Having issues with Aanchir's tread aid

[Theou Aegis]

For the time being I"ll just move on to the main body of my creation, but I need to place tracks/treads around the sprockets. I have Aanchir's LXF file, loaded it into my project, and fiddled around with it, but I can't replicate the sprockets he made. Does anyone have better instructions, or can give me some personal insight on how to use his aid, or have a video of it in use? Also, I tried lining two or more sprockets up and connecting the horizontal treads between them, but it says the treads are too close together to connect.

This new LDD is giving me a headache, but I like having all these sets to play with.

[Alasdair Ryan]

Could you attach the LDD file so one of us can help you?

I do not use the tread aid myself,instead i just do it free hand.This might be an idea for you to try.

Edited March 20, 2012 by Alasdair Ryan

[Aanchir]

Yeah, I made that template a long time ago, so I'm not surprised it has problems. Actually, part of the reason I made it is so that you wouldn't need to ever wrap your own sprockets. The intention is for you to clone the pre-wrapped sprockets, delete a few treads so there is no longer a full loop around them, and attach straight lengths of tread between them (using the spring yellowish green scaffold to create additional lengths of tread at a desired length if need be). But obviously this works better in theory than in practice-- the distance you need between the wheels will affect whether the wheels can simply be placed at the default angle or whether there has to be more improvisation involved. Even more so if the tread in question is supposed to have some "give" and thus straight lengths of tread won't connect properly.

Realistically, I should probably just take down the sprocket-wheel template, as try as I may I can never get it to be truly user-friendly for anything besides creating extremely simple treads. But I believe I have heard some people vouch for its usefulness, so I wouldn't want to take it away from anyone who has had success with it.

Edited March 20, 2012 by Aanchir

[Alasdair Ryan]

Perhaps Aanchir it might be better if you made some of the populer sizes in a ready made template,but this will be very time consuming.

Thank god for Lsynth in Mlcad.

[Theou Aegis]

Sorry for not getting back sooner, I forgot what forum I posted this in.

I am trying to replicate Guts-Dozer and as far as I can tell I just need 4 sprockets.

Or maybe I need more than 4 and those round parts will be some other part covering the sprockets (since it looks like sprockets must go in the middle (makes sense, I know). I have set aside workable pieces for the his body, but I need those treads of his.

I've been working on a Castlevania fan game lately, so my Guts-Doser project was put on hold for a while. I have ADD or something, so I'm wanting to take a break from my programming and work on Guts-Dozer some more.

[DLuders]

For those not familiar with Aanchir's Lego Technic Sprocket Wheel Template, here it is (on this Eurobricks post):

"LDD file (includes sprocket wheel wrapped in 6 tread pieces, straight length of 12 tread pieces, and green alignment tool)

User's Guide (step-by-step instructions, including tips on avoiding snags)."

From Aanchir's Brickshelf gallery, his User's Guide says:

"Hi! I'm Aanchir, and I created this template.

This template is for building models on LDD that require part 57520 (the small sprocket wheel) and part 57518 (the tread).

To use this template:

1) Download the file

2) Remove one or more of the tread pieces that surround the sprocket wheel so that it's no longer a complete loop.

I recommend removing one of the 60-degree tread pieces so there's a horizontal tread to connect to.

3) Connect as much extra tread as you need.

A chain of horizontally-placed treads is provided for you to use or copy.

WARNING!

Clips on LDD do not like to center correctly!

There will usually be a left or right offset, which can do a lot of harm if all of your clips are offset in the same direction.

The chain of tread pieces may not be lined up at both ends!

To avoid this, use the green alignment tool included in the file.

Place new tread pieces on every other pin, then place tread pieces on the pins in-between.

The alignment tool is entirely in green so you can use the "color select" tool to select all its parts at once.

If you need to use green parts in your actual model, feel free to select the tool and change its color to something a color you will not be using.

4) Once you have the length of tread you need, you will need it to wrap it around the other wheels of your model.

ALWAYS use the hinge tool to ensure the tread is wrapped snugly around each wheel.

It may help to paint the treads TRANSPARENT so you can see how they align in the grooves.

5) Some sets and MOCs will have some "sag room" on their treads, or will have wheels that have to be rotated to align properly.

I am not yet equipped to deal with either problem, but perhaps you will find your own solution.

If the alignment goes smoothly, the last hinge rotation will make your length of tread link back up at the ends.

Congratulations! You're done!

I hope this template proves useful."