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mihao

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Everything posted by mihao

  1. mihao
    yes
  2. mihao
    Hi Sokolov, thank you for testing it thoroughly, I will address the instructions issues soon. The two finger panning is a good suggestion for more viewing freedom. The second suggestion is an interesting one, I have also thought about that clicking a part in the view can lead to the step where that part is added in the first place. But it does require each part in the view is clickable, but right now, some part exists in a sub module, and it means that user can only click into the sub model first then to the individual part. I think it is tolerable. For Google store release, I haven't collected enough testers there, and there is some new issue reported from Google store which I have to fix. It seems a lot more restricted requirements to publish in Google store than Apple store. I am using Unity, so it should be straight forward to generate Windows store app, but using Windows is not part of my original intention, given that windows PC is not as agile as mobile device. Anyway, will let you know when I need some testing there. Thanks in advance!
  3. mihao
    Yes, flexible parts can be used for that, but I don't think they'll as neat as the current way. For the Android app, seems that OBB has some issue with certain regions so right now I am trying to change them into Addressable asset bundle being loaded from CDN. I will send you a message when it is ready to test. Thanks.
  4. mihao
    A bit small, but possible to use with additional structure. Also need to revise the related areas like the windshield side bars.
  5. mihao
    Yes, I thought about that, but that part is a bit too big here.
  6. mihao
    Yes, when I decided to use these Znap parts, I realized that they have already been discontinued, but given that they are relatively cheap on bricklink, so I chose to still use them. I just can't find any good replacement with other parts. This car is convertible, which becomes a signature feature of it, so I don't want to miss it in the design. When the roof is detached, it is basically a half circle left there. I have thought about using soft axle or similar, but none of them can achieve the clean result like the current one.
  7. mihao
    I’m trying to bring the instruction App to Google Play (Android). But Google requires that my app is tested by at least 12 people before I can make it public, so I need some help from you here. If you’d like to support me: 1. Share your Google (Gmail) email address with me via IM. 2. I’ll send you an invite link. 3. You just install the app through the Google Play internal testing link. Thanks so much for your support.
  8. mihao
    Yes, I am thinking about that too.
  9. mihao
    It's a good idea to use beacon parts to differentiate the current step from existing model, and I need to leverage this in my next design. Showing assembled model in one color has its privilege in PDF, because user can only rely on the current angle to decide the location, this also applies to the additional insert. But with the ability to rotate the model on screen, I believe that any uncleared position can be clarified by looking at the model from different angles. I didn't make the close-up feature at the beginning, back then, user always see the whole model at each step initially. But I soon realized that on a small screen, it is so hard to tell the position of new step parts when the model gets big. I have to manually zoom in to see the new step clearly again and again. (This also happened when I followed the official LEGO builder app to build the Mclaren P1.) So I decided to automatically zoom-in to the step in a closer distance. My assumption is that, if the user follows the instruction step by step, a close-up view should not be too confusing, after all the user knows what the current model looks like. In case that the location gets lost, a manual zoom-out (plus rotation) can solve it. Anyway, it is a trade off for small screen, maybe I should introduce a setting to control auto close-up or not. Good comment.
  10. mihao
    I tried to post on Rebrickable, but they disabled it because the instruction app doesn't follow their guideline. Yes, that is a good idea to highlight the current part. I will consider to use it. For now, I added glowing outline to parts of the current step to make them stand out. Thanks!
  11. mihao
    Here is what I learned from ChatGPT, if it is not accurate, someone here can help to correct: LEGO setup: Connect the pistons to the PF motor (before the gearbox) Crankshaft spins whenever the motor runs. Pistons move at “engine speed.” Gearbox then reduces or increases torque to the wheels independently. ✅ This is realistic, like a real engine. Connect the pistons after the gearbox (to the wheels) Pistons speed now depends on wheel speed. Upshifting would suddenly slow down piston movement, which looks weird. Wheel load or stop also affects piston movement — not realistic. Conclusion: Always connect the dummy pistons to the PF motor shaft BEFORE the gearbox. Gearbox changes wheel speed independently. Pistons move consistently with motor (engine) speed. If your PF motor is just on/off, pistons will move at one speed whenever the motor runs — which is fine for LEGO visual purposes.
  12. mihao
    Thanks! Actually, the engine is always running as the same speed regardless the stick position and the gear selection of the paddle shifter. The video maybe not clear enough to indicate that. Thanks a lot for the comments! I expected mixed reactions when I started working on this app, since it’s quite different from traditional PDF instructions. I completely understand that many builders prefer the “classic” style of flat 2D steps. There’s a certain rhythm to flipping through pages, scanning the layout, and working things out yourself—that’s part of the building habit, and even part of the fun. My main goal, though, was to make instructions more practical on mobile devices. When I build official LEGO sets from my own parts using the LEGO Builder app on my phone, I’ve noticed that for larger models—especially supercars—PDF scans can be a hassle. I constantly have to zoom in just to see exactly where pieces go. With this animated approach, the app can automatically focus on the building area, which takes away much of that effort. In fact, the official LEGO Builder app already uses a similar method for many of their sets.
  13. mihao
    When driving with RC, I use the reverse gear, because there are way less gears engaged on the drivetrain. Just flip the direction on the controller. Sure I can still drive using low gear shift for forward, but it is very slow. Plan to do it on google store.
  14. mihao
    I’m excited to share my latest project: a 1:8 scale LEGO Technic Koenigsegg Agera RS MOC. Functions include: Independent suspension on all wheels for authentic movement Fully functional dihedral synchro-helix doors, trunk, and hood Removable convertible roof Adjustable body height 8-speed gearbox with Drive / Idle / Reverse stick Paddle shifters and working steering wheel (HOG control) Here is the full demo video on Youtube: Power Functions compatibility: PF motors can be added to achieve driving, steering, lights, and body height adjustment. In theory, the components can be installed directly; in practice, it’s easier to remove a few pieces first to save your fingers. Gearbox development: The gearbox was by far the most challenging component. I wanted it to withstand high torque — tested with two L-motors. Early designs failed due to axle locking during part shifting. After multiple iterations, I refined the mechanism and reinforced the gearstick so it no longer pops back to idle under load. The final result is solid, and you can see it in action in the video. Dihedral synchro-helix doors: The doors are a signature feature of the real car, moving outward, forward, and upward at the same time. I achieved this by combining a Technic 28-tooth turntable with a hanging arm — a lifesaver solution that enabled smooth motion across all three directions. Bodywork: Designing the large-radius curves of the hood and roof was another headache. After much trial, I turned to Znap elements, which LEGO no longer produces. Despite being unconventional, they achieved a far better curvature than standard Technic or System parts. Height adjustment: The adjustable suspension relies on a complex gear train, including mechanisms to prevent over-rotation. Clutch gears are included in both the front and rear systems, so when torque is too high the clutch will slip, protecting the fragile bevel gears (especially the 8-tooth ones). Instructions: If you have an iPhone or iPad, the full instructions are available for free via the app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/agera-rs/id6751605748 (or search “Agera RS” in the App Store). For convenience, the app includes a missing parts tracker and can generate an XML file for BrickLink orders. ⚠️ Note: Two panels (4446 and 4443 – Technic Panel Curved #54 Left/Right) are not available in red from LEGO. Options include painting them or sourcing from third parties. I’d love to hear your thoughts on both the design and the instruction app, so I know where improvements can be made. Thanks for checking it out!
  15. mihao
    Nice! that's the game changer for me too!
  16. mihao
    Thank you for the suggestion. I didn't make myself clear in the first place I guess. By "output" direction, I mean the output axle (the black axle on the most left in the picture above) rotating position when it is idle. In the original design, it is like "X" (diagonal), but I need it to be "+" (upright), that is why I add a blue sliding 20T gear between the 12T bevel and the black 12T. I am currently trying to tune the stepping mechanism to see if I can avoid the sliding 20T here.
  17. mihao
    Agree that Chinese bricks are much cheaper, and it also have a lot of good designs there. But the biggest problem is the part quality. I have tried some sets and they were so hard to assemble. Considering the effort I put into this MOC, I can't set the price to EUR 15 on RB, otherwise, people will think this one is inferior to other MOCs in the same category. But I don't mind creating a coupon ("11EUROFF") here for whoever wants to build it. Cheers.
  18. mihao
    Thank you for your honest opinion. What do you think a fair price should be?
  19. mihao
    Thanks! LEGO parts are a bit too curvy for this, so I have to extend them with beams to make it a bit more flat. Thank you! Thanks! I tried to use the least amount of non-technic bricks because they just don't look right when pairing with technic parts for some reason. Meanwhile, non-technic bricks are easier to fall, and it is risky when driving around the MOC with RC controller. P.S. I just posted this new design at LEGO MOC 1:8 Chevrolet Corvette C7 V2 by Lego__Bee | Rebrickable - Build with LEGO in case you want to check out more pictures of it.
  20. mihao
    After some time with my Corvette C7 MOC, I decided to upgrade it based on feedback I received. The most significant change is the hood: in the original version, it was a bit "flat," so I redesigned it with curved panels to more closely resemble the real car. Unfortunately, this change meant sacrificing the hood vent, which was a tough trade-off. With the new hood design, I also had to adjust the front lights. After testing different options, I realized the soft axle was the best way to replicate the daytime running lights (DRL). Although I’m not usually a fan of the soft axle, it really enhances the look here. I added a black stripe across the entire body, making the design more stylish and conserving red pieces for future builds. To match the stripe, I also changed the roof to black, which turned out to look even better. Another improvement was to the tail lights, which were somewhat understated in the original design. I pushed them out to make them more noticeable. I also updated the rear wheel arches to mirror the original, giving the car a sportier look, and smoothed out the decklid for a sleeker finish. Finally, I added some custom decals—or, well, stickers. They’re simple but fun, and they add a touch of style that makes the finished model even more eye-catching.
  21. mihao
    Seems to be a good start for Doge viper.C7 Vette should have lower front hood, but due to the chunky LEGO v8, can't really lower it any more. Thanks! Thank you!
  22. mihao
    Here is my recent MOC of the Corvette C7, and I'd like to share some details about it. It took me over three months to design, and here's the result. The model can be fully motorized by adding PF parts to the static version, making it easy to swap motors when needed elsewhere. I've included a 4-speed gearbox in the MOC, which works with remote control. Initially, I thought the driving ring part wouldn't be strong enough for motorization, but it proved to be reliable. During testing, the driving ring part neither slipped nor was damaged. Interestingly, I started with two XL motors due to the MOC's weight, but they caused issues. The high torque twisted the axle combining the input from both motors. Switching to two L motors, despite their lower torque, resulted in better performance due to their quicker rotation speed. The differential 65414 effectively converts rotation speed to torque. The paddle shifters are based on the idea from Rotating Paddles - LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling - Eurobricks Forums, with some modifications. The entire gearbox is at the rear of the car, requiring an upright axle for input. To achieve this, I had to use a blue sliding gear to change the output direction. The following picture is for height adjustment, rotating the black 20T gear moves the two pins where the shock absorbers are attached. The front wheel mechanism is similar but more compact. I encountered issues when motorizing the height adjustment, as the medium motor didn't provide enough torque. Down-gearing increased torque but damaged the universal joints along the long axle connecting the front and back. To prevent parts from cracking, I added a 24T gear with a clutch (60c01) to both the front and back. Since I wanted the roof to be removable, the windshield needed to stand independently without roof support. The trapezoidal shape of the windshield was designed with all four sides as integers to build it with beams as below. The top is 18, the bottom is 22, and both sides are 8. Locks on both bottom corners ensure stability when mounted on the car. I used the same geometry for the back trunk cover, extending the sides twice. Here are some pictures of the MOC: Here is a demonstration video: Instructions are available at https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-188766/Lego__Bee/18-chevrolet-corvette-c7, and your comments are appreciated. Thanks!
  23. mihao
    True, some angle is not easy to achieve, so I have to be creative. I'll try posting more often. Thanks! Thanks! Need to minimize the weight so this big thing can actually run with motor.
  24. mihao
    It's been a while since my last post, and this time I bring you my most recent MOC, a 1:8 scale Aston Martin Vulcan. The actual size is 58cm long, 24cm wide, and 13cm tall. This MOC is designed to be a combination of a static version and a dynamic version, meaning dynamic parts (motors, lights, and battery) can be directly mounted to the static version and it can run. In order to achieve this, I designed it in a way that the entire body can be completely detached from the frame. This has been a standard for my recent several 1:8 MOCs. Another significant benefit of this design choice is the ease of fixing issues deep down in the frame without needing to break down the whole body. Given that this car has a V12 engine at the front and is a rear-wheel-drive car, the drivetrain from the rear wheels to the engine has to collide with the HOG handler because both of them will go through the central line of the frame. My solution for this is to use a freewheel (in blue) to cross, as depicted in the following picture. I tried my best to reduce the size of the MOC, but it's still very big and very heavy. In order to make it motorized with changing speed, this is the gearbox I came up with. The orange part can slide to change gear ratio between 0.6 (12/20) to 1.67 (20/12). The pink 1x2 thin lift arms will hold it in position. Two buggy motors will be mounted on both sides of the top-most orange 5x7 frame. I have to use a pair of gear to reduce the speed and increase torque for each buggy motor before connecting into the 5x7 frame. I experimented with different pairs, and the only feasible one is still the 12-tooth and the 20-tooth, which can provide enough torque to kick off the car from a stationary state but not too much to grind the gears. Here is a video about how it runs with the high gear. Here is the full feature list of this MOC: Independent suspension on all wheels. A functioning steering wheel and HOG (Hand of God). An openable hood. Doors that swing open with a spring lock. A working V12 engine. Two-speed gearbox. Detachable body from the frame. And here is the RB link for this project LEGO MOC 1:8 Aston Martin Vulcan Static Version by Lego__Bee | Rebrickable - Build with LEGO I hope you enjoy seeing this project come to life as much as I enjoyed building it. Thanks!
  25. mihao
    Does anyone happen to know where I can find early versions of LDraw all-in-one installer? The recent installer has some issue to generate instructions for my MOC, so I want to revert it back to some old version. Thanks!
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