In 2019, Lego announced a new system for the Technic series – LEGO Control+, presented in 42099, 42100 and 42109 sets.
What is LEGO Control+ (Control Plus)? This is a new electronics system for the Technic series with the ability to control the model from a smartphone using Bluetooth technology and completing tasks and achievements within the application.
Features of LEGO Control Plus
The main focus is placed on the application from which the control comes. A separate profile is developed and assigned for each set of LEGO, where in addition to control the model, you can perform challenges and achievements.
Pros:
- Bluetooth technology, with range up to 30m
- Management from a smartphone, there is no need for a control panel, which in theory should have reduced the cost of sets. But in practice, no.
- The achievements system in the app.
- All motors with encoder (motor rotation sensor). Thus, any motor can work as a servo motor.
- Motors have more mounting points, which is more convenient for assembly.
- 4 control outputs instead of 2 as it was in Power Functions receivers.
Cons:
- System customization . Through the Lego application, you can only control your set with the same number of motors. You cannot connect more or less motors, or assign other functions to motors. But there is a way out in the form of third-party applications – BuWizz, Brick Controller 2.
- Incompatibility with old electric Lego Power Functions and 9V due to new connectors type. Connecting new Control Plus motors is possible only to the Control+ control unit, Lego WeDo and LEGO Powered UP (for trains) / Lego Boost.
Due to the fact that the position sensor is also integrated into the motors, the control+ cable has 6 wires, not 4, which makes the systems incompatible. In theory, you can connect Control Plus motors, but you will lose the ability to use the Control+ motor in a servo mod. Or vice versa, the motor will only work in servo motor mode.
As for the motors and LEDs of the 9V and Power Functions systems, they can be connected to the Control+ block, the Chinese are already selling such adapter cables. Officially, Lego does not produce them. - Dimensions of motors and control unit. Motors increased in size by 1 stud, and it became even more difficult to use them in small models. The control unit is huge and only work with batteries. There is no Li-Po unit, but there are rumors that Lego is planning to release it;
- Low system power. New Motors has a pretty good tongue. But the control unit has a low protection threshold (near 1.3A), which is why protection is triggered even under small loads. The conclusion is either to build slow models with a large reduction in gear ratio, or fast and light models weighing up to 1 kg.
- Control from a smartphone. Not with all Android devices, the application works well, some are not supported (mainly problems with compatibility have Chinese tablets from the lowest price range).
Touch screen control is not so precise and sensitive as physical buttons. There is an alternative – using Brick controller2 app with a gamepad, but then you will not be able to use the lego application to complete achievements in it. - High price. If we compare the retail prices of sets with the PF system at the time of their release, and the prices of sets with Control+, then the difference is up to 30%:
9398 – $ 200 – 1327 pieces (2L-motor and servo motor) VS 42099 – $ 250 – 958 pieces (2XL-motor, 1L-motor (as a servo motor))
So, 42099 has 30% less parts and 25% higher cost.
Conclusion
For LEGO compamy, this is a step forward in terms of technology, against the outdated LEGO PF IR system.
The Control+ system is still quite raw. The main feature is the control from the smartphone, which should expand the possibilities of playing with the model. The application with challenges and achievements should be appeal for kids, and increase the playing time with the model.
The ability to customize profiles in the application will be able to fully reveal the potential of the system. And in terms of assembly – the appearance of a control unit with a Li-Po battery, which is likely to be smaller, lighter and more powerful.
But this is only the wishlist and guesswork of the Lego fans) when these updates will be – is unknown.
Every year, LEGO simplifies its product and adapts it for kids, lowering the age threshold for entering the Technic series, even despite the growth of AFOL community (adult Lego fans).