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dr_spock

Eurobricks Archdukes
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Everything posted by dr_spock

  1. dr_spock
    PU has ongoing software development costs to recover that PF didn't have. Somebody has to pay for that.
  2. dr_spock
    I think learning to build the 1980s sets' alternative models is a good starting point. There are no instructions for them, just a picture on the box. If you can create a model from a picture, you can also create from an image in your mind.
  3. dr_spock
    Before Covid19, I found the Pick A Brick Wall at the LEGO store the best if the piece is available and you take the time to pack as many pieces as possible into the PAB cups.
  4. dr_spock
    I had 1980s LEGO on a shelf that received sunset sunlight from 1990s to 2000s. The whites aren't so white. Some pieces don't have the same clutch power while others seem ok. The stickers are ok. If you like that chemistry stuff, here is a long read: Photodegradation and photostabilization of polymers
  5. dr_spock
    It's your LEGO, do you what you want. I've painted Technic parts after milling them on the CNC. You'll probably get better results using an airbrush.
  6. dr_spock
    One of my LEGO store grand opening sets has 442 of 500 printed on it.
  7. dr_spock
    Pure ABS is a translucent white in color. Stabilizers are not very enviro-friendly. They can slow down degradation of plastic waste in the environment. Depending on the types of stabilizer used, they can prevent oxidation reactions with air, UV light, heat, etc.
  8. dr_spock
    Thanks for the review. Rollover protection for the manholes on the top of the tank. I guess you can call them tombstones since those round rib re-enforced tankers could carry the most dangerous chemicals from a hazmat point of view.
  9. dr_spock
    Yes, you get proportional speed control with the PU remote when the PU train motor is connected to the PU hub. With non-train PU motors connected to the PU hub, the PU remote is on/off like the old PF IR remote (no knobs). You can also create your own control profile with the Powered UP app on your smart phone/tablet to read the PU remote and output to the non-train motors proportionally.
  10. dr_spock
    If your other bluetooth stuff works, then I don't think it would be as bad as that reviewer's experience. Performance can also depend on the bluetooth software/hardware of smart device used. There is one way to find out. Borrow someone's 60197 train set and try it in your location. A spectrum analyzer is useful tool to diagnosis interference problems.
  11. dr_spock
    If you're starting new, PU would probably be the better way to go. PF will only get more rare (and expensive) now that it is no longer in production. I find PU to work better with our large layout at model train shows. We don't need to have line of sight with the PU Remote Control. PF works perfectly fine for our small 2-4 table layout at outdoor picnic events. If you already have an investment in PF train motors...reuse two PF train motors on a PU hub.
  12. dr_spock
    Would adding strain relief help with the wires and/or using thicker gauge wires? That would explain why my wood chipper GBC module running off the 8110 Unimog M-motor PTO would stop working after a few minutes and work again after a few more minutes. Dang drive line friction and heat. I was not having a ball running it at the Brickfete event.
  13. dr_spock
    It's fun to get more use out of old hardware. Recently I received an old Klic-N-Kut die cutter. It has an old school RS232 interface. No problemo. Hooked up a USB to RS232 adapter and no comm. Doh, it's two DTE devices. I had to make a null modem and 3D printed enclosure. The die cutter uses XON/OFF so 3 wires is all that is needed--simple. Don't throw out old computer cables. You never know when you'll need them again. Now we can cut compatible sails and minifigure capes. Works good for making vinyl transfer decals too.
  14. dr_spock
    If you do take the motor apart, could you get the part number off the resistor? I would like to know if it is the same as found in the PF M-motor. Tester shows 1.04 ohms for one from a bad PF M-motor.
  15. dr_spock
    Micro usb connectors are cheaper than usb-c. Every cents count towards your business bottom line.
  16. dr_spock
    Does the motor work connected directly to the PF battery box? You can test motor cable for continuity with a multimeter. The motor is wired to the C1/C2 pins on the PF connector. Non stalling stress can be enough to stop the motor from working, I had that with one of my GBCs. There is a load protection inside the motor.
  17. dr_spock
    Nice. Does the ZX have RS232 routines in its ROM like the Commodore VIC20? I used to use machine language for the speed critical parts and BASIC for everything else on the VIC20. Strangely enough I still have 74LS02 and 74F02 in my box of parts.
  18. dr_spock
    You could connect the outputs of the motor driver to pins 1 & 2 on the PU train motor cable. You don't need to connect pins 3-6 since you don't have to ID the PU device to your motor driver (nor do your motor driver care).
  19. dr_spock
    Dupont connectors are quite handy for mixing and matching and testing stuff. I think I paid less than $20 CAD for a dupont crimper a couple years ago.
  20. dr_spock
    I had sucess making my own PU to PF adapter cables. One thing I ran into making my own connectors was the male and female plastic parts would fit but the electrical contacts weren't touching. They were off by a teensy bit. I had to modify my CAD design and/or re-bend some metal so there is electrical contact. Ah, good old RS232 cables. I had to make a null modem cable recently and couldn't remember which pins go where. My mind was null.
  21. dr_spock
    Also check that you didn't shorted any pins together with the solder since they are pretty close together. The train motor is ID'ed to PU hub by resistance (lack of). Check your 100cm of wire doesn't have a high resistance to throw off the detection.
  22. dr_spock
    What's that old saying? If you want something done right, you gotta MOC it yourself.
  23. dr_spock
    I like the old monkey. They seem to be better at alligator wrestling.
  24. dr_spock
    I had a job operating a CNC machine that milled out an automotive transmission part. Every so often the machine seemed to get possesed by evil spirits. I opened the door and screamed oh my gcode in horror seeing the part terribly mutilated. Reboot it and it'll run fine for rest of the shift.
  25. dr_spock
    At least if you're part of an RLUG, your group can still get LEGO train parts through their LUGBULK program and make your own trains for events. Waiting for LUGBULK to arrive is much quicker than waiting for the next new LEGO train set.
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