Hi-Technic's new EOPD Sensor!

Recently Hi-Technic released their new Electro Optical Proximity Decetion sensor, or EOPD, a sensor that can:

"accurately detect objects and small changes in distance to a target . The EOPD or Electro Optical Proximity Detector uses an internal light source to detect the presence of a target or determine changes in distance to a target. By generating its own light source, the EOPD is able to filter out all external light signals so as a robot moves from bright areas to dimmly lit areas or through shadows, the EOPD automatically compensates and only returns a signal based on its own light source. Targets can be accurately detected over distances up to 12 inches (30 cm)"
(Hi-Technic's Website)

I will fully review this new sensor when I can get my hands on one ;-)
Meanwhile, check out Hi-Technic's webpage here for more information. This sensor currently costs $73.94USD to order and ship to New Zealand, or $46.99USD for the sensor excluding postage etc. To place an order, visit HiTechnic.

Also, if you didn't already know, there is a new HiTechnic IR-Link PowerFunctions block, that allows the NXT to control a PF motor's speed and direction. This NXT-G block can be found here

New LEGO PowerFunctions Winch Block

While browsing through a shop in a mall, a new LEGO Creator Model caught my eye, the #4995 Cargo Copter. With this set comes the new LEGO Power Functions Winch Block, an interesting new addition to the Power Functions series of LEGO elements. (Sorry bout the bad quality of the Pic - I will try and get a better quality one soon)



The PF Winch Block looks like the PF Sound Block with a spool of thread attached to the side. I presume that the PF Winch Block works slightly like the PF Sound Sensor, when the button is pressed the winch lowers or raises.As I do not currently own this new PF element I can't say much about it, but when I compared the size of the PF Battery Box to the length of the PF Winch's thread on the box's picture, it didn't look very long.



The Cargo Copter set currently costs around $40NZD, which, when compared to what you get, is slightly overpriced. I personally will wait and see if the PF Winch is included in another, better value for money set, before purchasing.



A Link to the Official LEGO Creator page for the #4995 Cargo Copter: http://creator.lego.com/en-us/Products/Vehicles/Default.aspx