For me personally, power functions is superior, as I am a huge MOC maker, and rapid testing of the model while I am watching a yt video such as this one is really important. I just turn on the battery and test. No lengthy pairing. Although, coding with MOCs is something I really want to try.
So what makes all those 3rd party vendors so attractive? Third Parties! That's right. No single company can make all the pieces we want to use. They standardized code libraries, electrical interfaces, busses, connectors, protocols, form factors, etc. Lego doesn't know who their customer is for motors, electronics, and trains. Even if Lego prices were reasonable, they'd still be missing the mark without publicly documenting the internal specs and opening the market to third parties. The reason USB, Arduino, Rasberry PI, PC Clones, tenth inch pin-outs, and so many other things became amazing successes is because the original creators said "here it is" without attempting to lock it down. All Lego electronics are just like IBM's failed PS/2. Bye-bye 4.5V, 12V, 9V, Power Functions, MindStorms 1, Mindstorms 2, etc. etc. etc. Nothing Lego has done in this arena lasted more than a few years. Now they're throwing away the one market they've got; people who want a motor and an on-off switch.
I will never fully appreciate the advantages of Powered Up components because by far the biggest disadvantage is being limited to a smart phone as a controller. The tactile feedback from using a controller can never be matched by slider controls on a cell phone.
When lego will drop the support for the app, you won't be able to use your set. This is the ONLY thing that you need to know to decide which one is better...
You'll need to keep an old phone only to control your sets. It's going to be terrible. The screen will barely be responding to touches and the battery won't last more than 30 mins. Quite a terrible experience for anyone who made the mistake of buying C+/PU. Nah I prefer my PF remote which I just have to swap batteries every 1-2 years is super reliable and durable
sorry i have to disagree with this, as a GBC builder i was disgusted with legos decision to get rid of PF, i now use chinese pf which is actually better than the lego version, esp mouldking
A 10$ mouldking buggy motor is more powerful than anything currently in production by Lego. This motor is by far the best Lego purchase I've ever done, the car is powerful and insanely fast!
There are some advantages and features which we we're waiting for since forever. However, LEGO shot themselves in the foot by not developing the PU/C+ system to it's full potential. We we're so close to greatness, yet LEGO managed to miss it. As a MOCer, the missed opportunities and removed features represent 70% of my building needs. Until these needs are met by software upgrade or new components, I'll refrain from investing heavily in PU/C+
exactly i sit all day watching multiple monitors i don't want to do the same when i take abreak... and my job is only run an industrial part ordering and storage system....
"this has brought Mindstorms and Technic closer than ever before" * Cough * points at the old 9volt system with the standardized brick connectors across the entire Lego product range. Personally I prefer more mechanical solutions and less all-in-one microcomputers. If a gyro sensor dies it's far easier to repair or replace if its a separate component, same for the battery compartment, motors etc. Also, for all the advancement, they still haven't embraced rechargeable batteries as standard.
I think the problem is that power functions and mindstorms served two very different needs and groups of builders. Trying to combine them has introduced so many issues that make power functions still the better overall choice by far. And the bottom line is that Lego has likely invested so much time and money into the new system, combined with officially discontinuing the old system, that we will likely be years away from a functional replacement for power functions that provides everything it did, let alone any advantages. In the mean time, sets with no B models, requiring expensive third party hardware, and FAR too expensive motors and controls, baring entry and expansion for many of us.
I see the advantages of the C+ System, but at the same time some major flaws where built into the system as well. These are the two main reasons why I think the C+ system is worse than the old PF system: 1. There is no up- or downwards compatability to the old PowerFunctions System. You can't reuse your old motors and have to invest in new components. Depending on how much of a purist you are, the old PF system is compatible with electrical components from other manufacturers, the C+ are not. (It should be mentioned to watch out for different qualities from other manufacturers, my go to alternatives atm are CaDa and Mould King) 2. There is no physical device to control your models, only the option via smartphone (at least for C+). To me that is a big risk on depending for LEGO to keep the C+ App updated. If in a few years the support for the C+ App is cancelled, you have to resort to other means of controlling your models. These are either 3rd Party App (same support issue) or some advanced programming to use game controllers etc. Both of which are only viable options for a minority of customers. Again an example from an alternative manufacturer: MouldKing currently offers rechargeable BatteryBoxes with 6 outputs (compatible with PowerFunctuions) on 4 outputs the motor speed can be controlled (normal motors and servos). You get the option to use a physical remote control or a smartphone-app. For people that buy and build the sets without rebuilding them into something different I see why Powered Up is an improvement. For everyone else I think there are more drawbacks than improvements. I personally switched to different manufacturers for electrical components, since those offer what I'm looking for. For purists, that want to stick to original LEGO parts (what I can understand) I agree with your reasons.
I think that implementation would've been amazing in the power functions system. That essentially combines the advanced capabilities of powered up with the ease of use of power functions
For me, the programming is a downsite because if I just want a motor to run, I have to write a program for it. With power funktions I just plug it into the battery box and it works.
Lego unified technic motorization (power functions) and mindstorm system with the powerup system. Only difference left is the usage of sensors (although some but rare non mindstorm sets like ideas piano uses sensors but as I said those are rare and they are using far less sensors than a basic mindstorm model.)
PU is inferior due to cost and complexity. Having to invest more than 30$ for a single motor goes too far for most Lego fans. I got genuine PF motor, lights, switch and a battery box for 30$ back in 2017. What makes it even worse is that you have to spend at least one evening programming a decent looking, practical controller just to make your car move. The older PF IR system worked in a plug-n'-play fashion (with a PHYSICAL controller!) and reliability was about as good as it could get. Rotation sensors definitely provide precision but there is a servo motor for that and personally, I haven't used a servo for any of my builds. Just a regular motor for steering, even swapping gears (ok that's impractical, but I fixed it with a 5$ diy circuit). If you're willing to DIY a bit, there's nothing better about PU. I even made my own version of Lego MINDSTORMS with DIY electronics and the PF motors I had (+some SG90 servos) and the cost was under 100$
I don't need Powered Up, just like I don't need a Bluetooth Toaster. Computer programmers should quit complicating a simple on/off switch. It use to be motor & battery box. Now it's expensive motor, expensive battery box, expensive smart device, & time consuming programming. LEGO - bring back Power Functions.
I just simply dont understand...why would they've gotten rid of powerfunctions i mean genuinely it was the best thing lego had and they bloody got rid of it so we pay like an extreme amount for motors which dont have any physical benefit other than the coding aspect but thats it i mean what good is coding when you can only have 4 ports and need another one for for they havent released a splitter and the only company i know that does do one is PV productions. now they make us pay extra for pf and they wont benefit from it, theres gotta be a petition for this sht man.
i'd honestly just use arduinos, regular dc motors and sensors with 3d printed adapters. it's way cheaper than the authentic lego parts and offers way more options
This can go really far. I have an (unfinished) FPV Lego car with power functions DC motors using an esp32 cam and motor driver. Really cool and the whole controlling system costs around 30€ (yes, THIRTY EUROS) INCLUDING the battery. The only problem is, you have to code it yourself and this is where I've been stuck for a while especially because I want a physical controller. In the past, I made a basic version of Lego MINDSTORMS with Arduino and PF motors for under 100$. Wasn't as advanced but cost at least 5 times less
Power Functions are better. I have both the Volvo hauler and The Liebherr, the Lieb is ok, but the Volvo is a disaster. When I first drove it it behaved, no problem. Then came a firmware update... Now the controls are screwed up. I put it into drive and the bed goes up or down - in increments. Steering works. Drivning forward and backwand is only working sporadicalĺy. Calibration doesn't help. The controls for the bed don't work at all. Sometimes There iS a green or orange dot beside the control but no function. I can't program myself i doñ't understand how to do it, it's Greek to me.
that's why they made it... they don't need to give you even a fucknig 2 dollar cheap remote or anthing and sell this crap like double sometimes triple the price...
Which set would anyone recommend the 8043 or the 42030? I noticed that the 42030 had different motors but if i were to choose which is more diverse what would anyone recommend?
@@Unbrickme Thanks. Btw is there any way to get PF that are still good even if they are alternatives. Ive heard some used ones nowadays are kinda worn out.
@@Unbrickme I should but I know it would take a month before I get a hit. Sorry for using your comment section for trading Lego. It’s just I have had no luck.
For me personally, power functions is superior, as I am a huge MOC maker, and rapid testing of the model while I am watching a yt video such as this one is really important. I just turn on the battery and test. No lengthy pairing. Although, coding with MOCs is something I really want to try.
So what makes all those 3rd party vendors so attractive? Third Parties! That's right. No single company can make all the pieces we want to use. They standardized code libraries, electrical interfaces, busses, connectors, protocols, form factors, etc. Lego doesn't know who their customer is for motors, electronics, and trains. Even if Lego prices were reasonable, they'd still be missing the mark without publicly documenting the internal specs and opening the market to third parties. The reason USB, Arduino, Rasberry PI, PC Clones, tenth inch pin-outs, and so many other things became amazing successes is because the original creators said "here it is" without attempting to lock it down. All Lego electronics are just like IBM's failed PS/2. Bye-bye 4.5V, 12V, 9V, Power Functions, MindStorms 1, Mindstorms 2, etc. etc. etc. Nothing Lego has done in this arena lasted more than a few years. Now they're throwing away the one market they've got; people who want a motor and an on-off switch.
I will never fully appreciate the advantages of Powered Up components because by far the biggest disadvantage is being limited to a smart phone as a controller. The tactile feedback from using a controller can never be matched by slider controls on a cell phone.
When lego will drop the support for the app, you won't be able to use your set. This is the ONLY thing that you need to know to decide which one is better...
You'll need to keep an old phone only to control your sets. It's going to be terrible. The screen will barely be responding to touches and the battery won't last more than 30 mins. Quite a terrible experience for anyone who made the mistake of buying C+/PU. Nah I prefer my PF remote which I just have to swap batteries every 1-2 years is super reliable and durable
Things like Pybricks exist. Hold my Xbox controller, as they say
Price, form-factor, and power are typically better on PF.
I prefer PF because you can attach however many motors you want.
Yeah that’s an advantage of power functions
sorry i have to disagree with this, as a GBC builder i was disgusted with legos decision to get rid of PF, i now use chinese pf which is actually better than the lego version, esp mouldking
A 10$ mouldking buggy motor is more powerful than anything currently in production by Lego. This motor is by far the best Lego purchase I've ever done, the car is powerful and insanely fast!
There are some advantages and features which we we're waiting for since forever. However, LEGO shot themselves in the foot by not developing the PU/C+ system to it's full potential. We we're so close to greatness, yet LEGO managed to miss it. As a MOCer, the missed opportunities and removed features represent 70% of my building needs.
Until these needs are met by software upgrade or new components, I'll refrain from investing heavily in PU/C+
Part of my job is programming. So when I relax and build with Lego, I don't want to do any more programming :)
exactly i sit all day watching multiple monitors i don't want to do the same when i take abreak... and my job is only run an industrial part ordering and storage system....
Video idea: The top 10 worst lego technic sets
In my opinion they should add both,
power functions for cars, trucks, etc
powered up for mindstorms, advanced building etc
power functions on top
I like both of them. PU and PF. Both of them are good.
"this has brought Mindstorms and Technic closer than ever before"
* Cough * points at the old 9volt system with the standardized brick connectors across the entire Lego product range.
Personally I prefer more mechanical solutions and less all-in-one microcomputers. If a gyro sensor dies it's far easier to repair or replace if its a separate component, same for the battery compartment, motors etc. Also, for all the advancement, they still haven't embraced rechargeable batteries as standard.
I think the problem is that power functions and mindstorms served two very different needs and groups of builders. Trying to combine them has introduced so many issues that make power functions still the better overall choice by far. And the bottom line is that Lego has likely invested so much time and money into the new system, combined with officially discontinuing the old system, that we will likely be years away from a functional replacement for power functions that provides everything it did, let alone any advantages. In the mean time, sets with no B models, requiring expensive third party hardware, and FAR too expensive motors and controls, baring entry and expansion for many of us.
I see the advantages of the C+ System, but at the same time some major flaws where built into the system as well. These are the two main reasons why I think the C+ system is worse than the old PF system:
1. There is no up- or downwards compatability to the old PowerFunctions System. You can't reuse your old motors and have to invest in new components. Depending on how much of a purist you are, the old PF system is compatible with electrical components from other manufacturers, the C+ are not. (It should be mentioned to watch out for different qualities from other manufacturers, my go to alternatives atm are CaDa and Mould King)
2. There is no physical device to control your models, only the option via smartphone (at least for C+). To me that is a big risk on depending for LEGO to keep the C+ App updated. If in a few years the support for the C+ App is cancelled, you have to resort to other means of controlling your models. These are either 3rd Party App (same support issue) or some advanced programming to use game controllers etc. Both of which are only viable options for a minority of customers.
Again an example from an alternative manufacturer: MouldKing currently offers rechargeable BatteryBoxes with 6 outputs (compatible with PowerFunctuions) on 4 outputs the motor speed can be controlled (normal motors and servos). You get the option to use a physical remote control or a smartphone-app.
For people that buy and build the sets without rebuilding them into something different I see why Powered Up is an improvement. For everyone else I think there are more drawbacks than improvements.
I personally switched to different manufacturers for electrical components, since those offer what I'm looking for. For purists, that want to stick to original LEGO parts (what I can understand) I agree with your reasons.
I wonder if it would be good to have normal "dumb" motors and stepper motors for applications requiring precise incriments
I think that implementation would've been amazing in the power functions system. That essentially combines the advanced capabilities of powered up with the ease of use of power functions
For me, the programming is a downsite because if I just want a motor to run, I have to write a program for it. With power funktions I just plug it into the battery box and it works.
Then it means you are stupid and lazy
There’s the simple powered up battery box for that
@@Unbrickme didn‘t they want to discontinue it?
They brought it back, even available for purchase in North America
@@Unbrickme only two ports and dont forget its £30 where i live which is more for a regular pf AA box, theres so little value in theses its crazy....
Are power function trains compatible with powered up rails? Dose new and old rails connect to each other?
Power functions should be real-time. If you have to program that is more NXT/ EV territory.
Lego unified technic motorization (power functions) and mindstorm system with the powerup system. Only difference left is the usage of sensors (although some but rare non mindstorm sets like ideas piano uses sensors but as I said those are rare and they are using far less sensors than a basic mindstorm model.)
PU is inferior due to cost and complexity. Having to invest more than 30$ for a single motor goes too far for most Lego fans. I got genuine PF motor, lights, switch and a battery box for 30$ back in 2017. What makes it even worse is that you have to spend at least one evening programming a decent looking, practical controller just to make your car move. The older PF IR system worked in a plug-n'-play fashion (with a PHYSICAL controller!) and reliability was about as good as it could get. Rotation sensors definitely provide precision but there is a servo motor for that and personally, I haven't used a servo for any of my builds. Just a regular motor for steering, even swapping gears (ok that's impractical, but I fixed it with a 5$ diy circuit). If you're willing to DIY a bit, there's nothing better about PU. I even made my own version of Lego MINDSTORMS with DIY electronics and the PF motors I had (+some SG90 servos) and the cost was under 100$
I don't need Powered Up, just like I don't need a Bluetooth Toaster. Computer programmers should quit complicating a simple on/off switch. It use to be motor & battery box. Now it's expensive motor, expensive battery box, expensive smart device, & time consuming programming.
LEGO - bring back Power Functions.
There’s the simple powered up battery box that’s just an on off switch without Bluetooth. It appeared in the osprey
buy the chinese pf stuff, works great
I just simply dont understand...why would they've gotten rid of powerfunctions i mean genuinely it was the best thing lego had and they bloody got rid of it so we pay like an extreme amount for motors which dont have any physical benefit other than the coding aspect but thats it i mean what good is coding when you can only have 4 ports and need another one for for they havent released a splitter and the only company i know that does do one is PV productions. now they make us pay extra for pf and they wont benefit from it, theres gotta be a petition for this sht man.
I just wish that they would bring back the 30$ motor box
Same
yoooo niccee i see you also got the 42009 and the 8258 canes❤
Is there a way with power up after it done Getting programmed can power up, save that without needing the device to activate it
i'd honestly just use arduinos, regular dc motors and sensors with 3d printed adapters. it's way cheaper than the authentic lego parts and offers way more options
This can go really far. I have an (unfinished) FPV Lego car with power functions DC motors using an esp32 cam and motor driver. Really cool and the whole controlling system costs around 30€ (yes, THIRTY EUROS) INCLUDING the battery. The only problem is, you have to code it yourself and this is where I've been stuck for a while especially because I want a physical controller. In the past, I made a basic version of Lego MINDSTORMS with Arduino and PF motors for under 100$. Wasn't as advanced but cost at least 5 times less
Gretings from Poland :-)
greetings
Finally you posted I luv your vids so good also I’m getting the set rod for my bd so happy
Nice! And I’m glad you enjoy my content
Power functions will be better for me until they make an energy meter for powered up
I honestly expected buwizz level performance from pu I was deeply disappointed
Well you need to buy a phone a tablet or a laptop or a computer etc. To actualy even code it.
PU is superior. But you don’t realize this until you play around with it.
Nice! Thanks for the info
glad you enjoyed the video
Amazing!
I’m glad you enjoyed
Power Functions are better. I have both the Volvo hauler and The Liebherr, the Lieb is ok, but the Volvo is a disaster. When I first drove it it behaved, no problem. Then came a firmware update... Now the controls are screwed up. I put it into drive and the bed goes up or down - in increments. Steering works. Drivning forward and backwand is only working sporadicalĺy. Calibration doesn't help. The controls for the bed don't work at all. Sometimes There iS a green or orange dot beside the control but no function. I can't program myself i doñ't understand how to do it, it's Greek to me.
I can give 10 reasons power Power Function is 100 times better than crap Power Up🙄
lol only 3... new video >> 10+ more reasons why PF is better and easier to use then PU......
Price is the one thing I hate about the new power function
that's why they made it... they don't need to give you even a fucknig 2 dollar cheap remote or anthing and sell this crap like double sometimes triple the price...
Which set would anyone recommend the 8043 or the 42030? I noticed that the 42030 had different motors but if i were to choose which is more diverse what would anyone recommend?
8043 is way better!
@@Unbrickme Thanks. Btw is there any way to get PF that are still good even if they are alternatives. Ive heard some used ones nowadays are kinda worn out.
Great
Glad you liked the video
дуже дякую за інформацію але я люблю пф та 9в
Anyone willing to trade me an m motor for my powered up train motor?
Try selling it on bricklink
@@Unbrickme I should but I know it would take a month before I get a hit. Sorry for using your comment section for trading Lego. It’s just I have had no luck.
I am speed
faster than light
meme comment
First comment in the video
congrats
@@dinhtuan752 Thanks!
:)
@@dinhtuan752 =)
Deliciousmile!