All Questions
7
votes
1answer
278 views
Can I use two ultrasound sensors at a time?
Is there a way to use two ultrasound sensors on a Mindstorms NXT without them interfering with each other?
7
votes
2answers
932 views
What was wrong with monorails?
From this answer:
Then there's the whole problem of parts which are simply not in production any longer, and for which the cost of reproducing them would offset the potential benefits of reissuing ...
7
votes
1answer
207 views
How much depth does the NXT battery pack add?
The NXT rechargeable battery pack does not fit flush with the back of the NXT brick like the battery cover (used with 6xAAs) does. I don't have the battery pack (yet), so I was wondering how much ...
7
votes
1answer
276 views
Historically, what types of sets have proven to be a great investment?
My brother recently sold some of the lego he had as a child, and they went for a lot more than they cost originally, even taking inflation into account.
So, what types of sets have risen in value ...
7
votes
1answer
179 views
Can I take an old LEGO winch apart?
I have an old LEGO winch that looks like #73037
It has been "restrung" but it is very stiff and it looks like it has some of the old string stuck between the rotating and non-rotating parts. It ...
7
votes
1answer
267 views
Is there a freely downloadable set and part dataset?
I'm working on a project that will require a list of all sets including all of the parts they contain. I'm aware of at least three sites which have this information (Peeron, BrickLink, and ...
7
votes
1answer
511 views
Explaination of LXFML file contents
I am interested in writing a game that interprets LXF files into worlds (to create a game such as Lego Universe). After finding out how to extract the LXFML file from the LXF archive, I need to know ...
7
votes
1answer
466 views
How can I catalog my LEGO pieces?
I have a fairly large LEGO collection, but not large enough that I can build anything and everything, given instructions. It's already organized quite well, but how can I catalog the pieces I have so ...
7
votes
1answer
193 views
NXC Saturation algorithm for limiting motors?
What is a good algorithm in NXC for control saturation? I want to make sure my motors don't turn past a certain angle, or they will break the model.
I could do something like:
if (angle > 45) ...
7
votes
2answers
242 views
Why does this program work in LabView when targeted to computer but not to NXT?
I have a program written in Labview for my LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0. When the target is set to the computer, the program works just fine. However, when I set the target to the NXT, the program doesn't ...
7
votes
1answer
302 views
Lego with hollow posts underneath - dates?
When did TLG change the small posts on the underside of the modern bricks and plates , eg 1x6 and 1x4, to hollow ones?
7
votes
1answer
714 views
How do the train wheels turn so smoothly?
After assembling a train or its companion wagons, I'm always impressed at how smoothly the wheels glide over the track.
When putting them together, it's just a metal axle with two wheels on each end ...
7
votes
1answer
320 views
Is there an easier way of threading Technic pins into other elements?
I've been using Lego Digital Designer to recreate a few models I've built in real life. One model in particular uses many Technic axles which need to be inserted fully into other Technic bricks (like ...
7
votes
0answers
170 views
How can the 12v Train 7823 Container Depot be used to load container ships as per Lego Catalogue
As I kid I was always confused by the description of the 7823 Container Depot
in the Lego Catalogues:
..."The crane can be raised so container ships can be loaded."
An example can be seen in ...
6
votes
2answers
218 views
How can I draw a microfigure on paper?
I am a great drawer, but I cannot draw microfigures! You may think that because I am young I won't be great I really am, but I need help drawing this, on paper.
6
votes
3answers
326 views
How to make a conveyor belt with LEGO parts?
I am making a small robot with an Arduino and Technic LEGO powered by stepper motors. I am planning on moving small rocks throughout my machine. Does anyone have an idea of what kind of Technic LEGO ...
6
votes
2answers
403 views
Does Toy 'R Us (or more expensive-than-average) retailers have more extra parts than average?
I haven't bought LEGO sets for a while, as my kids are just getting old enough to make the sets, but I am assembling the LOTR sets which I find impossible to resist.
I bought Gandalf Arrives (9469) ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
What is the average price per piece?
Some LEGO pieces are probably more expensive than others, but what is the average price per piece of LEGO pieces, when sold as part of a kit? Is there any place containing statistics or graphs about ...
6
votes
2answers
381 views
Where can I get 'classic' Lego heads from?
The new heads with expressions are all well and good, but I for one prefer the expressionless 'classic' faces.
Are they available anywhere?
6
votes
1answer
541 views
Why was the 1x1 round brick changed?
The first 1x1 round bricks had no lip, just like most bricks:
Brick, Round 1 x 1 Old - No Bottom Lip
A lip was then added:
Brick, Round 1 x 1 Solid Stud
Why?
Later, a hole was added in the ...
6
votes
3answers
257 views
Simplest approach for rail sets automation
How would you tackle the automation of a lego rails set. I am looking for a solution that can be achieved with available parts.
From the answer I will chose either to invest into lego rail sets for ...
6
votes
1answer
280 views
Whose Head is this?
I've found this kind of cool looking minifigure:
Apologizes for the poor picture. :(
But after some research, I think I have determined that this body would have come from set 6584 - Extreme team ...
6
votes
3answers
338 views
Can Lego soccer (football) parts be used for anything other than soccer?
I had the Lego soccer field, but took it apart. What else can the parts be used for besides soccer? I'm specifically wanting to know about the green bases and minifigure stands.
6
votes
2answers
198 views
How to Make a Lego Claw Arm?
I am trying to build a lego claw arm to pick up stuff that is out of my reach and I need some ideas on how to design it. I would like a mechanism to be able to open and close the claw from the ...
6
votes
4answers
1k views
How can I convert an image's pixels to actual LEGO colors?
The LEGO Group released a few "mosaic" sets a while back, which came with clear baseplates and a bunch of 1x1 bricks. I have been wondering recently if it is possible to use an image as a reference ...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
How can I build a LEGO marble pump?
All right, here's a tough one for ya'll.
How can I built a marble pump out of LEGO bricks? What would the mechanism which pushes the marbles up need to look like?
Here's an example in this video:
...
6
votes
2answers
496 views
Are there any African American LEGO minifigures besides the ones from the “Sports” basketball series?
I was wondering if there were any African American LEGO minifigures besides the ones from the sports basketball series... I got a brown head from a LEGO Stormtrooper set instead of a black one. I then ...
6
votes
1answer
156 views
What is the true angle of a cheese slope?
What is the true angle of a cheese slope?
Bricklink lists it as "Slope 30 1 x 1 x 2/3" while LDraw and Peeron list it as "Slope Brick 31 1 x 1 x 2/3". Why do these sources disagree, and what is the ...
6
votes
1answer
271 views
What is this challenge to solve the Rubik cube as quickly as possible using LEGO bricks?
I saw videos of people participating in race to resolve a Rubik cube as quickly as possible using Mindstorm LEGO robots.
Can you provide information if there is a competition, who is involved?
What ...
6
votes
2answers
337 views
Exact dimensions of studless Technic beams
I'm looking for the exact dimensions of the studless Technic beams. I found a number of answers for studded beams but there are some more aspects for the studless beams which are not covered.
I'm ...
6
votes
2answers
245 views
How do I build a paper feeder with LEGO to transfer a single sheet of paper from a deck robustly?
I want to create an apparatus (which might be called a paper feeder) to take a still image for each paper taken from a deck of 500 sheets robustly. Robustly means that the apparatus must guarantee all ...
6
votes
2answers
286 views
Alternative (back of box) builds of 7822 Railway Station - is there an 'official' configuration where the track terminates at the station?
I am looking for a scan or photo of the back of the box of the 7822 Railway Station
Background:
As is common with Lego sets, there are a number of alternative builds pictured on the back of the set ...
6
votes
1answer
471 views
What range of parts do LEGO Stores offer, or is it just sets and games?
I've seen these pictures of LEGO stores but have been unable to work out if they are plastic bubbles on the wall that you can dig you hand into and buy lego bricks in bulk, or is just for decoration. ...
6
votes
2answers
420 views
How should I go about selling $3k worth of unsorted LEGO sets?
Here is my problem. Over the years my son had me buy a large number of Star Wars sets (including 10179, 10188, 6211, 7676, 7675) and he built them. Then he traded (or lost) most of the mini-figs ...
6
votes
1answer
126 views
What are the names for these two pieces of a car chassis and a piece for above the wheels?
I have the following pieces but cannot find their names nor precise usage on BrickLink or elsewhere
The black one has a wheel well on each side - sorry for the poor image quality.
Both the red and ...
6
votes
1answer
199 views
List of prototype or unreleased themes
I recently discovered the unreleased "Seatron" theme (basically an early Aquazon prototype with elements from M-tron) as I was looking around for building ideas. After some searching, I also found the ...
6
votes
1answer
196 views
Are there SNOT models with instructions for beginners?
I would like to introduce SNOT building to my daughter. I have used this method only a few times myself and when I did, I was just messing around. I feel it would be simpler and less frustrating for ...
6
votes
1answer
116 views
Are third party NXT compatible parts safe to use?
I bought the Mindstorms NXT for my son's coming birthday and I noticed that there are several places you can get third party parts to use with it (sensors, connectors, etc). Are these safe for the ...
6
votes
1answer
270 views
Are the molds for LEGO bricks maintained in house or is maintanance partly outsourced?
I'm a maintenance engineer myself and busy with my MBA courses with the following strategic question: what maintenance can be outsourced or not. I was wondering if Lego does all maintenance of the ...
6
votes
1answer
735 views
Do regular Lego trains fit onto Duplo tracks?
I have a small kid and a bunch of Duplo train track. (Like what's in this set.) Would "grown up" sets, like the Emerald Night or Maersk trains, work on that track? They look pretty close (the wheels ...
6
votes
1answer
392 views
How much does a life sized LEGO person sculpture weigh?
Generally, how many pounds of LEGO would it take to make a life sized person sculpture?
Do they weigh anywhere near the same as the real person they are modeled after?
6
votes
3answers
556 views
Can you build accurate models using 100% LEGO elements by following Megablocks instructions?
I shudder when I find errant MegaBloks in my LEGO elements, but admit to admiring certain in-the-box models offered by them. I know the pictures depicted on the MB boxes are not actually photos of a ...
6
votes
2answers
535 views
Can we program Nxt2 in C++ under Visual studio 2010?
I'd like to know if it is possible to develop C++ software for NXT2 using Visual Studio 2010 as IDE. I know there are small online projects for NXT but I can't find nothing about NXT2.... Any ...
6
votes
2answers
229 views
What is the history of “Modulex” blocks?
I have seen a few very small models using something called "Modulex" pieces and have even heard that they are directly related to LEGO somehow? They don't seem to be around anymore so I was wondering ...
6
votes
2answers
622 views
Whatever happened to Architecture 21015 Eames House?
The set was scheduled to be released in 2012, no such luck. Any idea on why it never came out? Was looking forward to building it.
6
votes
2answers
177 views
What are the special features of the Ferrari F1 Racer 1:8 kit?
I found a good price on the Ferrari F1 Racer 1:8 kit. From the picture of the box cover, it would seem that the steering wheel can turn the wheels, but I cannot identify any other moving features.
...
6
votes
1answer
216 views
How do they decide when to remove an element from production, and what happens to the molds when they are retired?
We all know certain LEGO elements are no longer being produced. How do they decide when to remove an element from production, and what happens to the molds when they are retired?
6
votes
1answer
781 views
Is there a way to draw LEGO figures using Blender?
I have some basic experience in Blender. Is there any way to insert pre-drawn LEGO pieces into Blender?
6
votes
2answers
367 views
How to fix my XL motor?
I used the XL motor near water. Now it stopped working. Can someone tell me what I can do to fix it?
6
votes
2answers
1k views
Bridge from just basic bricks?
I teach an after-school engineering class using LEGO bricks, one of our classes has the students build a bridge. Each student gets a custom set of about 150 2x4 bricks, about 300 2x2 bricks, and, if ...
