DLuders

@ Nico71: Lego Supercars (like fine French wine) take time to develop their full body....

Alright! Godzilla vs. Transformers!

LasseDeleuran posted this of a fantastic "GBC (Great Ball Contraption) layout consisting of a record breaking 93 modules at LEGO World, Copenhagen 2011. The record was set at 15:30, February 17." None of them would be possible without LEGO TECHNIC ! "Builders: A: Maico Arts, Holland J: Jean-Marc Nimal, Belgium K: Klaus Hansen, Denmark L: Lasse Deleuran, Denmark M: Martin Nygaard, Denmark T: Trine Jensen, Denmark S: Steven Alperts, Belgium" Kids love looking at GBCs. To find out more, visit GreatBallContraption.com for ideas and links.

@ davidmull: Here is the Shop.Lego.com webpage about the VIP [Very Important Person] Program. Sometimes, The Lego Group (TLG) wants to encourage sales by offering a double-VIP-points (VIP x 2) deal. "Start building your VIP Rewards today! The LEGO VIP Program is our way of thanking you for shopping with us, at your local LEGO Store, through shop.LEGO.com or over the phone. Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend and for every 100 points we’ll give you $5 to spend on more sets for your favorite LEGO fan! Build points faster than ever! •Earn points for every purchase you make - no minimum required •Add family members to the same VIP Account to build your points faster Track your points! •Visit the 'My Account' tab to see your current points balance. •Click the 'VIP History' link to view previous purchases and point transactions. Redeem points for more rewards! •VIP Rewards can be redeemed on your next purchase, or saved up for a bigger treat! •Get special opportunities to double your reward when you use it to purchase selected items!"

Here are better YouTube videos and (by PCTS99) that shows a "Lego 8070 Supercar with extra PF motors to steer and drive detail view":

SpeeedErik has gotten into the mood to do some Lego Technic jumping too:

John30340 posted this about a new way of programming the Lego Mindstorms NXT brick. "If you are not a fan of the VISUAL programming language that comes with an NXT, you will be excited that you can now use RobotBASIC to control the robot directly (NO downloads to the robot at all - everything is done through direct Bluetooth commands). The source code (and RobotBASIC) is FREE at http://www.RobotBASIC.com , but there is also a [bonanza] Book available for those that need it. This video demonstrates a FEW of the routines and projects discussed in the book.""If you are totally new to programming, or just want a short introduction to RobotBASIC, try this PDF TUTORIAL." "ROBOT CLUBS -- RobotBASIC has commands and functions to facilitate contests and competitions for Robot Clubs. This provides a great way to educate new members as well as increasing interest in robotics. We even have a section in Robot Programmer's Bonanza dedicated to using contests to motivate students and club members." The website outlines the advantages of RobotBASIC for many different applications: ● No installation is required – you can run RobotBASIC from a USB-drive, a CD, or even from a web page. ● Use variable typing (integer, float, and string) OR totally untyped variables, where ANY variable at ANY time can be changed to ANY type by simply assigning it a new value. ● Standard GOSUB routines or callable function-like routines (Call/Sub) with LOCAL variable scoping with by reference and by value parameters (which may be skipped), as well as a returned value. ● Use legacy INPUT and PRINT statements for QUICK and EASY I/O (great for introducing programming to non-programmers). ● GUI commands that create buttons, text boxes, edit boxes, list boxes, dialogue windows, message boxes, radio buttons, check boxes, sliders, and more. ● Use a Procedural programming model with GOSUB and CALL/SUB or an EVENT-DRIVEN approach with commands like OnSlider. ● Use standard BASIC syntax or a modified C-style syntax (i.e. ++, +=, !=, &&) This can be great for teaching programming fundamentals before moving on to more complex principles and syntax. ● Increased productivity from numerous “helper functions” that facilitate sorting, multimedia displays, flicker-free 2-D and 3-D animation, robot vision (including web cam support), extensive BMP image manipulation, matrix math, both high and low-level file I/O, the ability to send Emails (SMTP) and communicate over the Internet (UDP and TCP protocols), and much more. ● Develop and debug programs in an easy-to-use INTERPRETER-based IDE (Integrated Development Environment), then COMPILE your programs to standalone EXE’s for easy distribution. ● Ability to create includable LIBRARY files with #include (even include binary files to protect your algorithms). ● An integrated Robot Simulator with numerous sensors such as an electronic compass, ultrasonic distance measurement, IR perimeter sensing, line sensors, a GPS, and more. ● Control real robots using parallel, serial, and USB ports for wireless protocols such as Bluetooth and Zigbee. ● Unique proprietary protocol allows simulator programs (without modification) to control real robots (see our books and the HELP file for complete details). ● Direct support for the USBmicro U4x1 family of I/O modules that provide 1-wire, SPI, and I2C Serial control of Digital MicroDevices as well as 16 lines of TTL I/O (more information is available in the REAL WORLD CONTROL section below). ● Ability to SPAWN other executable files and pass them parameters. ● Over 800 commands and functions often allow a few lines of code to provide the functionality of hundreds of lines in many other languages. ● An extensive 300 page HELP file provides detailed information and numerous programming examples. ● Web page tutorials, sample programs, YouTube videos, and low-cost books provide additional help if needed. ● Improved editor with multiple file capability and color-coded keywords. ● RobotBASIC is FREE to schools, organizations, individuals - EVERYONE!

155.54 EUR = 216.177 USD . Start saving your coins in a cookie jar for this set! This could be the most-expensive Lego Technic set ever.

@ Out of Sight: The electricians at my workplace are constantly changing-out incandescent light fixtures with modern, Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lights. For certain applications, LEDs put out the same amount of light as an incandescent lamp, using less current draw. LEDs for North America are set up for 110-120V, and those for Europe are set up for 220-230V. If you use Lego-brand LEDs (9V), they are paired-up to the Lego 9V battery box. If you use Brick Lights' LEDs, they are paired up with the lower-voltage (3.5-4V) power source. I don't know why one would want to "mix-and-match" different-brand LEDs within the same model. If you don't like the color of the Brick Lights wires, just buy a black Sharpie pen (permanent marker) and color them black.

@ Out of Sight: Maybe you should build a Pneumatic Limit Switch to regulate the pressure, like the one by Larry Pieniazek:

Sariel just revealed more details about his 2011 Plans for Lego Technic models. Here is the picture collage; be sure to read all about them on his website.

ElectricBricks recently sponsored a Truck Trial in Spain. There were seven different truck designs and videos of them in action. "On Sunday the 7th of March was held the first competition organized by electricBricks Truck Trial. Participated in seven vehicles, with an amazing level, both in aesthetics as when passing the tests. These were the pilots who dared to try": "Group photo of all the cars so that you can compare": The circuit consisted of eight tests with individual score, the score was: •10 points: Perfect run (no touches) •7 points: One touch •5 points: 2 touches •3 points: three or more touches •1 point: Null (did not finish) "Key points: •Use or not use of a differential is important, because although no differential vehicles are more difficult to maneuver, do not lose traction at any time, which is not the case with those who do lead, which remained without traction to have a wheel in the air. •In this type of competition must prevail power, which should gear down the output of the engines, but this leads to slow vehicles are also much more powerful. •The choice of wheels is also critical, large wheels and grippy help us overcome the toughest obstacles. •Integral traction proved to be the best solution for some evidence on which the wheels were in the air or stuck with some frequency." "Thanks to all of them and the many who came to accompany or simply enjoy the competition!" Here are two of the seven available videos on the electricBricks webpage:

Dimnix86/ NaturalBornUser has built a fleet of miniature Lego Technic Power Functions vehicles and have showcased them on his Polish website. The Google Translate English translation features his latest creations: "Lego Tractor -- RC powered by PF Medium [motor] and [5119 9V] Micromotor for steering": (link to ) "JCB 8014 Excavator -- Rotate the tower by means PF Medium [motor] inside the tower with 35x relief, circulation as well as remote controlled track drive with adjustable speed. [Linear] Actuators driven also from Medium [motor], including material which contains 5, the actuator bottom rising to the medium-long arm beneath the cab, breaking the top actuator arm was in a lower section of the articulated arm and projecting at the top drives the actuator": (link to ) He also posted Building Instructions (using 19 photographs) for a Front Portal Axle having a 5:1 gear ratio.

The Lego Group (TLG) has done well in 2010, and is poised for modest growth in 2011. Here is a 3-1/2 minute YouTube video outlining the company's success: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp6K5WtfrdY

On his Brickshelf gallery, Doc27/ cbriste27 posted 14 BIG pictures of the "8070 with PFS, XL for power driving and M for steering with original functions." His shows that it retains the 8070's original opening doors, hood/bonnet, and rear spoiler but it can DRIVE and STEER via Power Functions System (PFS) infrared signals. The original V8 motor has been retained also:

On MOCpages, Sheepo recently presented his SuperCar 2011 Complete Chassis design. It shows great sophistication and attention to detail. As an introduction, here is his teaser video that hints what the SuperCar chassis may ultimately be used for: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UjO0rBZdt8&feature=player_embedded Sheepo wrote, "I started to design this car just after finishing the , so it have been under construction more than a year and it is still not finished."I am copying a real car again, but this time in a much more accurate way, as the chassis structure and suspension geometry, including steering wheel turnings, that spins lock to lock! "In this first article you can see the chassis along with the two axles. Throughout May {2011] I will publish a second and bigger article with a finished car. "Part 1: Unibody Chassis" "Here you can see the car's unibody chassis, which is the most important and the more complicated part. It has to be very rigid but with minimal size and volume so as it has to leave maximum space to another mechanisms": "In this new car the final volume of mechanics and electrical items is almost double than in the Veyron , especially with the new gearbox and whole drive, witch is more or less 25x19x9 studs single block. Even has enough space for a large interior and other mechanisms, keeping a 74x31 studs final size": His MOCpages article shows (in great detail) how his SuperCar will have: * A McPherson front axle with shock absorbers and proper wheel CAMBER ANGLE. * Ackermann Steering * Proper wheel CASTER ANGLE * Multilink rear axle "Here you can see more [brickshelf] pictures and bigger: http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=464126 . "As you have appreciate many of the photos are taken from a CAD design, I have used SR3D. The chassis and axles files is available for download here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7JVL0GRG [Warning! Digital file contains nearly 1100 pieces, if you don't have a powerful PC you can't open it properly.]" Which one of the SuperCars shown in his teaser video will he build on this chassis? It may be possible to build your own SuperCar body onto the chassis, for the SuperCar that Sheepo does not select....

Actually, real road graders DO lean into a turn (to improve traction, and to navigate sloped ditchlines). NAHETS posted this short of one in action: Here is a of a Lego NXT Road Grader demonstrating the "wheel lean" (from BlueToothKiwi):

@ Alasdair Ryan: Here is the direct link to the Technic Challenge upload page. Lately, the Shop.Lego.com webpage appears first and one has to click on the link a second time to get past it. Good luck on your entry!

The "rubber thingies with the two axle holes" = 45590 "Technic, Axle Connector Double Flexible (Rubber)": I have not seen a yellow cat-like Lego Technic creation like this. It could be considered to be an updated (Power Functions) version of the cat appearing at the lower-left corner of the 8277 Giant Model set from 1997:

On his Flickr photostream, Artifex posted 12 images of his 8454 Rescue Fire Truck with his "Brick Lights" kit. He wrote, "This was a simple install. A Brick Lights: Mini kit + was used in this Fire Truck - 2 headlights - 2 side door lights - 2 taillights + one 6" extension "This RARE lego set and "Brick Lights" kits are on sale now. Visit my ebay store to see them. Many custom lego creations & sets also available. "See many other sets installed with Brick Lights in my Flickr Collection." Artifex also posted his 8275 Motorized Bulldozer with Lights" -- "A Pro kit + six extensions was used in this Bulldozer - 4 headlights + two 6" extensions - 7 roof lights + four 6" extensions - 1 interior - 4 taillights"

The roads of France are going to be particularly smooth this year! On his website, Nico71 has posted his Lego Technic Road Grader built for SeTechnic's 9th Challenge. He wrote that "The general rules are: under 600-parts, grader, no Power Functions system. "The lifting and rotating of the blade are operated by two 12t bevel gears on the rear. The working system is a worm screw on 24t with lever and ball-joint arm. The rear and front axle are pendular, the rear is connected to the V6 under the trunk with a differential. Another function is hidden in the trunk: the rear ripper. It is driven by a 12t with 20/12t gear and worm screw on 24t gear." "Initally, the model had 615 parts, therefore I have to get rid of the excess parts in order to remain under 600 parts. That is why this grader have a lack of finishing design." More pictures are on his Brickshelf gallery and :

@ VMLN8R: Interesting Lowrider car! It reminds me of the cars cruising the streets of Los Angeles, California:

@ legolijntje: Grohl666's Brickshelf gallery has the photo-sequency Building Instructions for the Bluetongue, and for the red Monster Truck portion of his HeavyTransport MOC (both pictured below). If one had to choose only ONE of these two great creations, I vote for the Bluetongue:

@ Rico Geller: When I saw the video of your first Bridge Launcher, I saw Mahjqa's yellow logo and thought that you had simply built his version in a different color. However, I see that Mahjqa acknowledged that your design is different and is happy with it. Your second bridge launcher is quite strong and exerts a lot of leverage!

@ Krize/ milleniumfalcony: I really like the shape of your Weihnachtspyramide 2. I lived in Berlin for 3 years, and bought a real wooden one at an outdoor Weihnachtsfest for my big sister. I saw it again a few months ago in her house -- yours looks quite realistic.