people would not be forced to buy the new and expensive system.
The price is the main reason why I don't like Control+.
People are selling Power Functions motors for double their original price on Bricklink, but they're still way cheaper than Control+.
Mom: get off your screen
You: stare at your control plus car with a sad face
yes I hate control plus. I prefer power function
Control plus seems really overpriced, not to mention that several sets with it will be discontinued. I don't understand why lego can't release something like buwizz either.
@@gustavbreitbartnielsenasf1124 but they had the buggy motors in the past
The hubs that used controle + app can connect with the buwizz app.
Read it somewhere bud not sure where.
Lego should actually still sell BOTH Power Functions and Powered Up! Power Functions being the BASIC or BUDGET LOW-END option, the Powered Up MID-RANGE, and the Mindstorms HIGH-END!!
I think it was a bad move by LEGO to discontinue the power functions, especially when the powered up product line is unfinished and severely lacking in ability to meet the customers demands.
Plug and play is essential for most people, particularly people like me who make MOCs that need the manual controls. The app is just too complicated and unsupported for me to fathom what’s going on.
It would be amazing if someone created an adapter that plugged into the PU hub and had a PF connector on top. People could use their old motors with a new hub that they can control from their phone
they did pv-productions.com/product/powered-up-to-power-functions-adapter/
1 - It's expensive. 2 - you need a phone. I really hope Lego will change this system. At least in our Lego store, Control+ is selling badly, and when I buy Lego, I want to pay for Lego and not for some Bl. devices.
Works Buwizz or Sbrick without phone?
@@thomasl.4081 no, they work only with a phone(
@@adrianprepelita8683 however, you can use a BT controller. You still need a phone, but you have the option to use a physical controller
Can you cover the new parts we are seeing in technic sets? It always gets me excited with what we could do in mocs with new parts
Two years later…. Power functions is still superior. Mould kings iteration is now better than any options from lego.
Sad, but true. I had to "contaminate" my Lego only collection with both Mould King motors, remote, hubs and switches and a BuWizz hub with 2 motors.
@@AusKipper1 same. Plus I’ve picked up some PF motors on Ali express for 4 bucks each. Work great. Plus a spool of wire and some ends, and making custom cables is possible while repairing old 9v stuff.
@@legonut78 I dont have any cable and ends, but maybe I should. I do have extensions. I have a whole separate collection for aliexpress bricks and technic that's the kids and they it leave laying all around the house, that also has the cheap aliexpress motors and stuff for them. They also have some genuine Lego in there from sets they have gotten, that whole collection is a giant mess but no point trying to deal with it at the moment I can barely get them to keep things in rough categories let alone genuine vs aliexpress, I just worry about my own "adult" collection separately that they don't use. Long term I would like to get some properly powerful RC motors with longer range controllers, metal parts etc but for now the budget does not stretch there nor do I have any idea how to program Arduino or Raspberri PI stuff.
I have one control+ set, the RC buggy. Requiring a smart device is definitely the reason I hate control+. The buggy controls like garbage with touchscreen controls and using a 3rd party app with a PS4 controller drains my phone battery. I much prefer driving my old PF tracked racer even if the performance is much worse.
but why would I buy the new system if its not compatible to my old stuff, it costs more and isnt better in any way.
Use an sbrick. it does the same as C+ but better lol. And stackable outputs!
@@gustavbreitbartnielsenasf1124 but even with s brick you still don't have the new motors with the rotation sensors
Buy an adapter
@@ItsHonski he just said that there are no adaptors
I would have bought motorized sets if there was a physical remote controller with buttons and joysticks and not an app with controls on a touch screen.
I agree with the arguments discussed in the video.
I didn't found real answer on the internet so I'm asking here :
Did anyone had problems with shutting down motors when using a certain brand of battery inside control + or power function battery boxes.
My old sets (8049 excavator and the offroad 4x4 from 2012) have perfectly working motors but whenever I try to run them the motors start to struggle then stop. I can't say whether I builded the sets in a wrong way or if I just need better batteries.
Problem solved : on the 4 battery box I own 2 appear to be deficient and it was the 2 I used on my models. At least the redt woeks perfectly fine
You let me know which sets are better to get and helped me with which sets are up coming
I'm glad my videos helped you
I can see that the RCX cables are stacking cables. 5:58. Very similar to power functions. And also, before there was LEGO Wedo 2.0, there was a LEGO Wedo 1.0. The LEGO Wedo 1.0 has power function motor and even power function sensors.
I remember wedo 2.0, great system!
At first, the only time I heard about PoweredUp was with the LEGO City trains. Then I heard about Unbrickme and learned more about PoweredUp.
At first, I wasn’t disappointed nor impressed. Why? My parents would never let me get PoweredUp sets because of how big and expensive those sets were.
Well now, I see why they didn’t buy them.
That is exactly my fear with app controlled things. The number of things that now don’t work because the is no longer supported because technology have moved on.
A few months ago I got a bunch of motors, vintage 2 ways remote controller and some receivers, I didn't immediately identify them, and discovered it was Sbricks receivers. After looking at how to use them, I find it way easier to use than the new Lego powered up sets. It's fully modular, programmable, can use the app or pair a gaming controller directly. And finally, it can be used with standards motors, you dont have throw away your old motors and can even buy some new cheaper.
do you want lego powerfunctions back
Yes, but I want it to coexist with the new control+ system
Where do you get power functions for $7
I know that the PF battery boxes were considered bulky, but the powered up battery boxes are bigger and wider. This makes putting a powered up system in to something like a lego train almost impossible. I prefer to use a physical controller over my smartphone but powered up may never have one. That's why I'm sticking to my old PF system for as long as they work.
At 2:55, I had a feeling of Total Recall to get my ass to Mars! LOL
Another problem is that the power up totally replaced power functions so now they aren't aviable :(
3 words: no backward compatibility
Vidio idea:what are the top 10 best lego technic sets vith power functions
awesome idea
Hi! Which 3 largest lego technics should i buy first? 42055 vs 42100 vs 42082?
Phone/tablet makes sense for Boost and Mindstorms because you expect to learn some coding and you are not mainly using the device as manual remote control. For RC models it makes no sense because you do not want to mainly program with RC model. When you see remotely controlled devices like cranes or big industrial lawn mowers they do not use app but they have large remote controls. Make modular remotes with switches and buttons and it will be much more fun then the app. And yes I have to agree that it goes exactly against the screen time reduction.
I think the biggest issue is that this whole system is not only costs more than just the actual hobby grade rc equipments, but also much worse in every aspects. If you own a 3d printer, you can very much make adaptable parts to install actual rc servo, esc, receiver and motor into your sets, that not only costs less but giving you a better experience.
I didn't really like power functions back then, as older lego racers sets already had better motors and more range (not like 2m with ir receiver), but power functions were compatible with that and also much cheaper, smaller and easier to fit in models, not to mention compatible with the old models and non lego options like sbrick and buwizz, which made them really practical. I really don't understand why they created powered up in the first place, motors and receiver are bigger and bulkier for the same performance, several times more expensive and aren't compatible with any electronics lego has created up to date. I have a few pf motors myself and if I ever need a replacement motor or an additional one I can't get it form lego, as they discontinued them and I can't get the new ones either because they aren't compatible. Not to mention that for the price of the powered up receiver and two motors that are no better than pf large I can pretty much get a buwizz power budle with the unit and 2 buwizz motors, that are much more powerful, more compact, compatible with my old motors and allow me to build actually functional lego rc veichles. Powered up is a huge fail in my opinion, lego should really reconsider the decition to discontinue power functions, although that is likely never going to happen...
For Christmas of 2020, I got my first power functions L motor and triple A battery box and in 2021 I got my first I.R receiver and remote control. Overall, you could either have either 1 powered up motor or a power functions L motor + a battery box and a remote control, plus you can add as many motors as you want with power functions. Power functions is a much better value.
I was very unimpressed with the WeDo or whatever it's called. Went to a Lego Club with my kids and everything was through that stupid app... the bluetooth issues are boring and shouldn't have anything to do with Lego. I bought the robot system like 2 years ago for my kids, they never play with it. Moreover, every technic set which is app controlled ends up failing. This app garbage needs to stop. I want buttons and dedicated control systems.
new to Technic and I like it.. PoweredUp for coding and BrickController2 for Dualshock connectivity but i dont like Control+, whole ecosystem needs "native" physical controller which acts as PoweredUp inputs (same as widgets) as C+ alternative.. EDIT. I like C+ APP for sets like Liebherr or Volvo Hauler.. anyway best would be to get physical controller for driving and use display for other stuff like gauges and controlling excavator arms etc..
Bluetooth is clearly better than IR by a LOT... and I like being able to code my own commands. I can make my offroader crawl at set speeds by "setting the throttle" and that is awesome.
I agree! Being able to customize the controller in powered up is awesome!
I would prefer a controller over a app. I have somethings that have the same setup, but they went out of business and now I have items that don't work anymore.
Please tell me how you got two control sticks in the buggy Control+ App? 3:56 Is there gonna be update or something?
The update happened fairly recently. Make sure to update your control+ app and then there will be a switch. If you toggle the switch in the interface, all the sound buttons will be replaced with a second control stick
@@Unbrickme Thank You for the answer! Probably update on android is yet to come because last update is from 3 march 2021.
I think that splitters with the same plug would be pretty complicated to understand for non-technical people. I guess that lego's solution is to use more hubs.
But now that pybricks supports the lego powered up remote, the control+ models can be remote controlled directly. A smartphone or pc is only required once for the initial installation of the program.
YEP
Is there away to create control interfaces in a regular programming language like Java or Python and type the code by hand instead of dragging and dropping blocks?
Can You make a video of wich sets to buy?
My problem is with the new pneumatic air pressure sets. The air always escapes and the crane/digger arms tend to drop to the ground overnight. I would take the old school winding method or the powered up function any day over pneumatic 😢
I just use PF. The non-Lego motors and servos are plentiful, not expensive, and have RF, IR, and BT connectivity. Also, they are easy to hack, bypass the Lego controller, and just use another microcontroller, like Arduino or ESP32.. Customization is easy and can incorporate Wi-Fi connectivity, different power sources, cameras, and endless possibilities for sensors and other functionality.
Last week I finally bought the Liebherr 42100 for 280 euro. So that's 2 hubs, 3x XL motor and 4x L motor (and 4000 pieces) so that's pretty OK. I also had to buy a bunch of rechargeable batteries so I have bought 28x AA batteries from IKEA hahaha. They should be almost as good as the Eneloops and only 6 euro for 4 pieces.
I don't even want to build the Liebherr haha
It's an interesting system. As someone who's studied Electrical Engineering and observed Powered Up for the last three years, I can strangely appreciate the development and technical intricacy that makes Powered Up so cool, but also wonder how necessary/unnecessary some things are with the system. There are so many factors I've observed that make Powered Up a more capable system, yet a more complex and expensive one to use.
As for adapter cables, it's not impossible, but it's also not a simple "solder the right wires together" kind of thing. Powered Up has a communication protocol between the hub and devices plugged into it so that the hub knows whether it's a motor, a sensor, light, etc. None of the previous LEGO electrical systems have a way of telling Powered Up what it is, so Powered Up can't determine how to treat it.
I only this morning found out that the powered up Large motor also has absolute positioning, just like the spike/51515 motors. It's not marked with a dot, but connected to the hub and setting motor position to 0, it always goes to the same spot. That's probably why it's so expensive compared to the power functions motors
I think having an internal rotation sensor is what makes it so expensive; not just having absolute positioning. Absolute positioning shouldn’t require too much on top of the internal rotation sensor
PoweredUp for trains is in any case a good development. So you can control your trains (on the same track) independently. What is still missing is a battery pack for quick replacement.
One of the biggest issues for me is the lack of stacking.
Especially with BuWizz, you got 4 PF ports, and all of them can handle multiple things at once, while C+ is one port, one motor/sensor/whatever.
Other issues like lack of physical RF controls, and having a buttload of PF parts only for them to become useless were mentioned by other commenters.
A PF upgrade that simply added a pure data line and still was compatible with "old" PF would have been much, much better.
Is it possible to retrofit control plus sets with power functions?
Definitely possible, the zetros and the 4x4 xtreme off roader should be the easiest to retrofit. Other sets that have a transmission need to have a physical stepper mechanism built
@@Unbrickme is it possible to retrofit the Volvo articulated hauler?
there would need to be a stepper mechanism between the shifting motor and the transmission. I think it might be possible to add a small stepper mechanism in there as there is some empty space inside. If you don’t want to have a transmission at all in the hauler then retrofitting should be very easy! Just have a PF xl for driving, PF L for dumping function, and PF servo for steering
@@Unbrickme I’m trying to debug my hauler. Right now, my machine’s truck bed does not lift or lower. Whenever I press the lift/lower buttons, it engages the driving motor, and the vehicle moves forward/backwards. The truck bed lift/lower mechanism never engages. Any idea what I could be doing wrong? Thanks for any help.
@@pearlshark1 there should be an option to re calibrate the set in the app. Try it a few times, and if it still doesn’t work, then make sure that the position of the orange shifter piece and the limiter is correct. It’s an easy thing to miss when building the set since the instructions don’t give it much attention, even though that one step can make or break everything
I like PU mostly because the new motors have far more attachment points than the PF motors. The app really could do with some documentation/instructions because the programming symbols are pretty arcane for a first-time user, overall it's not bad. Biggest benefit for me is being able to map a slider onto a range of positions on a motor for things like steering, but there seems to be more of a delay on those controls than for regular speed controls?
i bought a bunch in the beginning. like the liebherr and crawler and some other stuff. now 8 of 11 motors is bad and dont work as it should and i have a 2 year long discussion with Lego support that i just got frustradet over so i stopped responding because it gave no help or anything good in return
Sorry to hear that
3:58 I disagree on that. First of all, if you're programming on a phone or on a tablet, you're actually doing productive things so doesn't matter that you're using a phone. Also I started laying lego about 25 years ago, nobody had computers or smartphones back then...
I got a control+ set for Christmas (The giant excavator) and i have tried to make large machines with them but they are simply completely to underpowered and just cut out when there is too much torque while with power functions the motors power through it and just get the job done
Something about this feels like a microcosm of the current age of electronics in general. Nobody ever prioritizes robustness or accessibility in anything they create.
How can this be more accesible. Lego C+ is the easiest to snap together and do quick prootyping, it has the best documented API ever, and you can write custom firmware and program with at least 4 non LEGO environments. It has never been more accesible, and it will be for 20-30 years to come.
@@lovemadeinjapan You.... You watched the video, right? The whole point of this video, at least what I gathered from it, is that C+ isn't accessible because it's expensive and requires an app...
@@GarryDumblowski I did watch it, it is not expensive, 20€ for a programmable hub is peanuts compared to 200€ for a Spike Hube, and the nice thing is you can do without the crappy LEGO apps very easily because LEGO has made the whole software side open source AND open access. People who talk like this about C+ have NO CLUE. So it is false information for most part.
@@lovemadeinjapan ...On second thought, I can sort of see where you're coming from. I still feel like LEGO as a whole is too expensive, so I guess this is less of a problem with C+ and more of a problem with LEGO in general.
PU is much better for compact models like Chevy Corvette or McLaren Senna. It also has a huge advantage since any motor can work as a servo. PF is better for big models like Zetros or the Volvo hauler because it's XL motors have a hugeamount of torque. If you need a faster model - use RCbrick or Buwizz with PF servo and 9V buggy motors
I'd rather the motors are made optional like LEGO did in the PF era and before; not every set needs to be motorized by default, and most of the functions can be done manually.
By burying the motor components inside the sets with no disassembly in mind LEGO is discouraging part reuse and forcing the consumer to bear the unnecessary cost.
If a system brick made today can work with the one from 50 years ago, then modern Technic sets should have the ability to work with different motors from earlier generations.
Technic collectors 50 years in the future will be scratching their heads like: What is this control+ thing? What is an App, What is a phone? What am I going to do with this useless heap of plastic that can't move?
I wish we got more sets with a basic battery box, one motor, and one gearbox to control all the functions
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Control+, Boost, Wedo, Spike Prime, and Mindstorms RI are all part of the Powered UP family.
This level of compatibility with Mindstorms has been absent since the RCX was retired for NXT.
Currently, there are a few critical components that are absent from the system:
A good rechargeable battery component for the Technic Hub 88012 and Battery Box 88015 that can be tethered like the Mindstorms RI Hub;
Proper availability of the simple battery box (88015);
Integration of BT remotes (this could be just a firmware update on the HUB);
Certainly there are others, but these are issues that presently prevent me from using Powered UP in my projects.
In my mind, griping about the unavailability of obsolete products is a pretty sideways way of addressing the current issues.
I would like a good discussion on where things may be going and what should change or improve.
Also, how can you declare a controversy without discussing the advantages and future potentials of the Powered UP system?
I do alot of kinetic mocs at shows. Power functions, 9v, RC and NXT are all systems I use because all of these systems can work together. I can't find any value in the Powered Up system for what I like to build. I'll look at getting into Powered Up when and if they develop some backwards compatibility and cost reductions.
I think that they really didnt need to abandon power functions. The only real issues were hard to find recharbeable battery boxes and bad cables (which can both be easily fixed).
to me the worst thing about it is the fact you cannot stack many motors on 1 port. It's fucking ridiculous when you build a car with 7 motors instead of 8 doing the drive using all ports on 2 hubs. You end up with an odd number on top of that.
For all the reasons you mention I really dislike the new powered up. The only set I have purchased so far that uses it is the is 6 x 6 Volvo Hauler and that was purely because I wanted it to display with my L350F Volvo Wheel Loader, I have no plans to by any other powered up sets. Another awesome video!
Thank you very much! Honestly I love the 6x6 Volvo articulated hauler! It is the first one ever to have a remotely controlled and motorized speed transmission gearbox! Wow!!!
@@Unbrickme the motorised speed transmission gearbox did make me glad I had bought this set, certainly something new in Lego for me and it is what technic should be about. The set looks great too, especially with my L350F Wheel Loader.
Have to say though I still prefer the simplicity of the Power Functions used on the L350 Wheel Loader, like you said the Powered Up stuff is massively overpriced, and the main reason for me is I hate having to use an app on a smart device. I firmly believe apps and smart devices have no place when building and playing with Lego, that is not what lego is about. Lego should be taking people away from that stuff.
Thankfully my favourite looking set of this year, the Heavy Duty Tow Truck, has no Powered Up in sight. I do love Pneumatics though, so I can't wait for this set 🙂
It is true that without the app even the wells don’t turn?
@@adrianprepelita8683 Yeah, the reliance on an app to make Lego set works concerns me because I intend to keep this stuff and pass on to someone else after me. Apps and smart devices should not be a part of Lego, Lego should be a getaway from that stuff.
Unbrickme when are you going to try Pybricks?
How long is the Lego app supported? Another 2 years? 5 years? And then the sets get bricked (in the mobile phone sence of bricked, not in the Lego sence) ...
Is lego 42124 controls updated?
yes
0:03 3 years already?!?!
I meant 3 summer waves, sorry. But it has been 3 years since the app controlled bat mobile though
I think control+ would be better if they had a custom interface. Like SBrick. So you don't need to have the motors In a certain configuration, but any way you want.
I was horrified when I discovered the price of those things, I work with a friend on the reparation of a pinball made for pubs and the pieces we have to redo are the electronic and mechanic parts. They are way more powerful than what lego offer and way cheaper I'm pretty sure something like the batterry hub would cost 5 dollar a piece or less imported from china and in bulk it could probably go lower.
This is madness, honestly I'm getting back to lego this christmas but if it comes to power function I might ask my friend to help me build something similar from scratch it'll cost me a few hours but I might save 200€ so it's fine.
I hate playing with Lego using a smartphone. It is so sad for me that Lego forces us to do it. I really enjoyed the system used in mindstorms EV3 in which you could use your phone or a ir controller to play
The same with the mario sets , like the sets i have (3 sets) bud dont buy more of them.
I hate building instructions from a screen.
@@stefan-ox8qs building from a phone is fine for me but playing with a smartphone is horrible
The fact that you have to use your phone instead of regular controller make it feel less like a an RC
Do you mess around with rc cars like already built ones that aren’t lego?
Mostly RC planes
Oh! Was that clip of that plane urs
What is you're Overall
Also, give us a rechargeable battery pack in EVERY set, people don't want to spend so much on single use batteries
That's why the buggy seems to be such a good deal. It is but then you have bought into this very expensive platform. There is so much third party support for those power function boards too.
For me it's mostly the price and lack of physical controller. I have a buggy, some trains and latest mindstorms and I cannot understand why the buggy's hub cannot be controlled by Powered Up Pilot. It's bluetooth. I don't understand why LEGO cannot release mode where a HUB or Mindstorms cannot be controlled directly by Xbox or PS controller. Third party software seems to be able to do this. I still believe lego engineers will be able to release a simple app in which you could select Pilot's port and pair it into Hub's port and define directions and mode of operation. This could be as easy as selecting one of two or three modes like: stepping acceleration (like for trains), full on (like for old PF remotes). perhaps steering mode (if it needs to differ). It seems simple and yet very reasonable. But for some reason I doubt that LEGO wants to do it. Perhaps they have some limited hardware capabilities because of some wrong decisions from the past, perhaps their software team is too small. I don't know, but it looks bad, when you think of alternatives.
My main points for not liking it:
A) LEGO can stop supporting the app at any time and then you sit on a pile of hyper-expensive garbage. (I'm not cosidering 3rd party solutions here, because we are talking LEGO)
B) The parts are hyper-expensive (hilariously overpriced)
Even I as an adult with money mostly buy chinese Power Functions, because they have adequate prices and work well enough.
C) The app does not give you haptics. So you constantly have to look on your phone or tablet to hit the buttons,
when you actually want to look at your model.
It's the same issue like in modern cars with those siilly capacitive buttons and silders. Worst egonomics ever and someone should get fired.
Imagine Modelling people would be forced to use an app on a haptic-less tablet to control their planes or vehicles. That product would be DOA.
D) Still no good option for a rechargable battery, except for the hilariously hilariously overpriced large hub. It's 2023, ya know?
E) The only real advantage is the 2.4 GHz system and the motors, than can (kinda) act as servos and kinda be programmed.
But the latter is still not comparable to a real servo.
And the former is 20 years overdue.
F) From perspective of a child: Why would I want my 6, 8, 10+ yo to use his dumb Smartphone he's using all day long with 20 distracting other functions,
when I'm actually trying to make him play with a physical toy here?
Some Models give you a physical Control+ controller. Most don't.
Power Functions all the way!
Please do a Rarest Colours video. Like rare colours that appeared once and rare pieces with that colour. That would be awesome
I'm really annoyed that the controller only has 1 speed for the large motor. So I have to run my Crocodile locomotive with the app which i'm not a fan of.
Luckily i have a few rechargable battery PF boxes for my custom trains.
I am so tiered of the constant unnecessary system change. So I just stopped buying new stuff.
Not only the technic part but also the train part. For me it started when the trains went from 12 to 9V. Even tough it was nice to consolidate on one level.. yet it kind of kept changing...
Even with how much of a pain it can be to remove AA batteries from PF box it's still better than Powered Up and C+... And man the recharchable PF box costs far too much.
I don't understand why Lego can't produce products similar to buwizz or sbrick, I'm hesitant to use those because third party has always rubbed me wrong, but even PF can be unnecessarily bulky and the IR isn't great versus bluetooth
the first reason for me was the fact that old power function could be stressed out like there's no tomorrow and they still function....new power up block the motor with just a little bit of resistance.....i built a crawler with pf system and it will litterally break a joint or axle before stopping the motor.....i have the 4099 set.....beautiful estetically but trash in performance....motor would stall with a little bit of resistance......i think i will try to buy buwizz and even try mould king pf system....lego power up for me it's dead.