1. What is the Power Functions System?

LEGO® Power Functions is the new LEGO electric building system. You have battery boxes to deliver the power, different types of motors to make things move, light, remote control and even connection to a computer. Everything fits together in a system to let you build and control your own inventions. To learn more about Power Functions, click here

2. How is the Power Functions system different from the 9V system?

The Power Functions system has 4 wires instead of the 2 wires in the 9V System. This gives a range of new possibilities that were not available before. Remote control functions, sensors, and intelligent control can now be used directly within the Power Functions system. Power is distributed from one Battery Box to Power Functions elements that are chained together in whatever combination you like.

3. Can I use Power Functions elements with my old 9V elements?

Yes, with 8886 Power Functions Extension Wire or 8871 Power Functions Extension Wire 20 you can use most of the 9V elements with Power Functions.

4. Which frequency does the Power Functions IR Remote Control transmit at?

The Power Functions IR Remote Control does not run on any frequency but on infrared (IR) technology. The IR Remote Control sends infrared light messages to the IR Receiver much like a television remote sends a signal to a TV.

5. What do I do if my Power Functions model is not running?

Follow these steps: Make sure there are fresh batteries in the Battery Box and the IR Remote Control. Make sure all plugs are properly connected. Make sure the green light on the Battery Box is ON. Make sure the green light on the IR Receiver is ON. Make sure there is connection between IR Remote Control and IR Receiver. Make sure motors are not blocked.

6. Why is my Power Functions model running slow?

There can be 3 reasons for this: Make sure that all gearing from the attached Power Functions Motor to the moving parts is running smooth by turning it with your hands without the motor connected. If the parts are pressed too hard together or jammed in other ways the gears may not be able to turn freely. Make sure the batteries in the Power Functions Battery Box are fresh or fully charged. If you have too many motors running at the same time it will trigger the overload protection of the system. As a rule of thumb, you can drive 2 Power Functions XL-Motors, 3 Power Functions Train Motors or 4 Power Functions M-Motors at the same time from one Power Functions Battery Box. The XL-Motor requires about twice as much power as the M-Motor.

7. Why does my Power Functions model drive backward when I want it to run forward?

You can change the direction your model runs by flipping the small black switches located on each side of the channel selector of your IR Remote Control.

8. What happens when the Power Functions overload protection kicks in?

Overload protection is activated when too much power is consumed from either a Power Functions Battery Box or the IR Receiver. This can happen when a motor is blocked or when too many motors are running at the same time. If overload protection is activated, the Battery Box or the IR Receiver will cut off power to the output until power consumption has dropped under the allowed value. To regain power, unblock the motor or disconnect motors from the output – then turn the Battery Box OFF and ON again. Under overload protection, the green light on the Power Functions Battery Box will still be ON.

9. What does the Power Functions Control Switch do?

The 8869 Power Functions Control Switch included in 8293 Power Functions Motor Set allows you to control the direction that motors will turn and to turn lights ON and OFF. With the small black switch you can flip the direction of control.

10. Can I use Power Functions with the MINDSTORMS NXT?

Yes. With 8886 Power Functions Extension Wire or 8871 Power Functions Extension Wire 20 and the MINDSTORMS 8528 - NXT Converter Cable you can incorporate Power Functions elements with the NXT.