Adjusting the linear actuator length in LDD

[Chilekesh]

Hi everyone,

I searched a lot and was surprised nobody has addressed the issue of extending and retracting the actuators in Lego Digital Designer OR I was unable to find it - be it through searching here, google, youtube or any other means.

So I discovered a little trick to do this. If it already exists here in these forums, then I'm really sorry and please accept my apologies.

The trick involves exporting the file to *.lxfml and editing the coordinates of sub-components of actuators manually with text editor and is easily doable by anyone without the need for expertise or special tools etc. Below is my video of this:

 

 

 

[Calabar]

To say the true, this topic has been discussed many time: click! 

[Chilekesh]

Yeah, I see now... Sorry. Still, the video explanation may come in handy for less experienced users. :)

[SylvainLS]

Note that you can also export to LDraw, move the piston there, and import the result in LDD. A bit easier than try to find the correct values when the part is already rotated.

(You’ll need my latest ldraw.xml file and some unofficial LDraw parts.)

[Chilekesh]

28 minutes ago, SylvainLS said:

Note that you can also export to LDraw, move the piston there, and import the result in LDD. A bit easier than try to find the correct values when the part is already rotated.

(You’ll need my latest ldraw.xml file and some unofficial LDraw parts.)

True, but I made the video for people that do not have MLCad / LDCad and LDraw installed and do not want to mess with them for whatever reason. Also, exporting to LDraw format always messes up some pieces in my experience. Making a template file and storing various lengths of rods has come in much more handier for me.

[SylvainLS]

As I said, it’s just an “also” solution.

1 hour ago, Chilekesh said:

Also, exporting to LDraw format always messes up some pieces in my experience.

Not anymore