DrJB

Has anyone done an LDD/LXF of the 4-door SUV?

I am not sure we'll see a 'reversal' to using more bricks, instead of liftarms. If you think about it, it is a matter of cost, amongst many other considerations. The 1x16 technic studded brick can assume the same functionality as a 1x15 liftarm, yet uses almost twice the amount of plastic (try to weigh both and you will see). So, while studded is stronger/easier to build with, studless is cheaper for lego, and allows TLG to 'market' a LARGER part count. What can be achieved with one brick, you'd need the corresponding lift arm and few 'nails'. Even more convincing is the fact that studdless allows less dense builds. If you take an earlier version of the F1 cars, they have remained at more or less the same size, but the Silver Champion is way heavier than the latest 42000. Same goes for the Space Shuttle 8480, it uses so many bricks, it is heavy. Studdless enables you to build more 'empty' frames, with more connector parts (nails/glue). I bet we will never again see the 1x16 bricks. They're selling for close to a $1.00 a piece on bricklink ... I agree with how versatile such part was/is, but by the same token it was very weak and thus would break easily. Thus, I do prefer the newer angle connectors (with fixed angles).

True, but the 'younger' generation amongst us can't do that ... not yet. If you have kids, ask your 7-year old to pick a 7L axle without checking Most likely, and just speculating, tan for the ODD lengths and dark gray (brown?) for the EVEN lengths ... for easy differentiation.

It is no surprise that Technic has steadily moved away from studded elements yet, many of the current elements still have the studded 'birthmark'. There are possibly multiple reasons for this yet the most 'obvious' is for backward compatibility. I'll take the simplest element, a 3713 bushing. It is still widely used in studless technic models, yet its shape is rarely put to its 'other' intended use. See, when that bushing was introduced, it served (at least) two purposes, that of spacer on axles, and that of 'key' to make an axle spin a technic plate (the octagonal end of the bushing). Today it is only the 'spacer' functionality that is used. This bushing is not alone, as there are many parts that have 'inherited' such octagonal shape today, but very little use is made of such shape. I'll mention the 3L/4L cardans and the multitude of angle connectors. What other remnants (evolution fossils) can you think of?

Some on here were not even born back then, but about 30+ years ago, the parts 'we' take for granted today did not exist. I was a mechanical engineering student back then, and my interest into Legos revolved around reproducing typical mechanisms, be it a Cardan, a differential, or a Geneva mechanism. In any event, from 'memory', I rebuilt my very first Cardan out of the very 'primitive' technic elements from that era: Beams, plates, axles and bushings. Needless to say, I'm very appreciative of the variety of parts available today (I do miss some retired parts though ...). Here is a pic of the LDD rendition, and the actual LDD file. http://www.brickshel...y.cgi?i=5963089 , and http://www.brickshel...ry.cgi?f=533483. So, what 'special' contraptions have you come up with ... during your earlier years? EDIT: Title got truncated. It should read: For those 'early' Technic adopters amongst us)

Thank You. It seems many 'themes' were a synthesis of technic+else bricks, I can think of the many CITY construction sets (Cranes, dozer, ...) that heavily used technic elements, and the creator series (helicopter, 4x4, ...). Sounds to me like an 'evolution' theme ... that does not exist anymore.

Stumbled upon this on Flea-bay . It appears it is for RETAIL version only (not EDU). My questions: is this a legit product or someone putting his blank CDs to good use ... ? http://www.ebay.com/...=item485b1eac2f

Can you give examples of specific sets that are Model Team?

I ordered both the L and servo motors from Lego.EDU. Been waiting for 2-3 weeks. Two days ago I called them and they said they're in stock now and should be expecting my package within days. The one item that is not available yet is the rechargeable battery for EV3. Per the Lego rep, whatever shipment they'll get will go against open orders. So, if you're planning for some Christmas EV3 activities, better place your order now as apparently, the website may not say 'available' for some time.

This might be obvious to some ... If so, please volunterr and explain this to the rest of us. I do know that System is the predecessor to Technic, but what is really 'Model Team'? Is it all those sets that had a Technic 'minifig' ... In such case, the 8457 Power Puller, is that a technic or a Model Team?

Here is a link to what I'm considering (OMNI) ... http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-48mm-Omni-Arduino-robot-wheel-for-LEGO-NXT-and-servo-motor-/221284949363?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item33859c5d73&vxp=mtr ... and the 'full-lego' MECANUM version http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=46945' I know the two are very different, and at this stage have not finalized my 'design' yet.

Contemplating getting some of those, and they do come in many versions. The rotacaster can fit a lego axle, but seems pricey for just that feature. For example, there are other makes, for 1/2 or 1/3 the price of a rotacaster, though they do not come with lego-compatible mounting. Question: Has any one gotten and modified non-rotacaster wheels? Should not be that difficult of a job but wanted to know of prior experiences if any. Of course there is the full-lego options, but those tend to be 'weak'.

Thank you, that is more affordable than other options. I'll be using it with EV3. The photo on mindsensors's web page shows the sensor only, but not the connector end of the cable. Is it safe to assume that the cable has the right connector and thus, the sensor is ready to use out of the box?

Sounds good. Thank you for the update.

Thank you. That sounds like the more 'reasonable' path.

Thank you. The HiTechnic seems to be the solution ... but it is rather &^%$@# pricey!

That's an idea, but I need continuous reading of the angle value (will be used as feedback signal for a closed-loop control system). Would the old RCX rotation sensor 9756-1 be compatible with EV3? Reason I'm asking is I just updated my EV3 installation to handle all sorts of sensors, and such rotation sensor is NOT amongst the list. Per Philo's page http://www.philohome.com/sensors/legorot.htm , I just found out such sensor 9756-1 is really not suitable for my application as it has rather poor angular resolution. I need resolution to within 5 degrees. One option would be to use gears with the sensor but then that brings in its own issues. I'm contemplating preloading the gears with this part x928cx1. Anyone tried to preload gears so as to remove backlash?

Thank you Philo, you confirmed my suspiscion that, together with the capacitor, most likely such meter will see very little usage.

Moving from RCX to NXT, TLG integrated the rotation sensor into the motors and did away with the stand-alone angle sensor. I have a need for such functionality, but do not want to use a motor for (1. too bulky, 2. not free-rotating). What are options out there for stand-alone rotation sensor on EV3/NXT? Idealy, with pass-through axle hole of course.

Has anyone attempted an LDD/LXF or MPD of such design ? (Granted, LDD may not have the old rotor parts).

Thank you. Works now.

Sorry, mechanical engineer here ... Lol

Jim, any update on this? I just got the Gyro sensor today and my son is already building the GyroBot ... but without the program, I'd have to go back to my 'modern control' class notes ... assuming I can still make sense of all that full-state-feedback jargon. By the way, your contributions to this forum are commendable.

I am not sure it is preload in the classical sense I.e., taking advantage of nonlinear material/geometric properties. I think it is instead preload to compensate for gaps/clearances and there are many of those in any sophisticated model. Possibly a combination of both though.

I had a real bad experience few years back with a set directly from TLG. The outer box was missing a big chunk, the inner lego box was totally damaged, and even the plastic tray inside was chewed up. UPS simply left on my door step and walked awya ... lucky I was home and called the driver right away telling him I did not acept the box, he simply shrugged and left. I was infuriated, called UPS, complained all I could, and they could not care less. I called TLG, they sent me a new set and told me to keep the messed up one. I ended up with two copies of the Silver Champion. I still buy my Legos from TLG, but one thing I noticed, they never use UPS anymore, only FEDEX. Another mis-hap happened again 2 weeks ago, the UPS guy asked my wife to sign, she did, when in fact the fine print said there were two packages when in fact he delivered only one. Amazon reimbursed the full amount ... The conclusion, it is not Amazon or TLG, but more like The shippers who could not care less. I guess statistically these events are covered by their insurance, so it is cheaper for them to operate the way they do.