With the release of the new LEGO City trains, driven by the new Powered UP system, fans had many questions.\u00a0 Kim Thomsen, of LEGO, worked with fans to gather questions, and to research answers.\u00a0 The following is from Kim:<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
With the launch of the new Powered Up system in the LEGO Train 60197 and 60198 a lot of questions surfaced in the AFOL<\/abbr> Community. We asked the Ambassadors of the Recognized Communities to bring all those questions to us and below you have the answers to all those questions.<\/p>\n We hope this will clarify and answer a lot of the questions and concerns in the AFOL<\/abbr> Community.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Physical product\/platform details:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Is “Powered Up!” the collective name for all things electric with the new connector (and thus includes Boost and WeDo 2.0), or is “Powered Up!” just the name for the new train engines and the ones in the new tumbler?<\/span> Seeing that this new system has also been incorporated into the App-Controlled Batmobile set for the DC Comics SuperHeroes theme upon its debut, has Powered Up been designed in mind in any way to be more easily utilized by many other themes than before with Power Functions?<\/span> Wouldn’t it have been possible to incorporate more than 2 outlets in the battery box? For many applications more than 2 options would’ve been great (especially technic, eg cranes where you need one motor each for rotating the crane, raising\/lowering the hook and moving the hook)<\/span> Will the new system roll out to the Techinc line and if so, has consideration been given to the frequent use of more then 2 motors in many Technic MOCs?<\/span> Is there any way to stack the new connectors like the PF 1.0 ones?<\/span> An example of this is that all elements can now be electrically identified, so when attaching e.g. a train motor, the Hub and the App can now recognise it is a train motor. This allows us to help younger users put things in the right place. Another benefit is that we can optimise functionality based on particular elements, for example when using a train motor or the add-on light, the handset increments\/decrements power (good for train \/ setting light) but when using the medium motor, the handset sets 100% power when a button is pressed down (good for RC vehicles).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n What are the electrical characteristics of the system: max current at\u00a0the outputs, minimum and maximum voltage at\u00a0the outputs?<\/span> What type of batteries and how many will the pack hold? And the remote?<\/span> Can you use rechargeable batteries? (Lithium, NiMh, \u2026)<\/span> How does the battery life compare to the old PF system? How did power consumption changed since switching from Infrared to Bluetooth?<\/span> Will the hub be eventually programmable and\/or use sensors?<\/span> Where is the logic? In the hub, on the Hub Smart Device or on both?<\/span> How reliable is the system in an environment with many active controllers?<\/span> Are you planning to make over the air updates possible? If the answer is yes, how about making the controller software Open Source under some conditions?<\/span> Elements<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Can we stack different elements on the same port?<\/span> Motors used for PowerUp system look to be similar to PF ones. Are there any What is the Nm (torque) for:\u00a0The train motor, the medium motor & the Boost motor?\u00a0Is the internal train motor the same as the PF train motor?<\/span> Connectivity<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n How many Powered Up hubs can I control with a single remote?<\/span> How many hubs can I control with a smartphone\/pc?<\/span> Can I synchronize the hubs using the remote or the app? How?<\/span> How many motors can you control with a single hub?<\/span> Does that mean a Technic set with more than two features will need multiple hubs?<\/span> The range on the remote has been reported to be only 3-4 meters. What range is Powered Up supposed to have? Why is it so small?<\/span> How does the train motor behave when the controller goes out of range? Will it continue to run or stop? How long does it take to re-establish connection when the controller comes back in range?<\/span> Is it possible to select what happens when the transmitter goes out of range? (e.g. choose between \u201ckeep doing what you\u2019re doing\u201d which is useful for trains and \u201cfull stop\u201d which is useful for many other applications)<\/span> Can the controller work as directional ‘bang\/bang’ (hold to drive) or only accelerate\/decelerate? Or do you need a different controller for that (like the PF Train and Technic controllers)?<\/span> Can you simply connect a motor or lights to the power hub and turn it on without needing a remote or an app?<\/span> Can the hub or future product in the line be used as a static power source (turn on and run, without connecting to a controller)<\/span> Do you get more range with the phone vs LEGO controller?<\/span> With the new phone app, what happens to the motor when the phone goes to sleep\/standby? (Does the train motor keep running?)<\/span> What platforms will the control app be available on?<\/span> What are the required minimum specifications for iOS, Android and any other platform the app will be released on? will there be a list of android devices on which the software will work available<\/span> Is there any way to “nail a pairing down”? Imagine I have a Controller C(A) and a Receiver R(A) to control my first train, and another set C(B) and R(B) to control my second train. Now I restart the whole layout on the next day, can I be sure that C(A) still connects to R(A) and not to R(B)?<\/span> Does each receiver have a unique ID\/address?\u00a0 E.g. can anyone with a controller set to ‘blue’ take control of a receiver on that channel, or is it limited to the controller that has been paired with it?\u00a0 If I have multiple receivers set to ‘blue’, will the ‘blue’ controller activate them all?<\/span> Why can’t we stack multiple motors\/lights to one slot?<\/span> Is there any way you can add programmed behaviour into the hub to respond to sensor inputs, etc? Will the smartphone app allow to trigger pre-programmed sequences?<\/span> Can the behaviour of the outputs (bang-bang, increase\/decrease, or something in-between) be configured in the app?<\/span> Will it be possible to pair a controller with two receivers for multi-engine trains?<\/span> How can one single BT remote be used to control multiple receivers or switch among them? Will this be possible in the app?<\/span> Note: The current Powered UP app supports control of a single train.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Is the system bidirectional? That is, can information be sent back to the controller?<\/span> Compatibility<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Is there any kind of backward compatibility with Power Functions?<\/span> Will it be compatible with the 9V system?<\/span> If not, why? What happened to\u00a0“all LEGO bricks fit together” paradigm?<\/span> Will all different Powered Up components (Boost, WeDo, Train, etc) be able to communicate and control each other, e.g. running a Boost program sequence using a Powered Up hub or using sensors with Powered Up hubs? Is Powered Up compatible with MINDSTORMS?<\/span> Is it possible to control <\/span>MINDSTORMS motors with new system?<\/span> Will Powered Up be rolled out in other themes (e.g. Technic)?<\/span> Is it possible to upgrade older sets with powered up or is a lot of rework to\u00a0be done?<\/span> Control<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n The Boost motor only stays on as long as I press a + or – button on the remote (bang-bang remote). This makes sense as it is a servo motor. However, the M motor (WeDo) might need either graded control (if used on a train) or bang-bang controls (if used in a car). Will we be able to define the behaviour of motors depending on our needs?<\/span> Will it be possible to “sync” two or train motors together so that one or more locomotive can pull a long train? \u00a0This occurs inherently with 9V track powered designs but has been tricky since then.<\/span> How can I use two motors at the same time from the same controller where one motor needs its polarity reversed? (Old PF: putting two motors on the IR receiver was no problem and we have a polarity switch available)<\/span> Can outputs be “mirrored”? (one controller, multiple hubs on the same channel, each linked to the same throttle)<\/span> Are there any limitations of the physical controller versus the app (apart from the sound effects)?<\/span> Is it possible to program the physical controller, e.g. to assign outputs\/hubs to the different buttons?<\/span> Will we be able to program the train to stop at the station for a certain time and then let it run again or get it to go forward, stop and a specific point, wait and then reverse?<\/span> Documentation<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n
\nPowered UP is the name of the new LEGO electronic building platform. This new platform has 2 main connectors: The new plug used for wired connections and a wireless RF connection using Bluetooth LE. The wireless connection is both used between physical Powered UP elements and to mobile smart devices. Current products using elements from the Powered UP platform are: WeDo 2.0, Boost, CITY Trains, DUPLO Trains and the App controlled Batmobile.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe Powered UP platform is being designed to replace the Power Functions platform. It is offering a more intelligent wired connection with broader usability, a wireless BLE connection with better possibilities than IR and link to mobile smart devices opening a new range of App connected possibilities.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nMoving ahead with the Powered UP platform development we will design elements for different model and product purposes.<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n
\nWithout disclosing how we are going to develop and launch the Powered UP platform we can say that it is the future LEGO electronic building platform to cover products across both DUPLO, LEGO and TECHNIC building areas.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe new plug is not stackable like the Power Functions plug. Sensors cannot be stacked and in most cases you want to control one output function at the time and not more together. This was done to enable more intelligent interactions through the wire.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nMore technical details will follow later this year<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe LEGO Smart Hub 2 I\/O (used in the CITY Trains and the Batmobile) hold 6 AAA batteries and the Smart Controller hold 4 AAA batteries.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nYes, you can use rechargeable AAA batteries.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe power consumption is comparable between the two platforms.<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe Powered UP Hubs will support all components that can be plugged in (such as motors, sensors, light etc..). The firmware of most Hubs can be updated to ensure support of new functions across the platform (the WeDo 2.0 Hub is not firmware updatable).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nYou can say it is a bit of both. The mobile smart device can receive information and send control commands to the hubs. Logic links can then be programmed on the smart device. Apps to support this will be developed over time.
\nNaturally there is enough logic\/functionality within the Hubs to support handset control without a connected app. We are doing some functionality local to Hubs as needed, for example speed regulation on the tacho motors of the Smart Move Hub in Boost as this needs to function faster than control over Bluetooth LE can provide.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe Powered UP platform is designed to be used in a classroom environment with many active devices (products such as WeDo 2.0).<\/em>
\nWith WeDo 2.0 we have seen over 45 active independent networks working OK without noticeable impact to model action\/reaction.<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n
\nMost Powered UP Hubs have updatable firmware. It is the aim to make interface specifications available for open source use. More technical specification will follow later this year.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe Powered UP plug cannot be stacked. This architecture is chosen to enable more intelligent interaction through the wire. See previous notes.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nimprovements of similar type motors compared with PF?<\/span>
\nWe are always aiming to improve quality and performance within the frames possible.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nMore technical specification will follow later this year.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nYou can link up to 5 devices (Smart Hubs or Smart Controllers) together.
\nTo create a network you first need to connect a Smart Hub and a Smart Controller.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThis will to some extend be device dependant. On iOS devices the current limit is 10 hubs and it may change over time.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nYou can have multiple Hubs on the same channel color and control them simultaneously.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nWith the \u201cSmart Move Hub 2 I\/O\u201d used in the Boost product you can control up to 4 motors \u2013 the 2 internal and 2 external. With the \u201cSmart Hub 2 I\/O\u201d you can control 2 external motors.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nWithout disclosing how we are going to develop and launch the Powered UP platform we can say that it is the future LEGO electronic building platform to cover products across both DUPLO, LEGO and TECHNIC building areas.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe range of the BLE connection can be limited by different factors such as electromagnetic interference. Under normal circumstances the range should be well above 10 meters.
\nWe are looking into the specific case giving only 3-4 meters range.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nWhen the Hub and Controller go out of range the connection is lost and both Hub and Controller will enter advertising mode (LED blinking white). If a motor is running it is turned OFF. If Hub and Controller get inside range again while advertising they will link again.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nYou cannot select to keep the motor running. After advertising without connection established the Hub and Controller will turn OFF.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe default function of the direct link between Controller and Hub will depend on the component controlled. The Train motor will be speed controlled with the \u201c+\u201d and \u201c-\u201c buttons and stopped with the red button. A Medium motor (used in Batmobile) and the Tacho motor (used in Boost) will be \u201cbang-bang\u201d controlled with \u201c+\u201d and \u201c-\u201c buttons. When releasing these buttons the motor will coast and pressing the red button will brake it.
\nNote: The Smart Controller can also be connected to a mobile smart device and then you can make the buttons do other functions through an app (not available from LEGO by now).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe Hubs of the Powered UP platform are connection points for wireless link and control.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nCurrently the Hubs can only run input and output actions when they are connected.
\nNote: <\/span>Most Powered UP Hubs have updatable firmware so new functionality will be added in the future.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe wireless range from a smart mobile device will depend on the device. The range from Smart Controller and mobile device should be comparable.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nWhen connection is lost the Hub will enter advertising mode and motors will turn OFF.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThis will develop over time and will be communicated together with the app information.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThis will develop over time and will be communicated together with the app information.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nWhen a network (one or more Controllers to one or more Hubs) is established this network is remembered when turned OFF (press and hold the Hub button to make it leave the network, press and hold the Controller button to turn the network OFF). When you turn the members ON again the network is re-established. If you are running more networks (like described in the question) remember to turn members of the network ON together.
\nNote: Erase network memory by turning the Hub OFF, then press and hold the button for 5 sec, the LED blinks purple, release the button, done.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe actual network you make is running with unique addresses, so you can have multiple \u201cblue\u201d networks running simultaneously.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe new plug is not stackable like the Power Functions plug. Sensors cannot be stacked and in most cases you want to control one output function at the time. This was done to enable more intelligent interactions through the wire.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nCurrently the Hubs can only run input and output actions when they are connected.
\nNote: <\/span>Most Powered UP Hubs have updatable firmware so new functionality will be added in the future.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe Smart Controller can also be connected to a mobile smart device and then you can make the buttons do other functions through an app (not available from LEGO by now).
\nNote: <\/span>Most Powered UP Hubs have updatable firmware so new functionality will be added in the future.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nSee below.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nYou can link up to 5 devices (Smart Hubs or Smart Controllers) together.<\/em>
\nTo create a network you first need to connect a Samrt Hub and a Smart Controller.<\/em>
\nFirst Hub connection<\/em>
\nTurn Hub and Controller ON by pressing their green buttons and they will link. The LED will blink white and then shift to same channel color e.g. blue. You can now change the channel color by pressing the green button on the hub and toggle through the 5 channel colors. When turning OFF the Hub or Controller the last connection is remembered and re-established when turning both ON.<\/em>
\nAdding Hub to network<\/em>
\nWith the first Hub and the Controller ON and connected you can add extra Hubs to the network by turning the new Hub ON and then press both green buttons simultaneously on the new Hub and one of the components in the network (Hub or Controller). The new Hub is now added to the network with the same channel color as the currently selected channel. Again toggle to another channel by pressing the green button on the Hub. When more Hubs on different channels are added to the network you toggle between the different channels by pressing the green button on the Controller.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe network communication is bidirectional. The Controller send information about button actions.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe plugs in Power Functions and Powered UP are not compatible.
\nNote: The 2 power control wires of the 9V system, Power Functions and Powered UP have the same function across the 3 platforms.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nSee above.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nWith the Powered UP platform our aim is to reach broader possibilities including integration with mobile smart devices.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Can I use the Powered Up remote with the WeDo hub?
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Can I use the Powered Up remote with the Boost hub?
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Can I use Boost\/WeDo sensors with the Powered Up hub?
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Can I use the Boost\/WeDo\/Powered Up app to control (any of) the other platforms?<\/span>
\nIt is the aim that the Powered UP platform will work together across both with the wired and wireless connection.
\nSome of these connections are not implemented yet and will come through firmware and app updates.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe plugs in MINDSTORMS NXT\/EV3 and Powered UP are not compatible.
\nNote: Some cross over can be made through modifications.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nSee above.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nWithout disclosing how we are going to develop and launch the Powered UP platform we can say that it is the future LEGO electronic building platform to cover products across both DUPLO, LEGO and TECHNIC building areas.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThis will very much depend on the product in question. For trains it should be very easy since the Powered UP hub has the same shape as the Power Functions battery box and the train motors are also same shape.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe default function of the direct link between Controller and Hub will depend on the component controlled. The Train motor will be speed controlled with the \u201c+\u201d and \u201c-\u201c buttons and stopped with the red button. A Medium motor (used in the Batmobile) and the Tacho motor (used in Boost) will be \u201cbang-bang\u201d controlled with \u201c+\u201d and \u201c-\u201c buttons. When releasing these buttons the motor will coast and pressing the red button will brake it.
\nNote: The Smart Controller can also be connected to a mobile smart device and then you can make the buttons do other functions through an app (not available from LEGO by now).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nIf you add 2 train motors to the same Hub on port A and B then you can control both from the same Controller, but you need to press the 2 buttons together to sync.
\nIf you build 2 or more Hubs into the same train and give them all the same channel color then you can drive up to 5 train motors in sync by connecting them to the same output on each Hub.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u201cPolarity reversing\u201d on the Powered UP controller is done by turning the button interface to the direction of control needed.
\nNote: This is also very handy for controlling vehicles where you want vertical control for fwd\/bwd drive and horizontal for steering.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nSee above.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe current Powered UP app has a limited set of control directed to the trains. Look for future updates.
\nNote: The Smart Controller can also be connected to a mobile smart device and then you can make the buttons do other functions through an app (not available from LEGO by now).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nSee above.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nSee above.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n