A fellow member of PLUG has found out an interesting Brickshelf folder, with some new pictures of the upcoming Linear Actuators. They're a bit blurry, but nonetheless provide a lot of information about this speculation-stirring part!
The new Pole Reverser can be seen too, but in my opinion these images don't add much to what we already know about it.
Here they are, for your "image dissection":
So, the LA's we see on the 8294 Excavator and the 8295 Telescopic Handler are actually comprised of two parts: the LA itself and a mounting bracket (click to enlarge and compare the details on the two upper images).
Also, I'm happy to see that, unlike what I commented on the previous LA-related post, this new piece does indeed have an axlehole instead of a short axle. LEGO has adopted this design on modern motors, and it's indeed more flexible than having a fixed-length axle protruding from it.
So, with the optional bracket and the axlehole, LEGO created what appears to be a very useful piece, with lots of applications in sets and MOCs.
However, there's still the issue of strength under loads (which, being this piece intended for what it's intended, will surely be considerable), but that's something that, as soon as the first sets hit the stores, shall be discovered. And, when that happens, you'll for sure read about it here at TechnicBRICKs 
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14 comments:
Quite smart the idea to split the LA in two parts, indeed!
It should increase its applicability to different situations.
It was a surprise for me to see that, because from the previous photos (mainly from the Excavator (8294), I always thought it was an unique part.
Now if we look with more attention to the photo details, we can see it was always there. ;D
so is the [axlehole-pinhole] a new standard? interesting that it is reversed on the adapter.
I wonder if the adapter is a unique use piece or if a new PF minimotor would have the same form factor as the LA end?
Any news on the reach of the LA's ? it looks like about 7M from the pictures, any confirmation?
It may happen that the adapter (bracket, as AVC called it) has not a short axle, but be has an axle through hole where an axle would be inserted to fit the LA.
Interesting that possibility for the bracket to fit into an eventual future 'S' Motor...
I always wondered why there was a large motor and a medium motor in PF. Mini in '09? The LA's look AWESOME and I hope TLG will sell 'em individually.
I wonder if these resist sliding back in under pressure like a worm gear? I bet they can support a great deal of weight and will prove very accurate to measure rotation vs. distance. I really like the fixed/free rotation axle options at both ends of the device!
That is even sweeter :-) I love the "axle-hole", and I think it gives us more options in putting the LA's to use.
I bet these things are either worm-driven or screw-driven with a fine thread (so the actuator rod won't move when loaded).
The electric switch looks interesting. I'm glad to see more components like that for the new PF system. I noticed somewhere else on Brickshelf that there's also lights for the PF system.
I'm eagerly awaiting the answer to two questions:
1. Will LEGO produce an adapter to allow connections between the PF system and the previous 9V system?
2. Will the new PF trains give us controllers (that we can use in our Technic/ModelTeam creations) that will allow remote operations of motor(s) with variable speed? (apparently, this ability has been built into all PF receivers - they just need a transmitter capable of making a "variable" signal)
Time will tell... :-)
Indeed. The more I see these LAs, the more I like them!
Regarding your questions,
1) You might be referring to this (already released)!?
2) Yes for one also!
Read this sentence "The existing Power Functions RC Receiver already has integrated speed control. To enable the use of this we will make a newly designed RC handset with speed control capability." from this LEGO 9V Train Communication III
You are a lucky man! ;)
Yes! Thanks! I missed that blog entry. Now, where can I order a bulk set of cables... ;-)
Yep, that LEGO train "communication" was what I was faintly recalling in my mind. I wonder what the train controller looks like? Hopefully, it's smallish and portable like the existing PF remote.
You can buy these cables at LEGO S@H, as well as all the other PF elements separately.
So is this a standard 9v connector on the lights???
No I wouldn't say that!
It ends with a PF connector, while the 'brick like' you see in the middle of the cable is like a reinforcement for the split point, where the cables coming from the two lights joint into a double wire cable.
Fernando
Just found a MOC with LAs on Brickshelf:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=321083
...and a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaWmhI1bPp8
Just great! Thank you Philo.
Was also just looking for something like this at BrickSshelf.
For the actuality and relevance, I'll make this week's TBs TechVideo.
lol I was waiting for that folder to become public...
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