Brick Snap and Brick Placement accuracy SR3D

[Technix]

Hi All,'

I don't want to sound ungrateful, but is maneuvering bricks/pieces around really this inaccurate? I also find the snap function, while surely helpful, keeps on snapping on random objects (sometimes on the middle of bricks), surfaces and spaces. I've used other 3D modelling tools like Solidworks, but not LDD or SR3D or any lego-specific modelling tool.. Any tips for a noobie?

I'm using SR 3D by the way. I also have LDD, but I read SR3D is better for technic so i'm using that now.

I really wanna thank the coder/builder of SR 3D. Can't imagine how much man-hours you've put into this, and you're giving it for free is awesome. But I hope this part gets improved in the future.

oh, if you're wondering, i'm trying to put together the 42009 and here is where I am at now :blush: :wub:

i'm kind of making this as an excuse to get familiar with the manual before I get the real thing this weekend.. and also to suppress my excitement unto building this thing :laugh:

Edited May 7, 2014 by Technix

[legolijntje]

Well, if you have any questions regarding SR3D Builder, I'm the one to ask.

I use it for years now and I love it.

Some tips and tricks:

• I see you're using the "Alternative UI". It is on for default, but some people (like me) don't really like it. Turning it off makes bricks don't folow the mouse. Some people like it, some don't, just try out waht you like.
  
• If you go to View > Preferences > User Interface, try switching the Roation Mode to LDD like mode. I like that one a lot more than default. Again, this is personal preference, just try and see what you like.
  
• On the top bar, with the image buttons, there's a button left to the part type selection where you can turn "Dense Conns" on or off. Default is off and that's very useful, but sometimes you need to use the dense conns. For example, when you want to place a thin bush on an axles, it automaticly snaps to the bush on certain spots (on the end, half bush from the end, full bush from the end etc.). But, with dense conns on, you can palce the bush exactly where you on the bush, the bush only snaps on the axle and not onto a certain place on the axle. That's only an example, it has a view more use cases.
  

These are only some general tips to make building even easier in SR3D builder.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask

[Technix]

Thanks legolijntje!

There are a lot of options in the software that i have no idea about , like that Alternative UI. But I guess it's my fault for not really reading the manual, and just jumped straight into it.

• If you go to View > Preferences > User Interface, try switching the Roation Mode to LDD like mode. I like that one a lot more than default. Again, this is personal preference, just try and see what you like
  

>>I've tried this, but it stopped me from fully flipping the model upside down and stops at the axis. Are there other ways to flip models aside from rotating the camera into the desired angle?

• On the top bar, with the image buttons, there's a button left to the part type selection where you can turn "Dense Conns" on or off. Default is off and that's very useful, but sometimes you need to use the dense conns. For example, when you want to place a thin bush on an axles, it automaticly snaps to the bush on certain spots (on the end, half bush from the end, full bush from the end etc.). But, with dense conns on, you can palce the bush exactly where you on the bush, the bush only snaps on the axle and not onto a certain place on the axle. That's only an example, it has a view more use cases.
  

>>> Gonna try this on my next free time with SR 3D.

To me it feels like LDD is much more user-friendly and refined, albeit limited in terms of functions and a little bit simpler. Whereas SR 3D is the direct opposite, complex and has more functions, but less polished as a software.

[Technix]

Tried it for a few steps on the instructions and both feels off. With Alt UI OFF, i sometimes don't get a clue where new bricks are placed after choosing one from the "palette". Sometimes it appears outside of what i'm building (which is fine), but sometimes it falls on the middle of the model (not good ). Which makes it very hard to see, and also without the "box wireframe outline".

both options have downsides, and i don't think switching between the two is good or is gonna be productive. So I guess i may have just to get used to either of them.

(quickie test before i get off for work)

[Technix]

Changed my mind, i'm building the Ultimate 42009 instead.

a good 3 hours of work :)