About requirement for learning MLCAD3.5 & Lego (MOC)

[heryx]

Hi Guy,

I am new in playing Lego, recently i have big interested in Lego Technic area(MOC). I am thinking to design some machine unique and build it in real. After some searching about the design software, i find that MLCAD petty good for design. but the problem is i am not familiar with Lego Parts and never play with "Lego Technic Set". it also difficult for me to find the correct part because i have less experience and there are thousand of Lego parts. so i am here to asking for advise.

for example, i want to design a truck for load and loading cargo.

How can i getting start? do i need to play with some Lego Technic set for getting more experience before MOC?

Thanks a lot

[KamalMYafi]

Do you think about LDD?

Any way to build in MLCad, read this tutorial.

For building a MOC, Building small-scale first. See sets instruction or other people MOC to get some inspiration! but don't copying MOC or Sets!

But also use you imagination!

[Maico]

I would suggest you start with building a LEGO Technic set, so you can get a feeling how to build with LEGO and then start to design your model/MOC

[djm]

If Lego Digital Designer (LDD in KamalMYafi's post) isn't suitable, I would recommend that you look at using LDCAD (http://www.melkert.net/LDCad) rather than MLCAD. It is significantly easier to build digital models with LDCAD than MLCAD. Not only can you build within the 3D perspective in LDCAD but it also has the ability to do part "snapping", which simplifies the building process. LDCAD has many other capabilities, too numerous to mention here.I started modelling using MLCAD but switched to LDCAD and would not go back.

Regards,

David

[heryx]

Thanks for all suggestion, Thanks a lot! :)

[heryx]

If Lego Digital Designer (LDD in KamalMYafi's post) isn't suitable, I would recommend that you look at using LDCAD (http://www.melkert.net/LDCad) rather than MLCAD. It is significantly easier to build digital models with LDCAD than MLCAD. Not only can you build within the 3D perspective in LDCAD but it also has the ability to do part "snapping", which simplifies the building process. LDCAD has many other capabilities, too numerous to mention here.I started modelling using MLCAD but switched to LDCAD and would not go back.

Regards,

David

Hi David,

After try the LDCAD , i find that the dimensional control is really difficult for me and after some try i feeling dizzy on my head. However. i can;t find out how to export instruction step to combine your design and can;t find where to export part list. Do you know anywhere i can learn more about this?

[djm]

Hi David,

After try the LDCAD , i find that the dimensional control is really difficult for me and after some try i feeling dizzy on my head. However. i can;t find out how to export instruction step to combine your design and can;t find where to export part list. Do you know anywhere i can learn more about this?

If you are operating LDCAD in TrackBall mode (TBL), you may find it a lot easier to use Spin mode (SPN) instead. Using "Spin" limits the rotational movement and may be easier for you if using a mouse. Most of the time I use LDCAD in "Spin" rather than "TrackBall" mode.

To see which mode you are operating in, move the mouse to the bottom left corner of the building window, into the X-Y-Z axis indicator area. The area will expand and show you something like one of the two following pictures.

The first shows LDCAD operating in "TrackBall" mode (the circled red bit). If you click TBL, it will switch to "Spin" mode.

The second shows LDCAD operating in "Spin" mode. If you click "SPN", it will switch to TrackBall mode.

For building instructions, I use LPub or LPub3D. These tools can be downloaded for free. Visit http://ldraw.org/ for more information.

For parts lists, I use BrickStock, which can (a) import a model created in LDCAD (or any of the other LDraw related editing tools) and (b) give me hooks into BrickLink so I get a feel for how much the parts might cost. If you want part lists shown within the instructions, both LPub and LPub3D can do that.

Regards,

David

[heryx]

Hi David

Thanks for your helping, i am trying to use LPub3D (LPub3D 1.3.4.591.2) for building the instructions. i am new to design in this kind of software, i saw function call "Step", do i need to indicate every step when i design the model? if i didn't tell the software my "Step" and just put brick together, will LPub3D still generate the building instruction? Lego Digital Designer didn't have "Step" concept.

Thanks

[zux]

You have to make steps yourself while designing a model. LPub3D is just representing "on paper" the steps you've actually created in LDCad.

True, LDD doesn't have the "step" concept, but its instruction making algorithm is horrible due to this.