JU

Jonny Utah

LEGO collector, investment enthusiast & building technique explorer

About Jonny

I've been hooked on LEGO since my dad brought home a 6990 Monorail Transport System in 1990. I was seven years old, and that one set sparked a lifelong obsession with the brick. Like a lot of us, I went through my "dark ages" in high school and college, but the 10179 UCS Millennium Falcon in 2007 pulled me right back in.

These days, at 38, I've got a dedicated LEGO room that my wife tolerates and my kids think is the coolest thing ever. I spend my time hunting for retired gems at garage sales and estate auctions, analyzing which current sets might become tomorrow's collectibles, and building MOCs that'll never quite live up to my childhood imagination. I've learned a lot about what makes certain sets appreciate - and made my share of mistakes along the way.

I'm also a huge tech nerd - I love finding ways to blend technology with LEGO. Whether it's motorizing builds with Powered Up, programming Mindstorms robots, or just using apps to organize my collection, I'm always looking for that intersection where bricks meet bytes.

Through Brick by Brick, I share everything I've picked up over three decades of collecting, investing, and just plain loving this hobby. Whether you're trying to find the perfect gift, debating which set to add to your collection, or wondering if that sealed box in your closet is worth anything, I've probably been in your shoes.

Articles by Jonny 142 articles

Programming

LEGO Home Automation: ESPHome and Home Assistant Integration Guide

Want to combine your love for LEGO with the power of home automation? You absolutely can! This guide walks you through integrating your LEGO creations with ESPHome and Home Assistant, opening up a...

Programming

Hacking LEGO's LPF2 Connector: Complete Protocol Guide for Makers

Want to take your LEGO creations to the next level? Hacking the LEGO Power Functions 2.0 (LPF2) connector opens a world of possibilities for makers, hobbyists, and educators. This guide provides a...

Programming

Raspberry Pi Build HAT: Complete Python Guide to LEGO Motor Control

The Raspberry Pi Build HAT is a game-changer for LEGO robotics. This add-on board connects to the Pi's 40-pin GPIO header and provides four LPF2 ports, natively accepting LEGO Technic, SPIKE, and...

Programming

Power Management for LEGO Robots: The Complete 9V vs 5V Guide

Power management is where most hybrid LEGO/electronics projects fail. LEGO motors need ~9V, microcontrollers need 3.3V or 5V, and getting this wrong can melt your bricks, fry your electronics, or...

Programming

GBC Watchdog: Building a Safety System for Great Ball Contraptions

Great Ball Contraptions (GBCs) are intricate LEGO machines designed to move LEGO balls in a continuous loop. A GBC watchdog system is essentially a mechanism or set of mechanisms integrated into a...

Programming

Building an AI LEGO Sorting Machine: Raspberry Pi + OpenCV Tutorial

Imagine sorting your LEGO collection with the precision of a robot! This article explores building an AI-powered LEGO sorting machine using a Raspberry Pi and OpenCV, a powerful computer vision...

Programming

Smart LEGO Train Network: ESP32, RFID, and MQTT Automation

Transform your LEGO train setup into a smart, automated network using ESP32 microcontrollers, RFID technology, and MQTT communication. This article guides you through the process, showcasing how to...

Programming

Smart LEGO Train Network: ESP32, RFID, and MQTT Automation

Transform your LEGO train layout from a simple loop into a fully automated transit system. Trains automatically stop at stations, obey traffic signals, and avoid collisions—all without a smartphone...

Programming

LEGO Home Automation: ESPHome and Home Assistant Integration Guide

ESPHome offers a "no-code" solution for LEGO smart home integration. By defining your project in a YAML configuration file, you can create BLE clients that connect to LEGO hubs and expose them as...

News

LEGO Black Friday 2025: Official Dates & Best Early Deals to Grab Now

Black Friday 2025 is on the horizon, and for LEGO enthusiasts, it's the most wonderful time of the year for snagging incredible deals on coveted sets! This guide provides you with the official...

Programming

Integrating External Sensors with SPIKE Prime: Expand Your Robot's Capabilities

Integrating External Sensors with SPIKE Prime: Expand Your Robot's Capabilities

Gift Guides

Best LEGO Sets Under $50 for Christmas 2025 - Updated Weekly | Limited Stock Alert

Looking for the best LEGO sets under $50 for Christmas 2025? This guide highlights top picks offering maximum value, from Star Wars Advent Calendars to Speed Champions race cars, perfect for...

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