PFx Brick back on Kickstarter
Posted by Huw,
A couple of months ago we mentioned an exciting KickStarter project, PFx Brick. Unfortunately if failed to reach its funding target so it's just been re-launched with new options, new rewards and a much more realistic target.
It's well on its way to reaching the target so will almost certainly materialise this time. I encourage you therefore to pledge your support while some of the early bird discounts are still available.
Jason Allemann, one half of the project team, says "The previous campaign was structured around a minimum production of 1000 units, which would allow us to cover the startup costs - the biggest being injection molds for the enclosure and getting the regulatory certifications necessary for selling electronics components.
"After the campaign ended, we took a hard look at what we could do to lower those startup costs. We looked at other options for the enclosure and started talking with the folks at 4DBrix, who are already producing high quality 3D printed ABS parts that are compatible with the LEGO system.
"By eliminating the need for injection molds, we were able to base this campaign around a minimum production of 500 units, lowering our campaign goal significantly. We still have a stretch goal to offer injection molded enclosures, but now the success of the campaign isn't tied to meeting that goal.
"We received a lot of great feedback during the previous campaign, and a lot of people were really excited about what we were doing. That gave us the motivation to refine the campaign and do a quick re-launch. In addition to the campaign goal, we also restructured the rewards and stretch goals based on what we learned.
"We haven't really changed anything in terms of core capabilities and functionality of the PFx Brick itself. Of course, the addition of Bluetooth support, which was added part way through the last campaign, is now present from the outset of this campaign.
"After only a few days we are already over 70% towards our goal, so we are optimistic about the chances of success of this campaign, and we're really excited about what the future of the PFx Brick will hold."
What is the PFx Brick?
The PFx Brick is an electronic brick controller designed to offer three major functions for your LEGO creations: Lighting effects; Sound effects; and Motor control. These functions can be controlled using your Bluetooth enabled IOS or Android device, or by using any LEGO Power Functions InfraRed (IR) remote control.
The actions the PFx Brick performs are configured using the PFx App software. The App is also used to load sound files on to the PFx Brick. Once configured, the PFx Brick can be built into your LEGO creation transforming it with the magic of light, sound, and animation!
Why another control brick?
Isn't this an SBrick clone? etc. The PFx Brick is a lot more than just a motor control brick. We LEGO fans are lucky that we have a thriving ecosystem of alternative electronic controllers such as the awesome SBrick and BuWizz. These controllers are aimed specifically at motor control applications where multiple motor channels was a priority. The PFx Brick on the other hand, was designed to offer two new capabilities that we believe have been missing from LEGO models: advanced Lighting and Sound effects.
About Fx Bricks
Fx Bricks is a specialized company combining the creative wonder of LEGO bricks and electrical engineering expertise. This potent combination injects life into LEGO creations with the magic of light, sound, animation, and automation. Founded by long-time LEGO fans Jason Allemann and Michael Gale, Fx Bricks represents the combined wealth of 40+ years of professional engineering and management experience.
Does LEGO know about/support the PFx Brick?
No. The PFx Brick is neither officially supported nor endorsed by the LEGO Group. The PFx Brick, like many other 3rd party products in the LEGO ecosystem, is designed to complement and not compete with products from the LEGO Group. Fx Bricks has been careful to differentiate design elements such as the Power Funtions compatible connectors so that they are not associated with trademarked design features of the LEGO Group.
Interested? Pledge your support today!
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8 comments on this article
Hmm. I am more into building city buildings or medieval buildings. But this could be nice in a train.
Lego's power functions and NXT/EV3 stuff is cool, but notoriously bulky and difficult to work with on smaller models. I'd be very interested to know more about this; I really like the idea of the smaller motors with Bluetooth!
3D printed and compatible with LEGO, huh? Yeah, I'll believe that when I see it. That technology is still years away from the kinds of tolerances LEGO has been achieving since the 60s.
Good luck to them. But they're going to be throwing away more product than they keep just to find bricks that actually have decent clutch.
@peterlmorris I actually own some 4DBrix stuff and yes, the clutch power isn't as good as Lego but it's very good, and I've had no issues building or using their monorail track or extension cars.
This is Michael from Fx Bricks:
@Henry_D: $65 USD is *EXCEPTIONALLY* well priced for the capability you get. For comparison, a model train sound decoder (which does motors, lights, and sound--but no Bluetooth or easy configuration) will cost $80-120 USD easily.
@PeterMorris: We have worked very hard with 4DBrix to optimize the PFx Brick enclosure for mechanical performance and finish. Their process involves printing ABS plastic and the resulting models are very durable and interface reliably with LEGO® elements. For a "functional" component like the PFx Brick (and its Speaker brick accessories) the key factor was reliable and secure mounting within a LEGO® built creation. Despite the fact that most PFx Bricks will likely be installed to not be seen, we are still taking time and attention on aesthetic issues such as matching the colours to TLG light & dark bluish grey and ensuring a smooth and consistent overall finish. We consider ourselves fortunate to have found such a enthusiastic and knowledgeable 3D printing partner with 4DBrix. They understand all of the issues and nuances specific to 3D printing components designed to work with LEGO® elements.
I moved to LEGO from modelling North American railways in HO, and I consider this product a bargain compared with trying to build bluetooth control into an HO model. I have made my pledge.
This looks great and I've backed it (2 full function bricks). Good luck to them!
Same here, just backed them with the 5 Pack set. Really hope this comes into fruition.