DrJB

I agree with the above point that there should be no need for a diff between the teo rear axles, but this argument holds only for THIS lego model. The reason being that there is no difference due to steering. In real-life however, differentials are used to 'compensate' for many different reasons: 1. Travel distance as during steering 2. Road surface condition/variation 3. Different inflation pressures of the tires 4. different tread wear/depth on the tires 5. Different traction/friction of the tires, because of e.g. different compounds ...

Rather interesting kinematics that you have developed. With 4 axles, I would 'expect' a total of 7 differentials, 4 for left/right, and of course, 3 between the axles. You managed to use only 2 between the axles. While this appears to be working, I'm sure there are situations where the contraption could get in trouble. Nonetheless, fitting so much 'kinematics' and gears in there is no trivial feat. Thanks for sharing. Edit: agree with zblj, differentials are NOT needed for steered axles, only for driving (motorized). But, your title says 8x8, so I'm assuming you'll be powering all 4 axles. Now, with so many gears, friction (and losses) is bound to be a problem. I can't help but wonder how, if you were to 'test' this, you'd be able to separate friction from diffs not working ...

Not sure I 'agree' with the 'obsession' about purist/legal. To me, your lego parts are yours to do whatever you want to, cut them, glue them, paint them .. or even use third-party add-ons. As for entering contests, them not allowing 3rd party add-ons is simply to ensure the field is 'even' and the contest is fair.

I built a compressor to power mine and it's much more fun than having to actuate the two pumps. Agree with you though, this is my all-time favorite.

Stumbled upon this. The robot moves and 'sticks' to the wall because of the fans' suction. Any brave soul out there to replicate this with Lego? http://www.engadget....disney-vertigo/ Or are we back to the 'not enough lift' issue that makes it impossible for Lego planes to fly? If so, at the very least, we can try a fan propelled contraption/vehicle. The high-flow blades from the EDU group might be a suitable candidate, as seen in the link below. http://www.eurobrick...showtopic=77519

Are those the rare 19L flex axles?

Reminds me of a quote/signature from another board I often visit: There are 10 different types of people, those who understand binary, and those who do not.

Just a note here that most Lego based programming tools use a GUI with graphical tools. As such they are meant for a younger audience. While this is a good introduction to build some 'logical thinking', it is way different from what I'd call 'classical' programming, such as in CPP or python. Learning to program in RCX or NXT is only useful for Lego projects, and not much else in life. If you want your son to learn programming, might start with 3rd party platforms such LeJos and the like.

Nice to have avid collectors on here but ... have you ever wondered what would happen to such sets were you to 'depart' to another 'world'? I look at all my sets, and often wonder if this whole collecting was a good idea to start with ... oh and I have in excess of 300 sets.

I can't help but notice that there are way too many themes out there today. The Lego display areas at the local stores have too many sets to choose from, and so many themes. Isn't this 'dangerous' for the future of TLG? TLG certainly can't expect the customer base to increase their bricks 'budget' to go out and buy all those themes ... Too many themes is 'too much'. I personally am not buying as many sets as I used to, and many of my friends as well. What's your take? Where do you see TLG heading with such aggressive 'diversification' ?

Not to digress, but I'm in full agreement. What surprised me about Phiro, is that they've now reached their target and fully funded ... This only says (to me) that many people out there (the project backers) may NOT know about EV3/mindstorms/etc.

I came upon this on YouTube: It's a rather impressive build, especially the demo (towards the end) of the vehicle still having traction, while two wheels on the side are not touching the ground. Anyone one knows who the author is, and if there are instructions?

I've been collecting such wheels (green/black) for a while and been pondering if I could use all of them at once in the same project. Very nice MOC that you have built, certainly very inspiring. Now, I personally would not run such wheels on a rough surface because of a skid-steer effect i.e., the wheels undergo large lateral friction in turns, and that may 'wear' them.

I've been quiet for a while on this forum (for sure many must have appreciated that ). The reason is, I went exploring RPI/Arduino, and there is much more one can do than the EV3 by itself. The large variety of sensors out there opens up many possibilities. I'm just getting started though and been only replicating what others have done. 1. Has any of you explored this, for example BrickPI and the like? 2. Would we see more mix-and-match in the future? 3. Where does Lego/EV3 fit in this IOT microcosm? (IOT = Internet Of Things)

Original Post I pondered whether this was politically correct, especially in such a neutral/international forum. Yet, one cannot remain quiet about the horrific events that took place in Paris. To those amongst us from France, may you have the courage to heal/recover, and prevail over this, you're all in our thoughts. MODs: If you feel this topic is inappropriate, please remove.

I think the price is really aimed at corporations ... not suitable for most hobbyists. Unless of course, you have more green than to know what to do with.

While I tend to agree with the purists, it is an unavoidable fact that many third party companies (and startups) use lego as building blocks that attach to their own components. There is a lego compatible box for the RaspberryPi, there a lego compatible vehicle called Phiro, ... The list is only growing. I think with time, Lego will slowly become not self-contained, but be integrated in many more 'toys' out there, and become a universal set of building blocks, use and abuse (and enjoy) at will.

Have you guys seen this? https://www.kickstar...a?ref=discovery Not sure what to make of this. It is well known/accepted that STEM technically started with with the RCX at MIT, but nowadays, everyone is trying to come up with something novel and call it essential for teaching kids about programming, problem solving, and the future. I do not want to come across as too critical, but the project's home is Cambridge in Massachusetts (that's where MIT is) but I'm not sure if the authors are affiliated with MIT. After all, MIT and Lego go back many years ago (late 80's) with a micro-processors/design course (6.270) that essentially launched the interest in STEM. So, what do you guys (and gals) make of Philo ... err Phiro ?

While I too would love to see 'interesting' machines with unique mechanisms be made in Lego, I highly doubt TLG will extend too much beyond the typical offerings. My argument? Well, most TLG vehicles are those most of us (especially young kids) have seen working outside, or can relate to. CAT has a large number of mining machines (check their website) and I doubt any of us has seen those in real life. I'd love to be proven wrong though.

It is a gyro, and by definition, it does NOT measure the angle, but the RATE of change of such angle (i.e., angular speed). Yes, you can install it in any direction/orientation you want, but I highly doubt you can use it to measure the inclination (angle) of a boom.

Then there are the pins that came 'permanently' mounted in some of the old technic rectangular frames. Permanent mean very difficult to take out. The one example I can think of is of that boat with 2 narrow hulls.

Looks to me like part 87518 was rushed to production, without 'full' validation :). Lego has 'adopted' the automotive/software mindset.

Here is the comparison from Bricklink. Minor details and mold upgrade. As far as I know they should be interchangeable, but I could be wrong. Anyone knows why TLG updated the mold? Functionality or part strength?

Thank you, I knew I was missing something rather obvious :)

Very nice. I wonder though, Do the shock absorbers really work? It looks like their length would not change, unless I need to look at pictures from different angles.