8479-1: Barcode Multi-Set

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8479: Barcode Multi-Set
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8479
Barcode Multi-Set

My favourite Technic set

Posted by jacofourie in Sweden on 10 September 2009

This was my first Technic Set and I baught it back in 2000.

When I built it the first time I thought wow technic is quite cmplicated but at the same time I was very impressed with the methots used especially in the Chassis and the gearing system.

I have built also the other models in the set, but the main model is my favourite.

Even after nearly 10 years it still works and still looks impressive.

The only issue I have now and the reason for posting this review is the small ring shaped bricks with the small teath on one side - I niticed they have started spittingfrom the small teath, so I will not break this one down again.

Anyway, it's a great model - good job LEGO

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Barcode Multi-Set

Still Works...

Posted by sabpol in United States on 17 November 2007

After reading the other reviews of builders whose motors and sensors stopped working, I decided to build my truck for the first time in about 9 years. I finished it a week ago, and the motor and sensors all still work fine on my set.

I had forgotten about this set when I reviewed set 8838. The level of difficulty is about the same on both sets, but there are a lot more steps with the bar code truck. Be prepared to spend at least 5 or 6 hours building this monster. Be careful to follow each step correctly and not leave out any pieces. If you make a mistake in the first 20 steps or so, you'll have to take practically the whole truck apart to correct one mistake.

Programming the scanner is pretty neat. You can either scan codes off of the placemat-looking card, or you can program it by recording a series of moves as you make the truck run, kind of like recording a macro on a spreadsheet. You can program the truck to operate at different speeds, 4 actually, if you count the "varying speed" scan code. You can also record several different motorlike sounds and one octave of musical notes. One sensor brick on the scanner operates the sensor, and the other sensor brick operates the motor. You have to make sure you hook up the sensor and/or motor to the correct sensor on the scanner.

A separate instruction booklet explains how to record programs. My set also came with a little service booklet dated 1998 listing several parts like the motor, gears, and wired sensors that this set uses. I don't think these "sets" are available at S@H anymore, though. I typed 5225 (set # for the motor) into LEGO's web site, and no matches came up. The main instruction booklet contains detailed instructions for building 3 other models.

Interestingly, no where does the box indicate how many pieces this set contains, nor do I see the name "Bar Code Multi Set" anywhere. I bought this set from a LEGO catalog. I don't think these were widely available in the US because the service booklet doesn't list the US at all, but it lists countries such as Hungary, Spain, and New Zealand.

If you can find a set with a working motor and sensors, it's a nice set to have.

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Barcode Multi-Set

Engineering marvel

Posted by a Brickset user on 14 March 2005

Barcode truck is an excellent set. It's huge and quite different from other Lego Technic models.

The wonderful concept is the barcode scanner (or code pilot). You can program the task. Following task are possible (standalone or combination):
Driving truck at different speed
Tilt the container
Operating front clamps to grab object
Making sound (from DoReMi to engine sound etc.)

There are several complex sets of cogs arrangement. The motor can be fitted on both sides of the truck. When fitted to left side, it can drive the truck. When fitted to right side, it can operate the clamps and can tilt the container. The functionality is chosen by a mechanical arrangement which pushes the inner sensor. There is another sensor between front clamps.

Fitting the engine (motor) is an effortless operation. You can simply push the engine over grooves just as if sliding! (many real life buses have side engines)

One can learn a lot by just observing how various cogs and other parts operate under different conditions (eg. using front clamps, tilting container, driving wheels with differential etc.)

The steering wheel on cab is functional. However, making the truck right hand drive though is possible but a bit involving task. There is another Hand of God steering wheel on top of truck as usual.

The code pilot (which holds 6 AA batteries as well) unit can be fitted into the truck itself (just behind cabin - there are grooves to push it sliding down) thus making it a truly self propelled vehicle!

The only drawback of this model is that the electrical components (sensors, scanner, motor) are liable to fail and a lot fun will be lost then.

This model is still available at auctions. If you get a bargain make sure that all components are working before buying.

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Barcode Multi-Set

Good concept but...

Posted by a Brickset user on 25 January 2005

I have a mixed feeling about this set. I was too keen to buy it from auction and I got it too…. But alas, when I get it, I found neither motor nor code pilot work! (weep, weep). I was so sad! The main problem is that this set was released in 1997. So, now it is 8 years old. It is too common for motor and code pilot to stop working after so many years (even if they are sold as mint in sealed box!).

Assuming, everything would be ok, this is a great Lego technic set. It is completely different from other sets! The code pilot concept is magnificent. The sensors are wonderful.

However, technically speaking, the truck is a standard one – even though it has more than 1200 parts! Once built it is huge.

If you can find this, buy it definitely – but only after verifying that code pilot and motor do work.

This is one of the best truck model Lego has ever created. However, if code pilot/motor doesn’t work, then 8460/8438 or 8462 or 8868 would have better playability.

Still then, barcode truck is a great set! It’s manual is thick like a dictionary! I welcome if Lego does a re-issue of this model (as they did it for 8460).





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This set is huge.

Posted by a Brickset user on 23 January 2005

This set is huge, compared what it looks like on the picture. It has lots of parts, in particular it has lots of small plates, like 1x1s, 1x2s and corner-2x2s. It also has lot os inverted slope bricks, which is also nice in a Technic set. The body is designed with great care. And it has nice realistic wheels.

It's a pity that green is such a rare color, that really adds to the model. The use of flex system tubes at the front is good too. I really like the model, it is a realistic truck I believe. The use of coding to do different "assignments" is nice. The lifting thing at the front is cool, it reminds me of an Ore Truck from Red Alert 1... :)

A large disadvantage of this model is that its electric components will once fail to work. If the inner sensor doesn't seem to work you can't replace it, since you have to demolish the whole model for it.

It has lots of gears, even two dark-grey ones to switch between two options, which is cool. The techniques are really cool. It's lots of fun building. And it is one of those few sets that have non-black axles (not counting the grey ones).


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