6
votes
2answers
385 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 ...
6
votes
2answers
153 views
What is known of the capacities of the MINDSTORMS EV3 when it comes to interconnection with a network (WiFi, bluetooth)
What is known of the new MINDSTORMS EV3 capabilities when it comes to netwoked functions. What type of interface can be plugged to interact with a PC or portable device (smartphone/tablet)?
In term ...
6
votes
2answers
403 views
Homemade methods for interfacing a Servo with LEGO bricks
I'm looking for non-destructive way to structurally attach a standard servo with LEGO bricks. I'm interested in answers for either Large, Medium or Small size servos.
I'm using LEGO ...
6
votes
1answer
542 views
Is it unethical to distribute 3D models of Lego bricks?
So say that I use LeoCAD to export some brick models to Blender. Would it be unethical to modify the models in various ways (tris to quads tool, subsurfacing, textures, rigging, etc.) and then ...
6
votes
3answers
385 views
Which Duplo bricks have practical uses in System building?
Traditional 2x4 and 2x2 Duplo bricks can be used to bulk out models and provide a structural support for landscapes, but have there been any other uses for Duplo bricks of all shapes and sizes in ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I make my own LEGO stickers?
I'd like to make my own stickers like the ones produced for LEGO sets using a design I've made in Photoshop.
What do I need to make stickers for LEGO, what kind of printer do I need?
Will the ...
6
votes
1answer
620 views
How can I get my NXT to turn on - all it does is softly click?
Recently when I plugged my NXT brick into my PC I clicked on the wrong option and now all it does is clicks when I turn it on? How do I get it back to a usable state?
6
votes
1answer
155 views
How well does the new interior lighting system intergrate into a new build?
I enjoyed the interior LEGO lighting I saw at Brickcon 2011. How does the lighting system affect the fit of the LEGO elements involved?
6
votes
1answer
507 views
How can I automate orders from Lego Pick-a-Brick?
Is there a way to automate the process of ordering from Lego's online Pick-a-Brick? I'd like to be able to go from a .csv with part IDs to a filled cart on their site, or even all the way through to ...
6
votes
1answer
291 views
Which resolution is necessary to print bricks with a 3D printer?
I would like to print LEGO compatible figures. Which resolution is required for the 3D print in order to firmly fix the figures on LEGO bricks?
6
votes
1answer
221 views
Alternative controller for LEGO NXT
I love the NXT platform and have quite an investment in sensors and motors, etc. I would like to know if there are alternative controllers that have been integrated with the NXT sensors/motors. By ...
6
votes
1answer
151 views
Why is my LDD model incomplete after I export it to LDraw?
I have an LDD model that I exported to an LDraw file. When I opened it in LDView, only part of it was displayed.
It looks like some parts were not exported properly. Is it normal? Why does it happen?
...
6
votes
1answer
462 views
How many hours of travel does it take to wear out LEGO monorail tires?
I've seen some pretty impressive LEGO tire driven/cushioned monorail displays that put miles of wear on the track and the train cars that ride on it. I'm hoping a monorail expert can tell me (about) ...
6
votes
2answers
886 views
What's the best way to link two (or more) LEGO Power Functions (PF) train motors together?
Last Christmas I built an extended Emerald Night train to run around the tree. To get it to work I had to add a second Power Functions motor. I tuned both IR receivers to the same frequency and slowly ...
6
votes
1answer
611 views
How are the LEGO instruction manuals made?
I wish to know how the lego instruction manuals are made. What is the process currently used?
6
votes
2answers
223 views
What was the 12v AC socket for on the 7864 transformer?
The 7864 transformer had, in addition of the main regulated outlet for controlling trains and a fixed 12v DC for plugging in remote controls and lights, a third socket available which provided 12v AC.
...
6
votes
1answer
386 views
Can the RCX connect to infra-red on a computer?
Can the RCX connect to a laptop with a IR reciver on it? I want to program my RCX on my computer, But i have no db9 (Lego RCX connecter for 1.0 tower) seriel connecter nor a converter.
6
votes
1answer
129 views
How is the LEGO plastic different from Megablok plastic?
It's obvious that LEGO has better quality control, but what about the plastic they use? Megabloks look cheap and the parts seem to vary in color in a side by side comparison next to LEGO brand ...
6
votes
1answer
615 views
Adapting charger for NXT 9798 battery
I have an old style 9798 NXT rechargeable battery pack 7.2V 1400MnAh, but no charger.
Can I adapt a spare non lego 9v 200mAh charger for this? Or is voltage too high? can anyone read the output ...
6
votes
0answers
114 views
How to simulate Lego Mindstorms programs written in C#?
I am going to do some programming for Lego Mindstorms in C# using
http://www.mindsqualls.net/
and have a question. Is there any good simulator to see result of my program without uploading the code ...
5
votes
4answers
393 views
What LEGO wheels would look like the three types used on the JPL Mars Rovers?
I would like to build the three types of JPL Mars rovers (Sojourner, MER and MSL) with the right size ratio relative to each other. For that, finding the right wheels would be the hardest thing. I ...
5
votes
4answers
672 views
Rebuilding the Millennium Falcon 7965 with unsorted bricks?
After a week of building the Millennium Falcon 7965, we were nearing the end. My son became excited and literally started jumping for joy. As a result, he accidentally landed on the model and thus ...
5
votes
2answers
397 views
Why are there no faces drawn on the black heads?
There were two black heads in the Star Wars 2011 advent calendar and neither had a face drawn. Is that because there was no face necessary since it was going to be covered with a mask anyway or is ...
5
votes
3answers
3k views
What parts are really required to motorize 10219 Maersk Train?
The Official site detailed page states that:
Motorize your Maersk train by adding LEGO Power Functions #8878 Rechargeable Battery Box, #8887 Transformer 10V DC, #8884 IR Receiver, #8879 IR Speed ...
5
votes
2answers
204 views
What are the new elements released via the LEGO Friends sets?
What new elements did the release of the Friends sets add to the LEGO element parts palette?
5
votes
5answers
290 views
Which brands (fictional and non-fictional) have appeared in the Town/City theme?
A few years ago I wrote an article about the fictional organisation logos found in the City theme.
I'd quite like to revisit this, as I'm sure I must have missed some. I also only focused on the ...
5
votes
2answers
806 views
How can I identify kits from a box of parts?
I am a life long Lego Maniac, and my kits from when I was a kid were passed down to my nephew, who has just passed them down to my son (40 years of history...). The trouble is that none of my old ...
5
votes
2answers
358 views
Are these trees LEGO parts?
I've come across some trees from some bulk purchases I've made, and I can not determine if these are LEGO or "compatible" parts. Any ideas? The tree on the left is an official tree but the one in the ...
5
votes
1answer
251 views
Is this a fleur-de-lis hood ornament, or something else?
I came across this interesting piece:
Now, I'm not sure it is a hood ornament, but I would like to know what it is. Any help would be appreciated.
5
votes
2answers
161 views
What are the known software tools for the EV3?
The EV3 is coming in Fall/Summer of 2013 and we tons of unknowns that will come in EV3. I am curious what software EV3 will run and will older generation software run on EV3 (NXT 1.0). And my final ...
5
votes
1answer
362 views
What changes were made to Maersk blue?
I read that Lego recently changes the color of Maersk blue. Is this true? If so, why the change?
5
votes
2answers
1k views
What are the exact dimensions of a DUPLO brick?
The dimensions of LEGO brick are documented well, but what about DUPLO bricks? If have only found the general statements that DUPLO is twice as large as LEGO but no exact numbers. What about the ...
5
votes
4answers
283 views
How can I blow a stream of air for up to two minutes at a time?
I'd like to be able to blow a constant stream of air for up to two minutes. The purpose of this blowing element would be to play a harmonica, using holes punched in a roll of paper/film to expose ...
5
votes
2answers
249 views
What set is this brown (wall?) element from?
While sorting out some old Lego finds, I stumbled across this piece:
I have absolutely no idea what this element could be for other than some kind of wall part, and even then I have never seen ...
5
votes
2answers
415 views
How do I add a light to the Red Cargo Train?
I want to add led light to the front (and probably back) of the Red Cargo Train but the shape of the light is making me wonder what brick I should use to hold the light. I've never seen these lights ...
5
votes
1answer
144 views
Who built the LEGO structures for the film “Elf”?
My daughter greatly enjoyed the look on my face when the guy destroyed Buddy's LEGO models in the film Elf. She wishes she had a picture of me.
The question is: Does anybody know who built the LEGO ...
5
votes
1answer
100 views
How long are Star Wars exclusives usually in stock for?
I'm currently looking into purchasing the Super Star Destroyer, but I'm wondering how long they will be in stock for. The reason I ask is I know that LEGO used to have a Tie Fighter in their ...
5
votes
1answer
241 views
I found this piece in a yard sale grab bag. What other elements do I need to make it work?
I found this piece in a yard sale grab bag. What element(s) do I need to make this element function as it was originally intended?
5
votes
2answers
658 views
Does the PF Servo motor return to center?
Does the PF Servo motor, which was introduced in the 9398: 4x4 Crawler model, have return to center feature?
5
votes
1answer
532 views
What sites are available to sell original boxes?
A couple of years ago, I stumbled across a site (not Ebay) where LEGO fans buy and sell items. I have some large boxes for various sets to sell. All my son's LEGO collection is in plastic boxes, and ...
5
votes
1answer
447 views
What are the electrical properties of electric LEGO systems?
Several electric LEGO systems exist:
LEGO Trains
LEGO Technic Power Functions (PF)
LEGO Mindstorms (in several versions)
...?
How do these systems differ in electrical properties and which systems ...
5
votes
1answer
480 views
Replacement power cable for Mindstorms RCX
I have an old Mindstorms 1.5 RCX.
The plastic on the power cables has degraded, and they short out and don't work well.
These look like they would work as replacements, but I'm not exactly sure. I ...
5
votes
1answer
210 views
Is there a web service showing me the LEGO set with the most parts?
I'm interested in a challenge building a set with very much parts. I thought of the Unimog U400. But is there a webservice, where the sets are sorted by number of parts?
5
votes
1answer
304 views
Bricklink - how to minimize number of merchants for given set of requested bricks?
This question should be answered in Bricklink FAQ, but I didn't find answer there.
I'm a casual Lego hobbyist, I have a few sets with random pieces missing, about two dozens of them. Some are trurly ...
5
votes
1answer
147 views
How to improve the range of an IR reciever?
I am creating a new Truck which contains two IR receivers in the front hood.
With my testing I get a range of about 6 feet (I have also noticed the small Technic motors on the IR receiver are slow ...
5
votes
1answer
487 views
Are there LEGO sets designed for adults?
Other than the LEGO Architecture sets are there any other sets or series that were designed principally for an adult audience?
5
votes
1answer
391 views
Are there LDraw files for the standard Heroica components?
I'm using MLCAD to design and polish some Heroica maps. As I go I've made various LDraw files for the common map components (6x6 tiles with 4 spaces, 4x1 hallways, etc.) as well as some aliases for ...
5
votes
2answers
332 views
What is the best way to transport a large quantity of LEGO bricks?
I have a decently sized collection (thousands of bricks/hundreds of sets/a bunch of bins) from my childhood, but they're all at my parents' house. I live in the US and a couple states away from my ...
5
votes
2answers
243 views
What colors does the NXT Color Sensor support?
Quick question, what colors does the NXT color sensor support? Is it the entire rainbow or only specific colors?
