Questions tagged [3rd-party]
Any type of components or tools not directly endorsed by LEGO or it's affiliates.
48
questions
2
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1
answer
702
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How to buy a lot of 65803 Technic plates for a mosaic project?
I would like to make a pixel-art mosaic and found out the existence of part 65803 for building the base board: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=65803#T=C
Alternately, there is a ...
- 135
3
votes
1
answer
359
views
Is it possible to use XBox controller with PoweredUp [duplicate]
I have a couple of PoweredUp kits that I tweaked in the app but now, I would like to get more control on them using a physical remote.
I own an Xbox One Bluetooth controller and I thought I saw some ...
- 133
3
votes
0
answers
109
views
Identify bricks, similar to LEGO without bottom tubes
I have a box of bricks with some age, that I'm unable to identify.
They have some numbers on the inside which don't help and no identifying markings. I thought they could be by Halsam, however that is ...
8
votes
3
answers
2k
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Recommendation on how to build a "brick presence detector"?
I want to build a model of a complex machine with Lego and Arduino or a Raspberry. The machine model also features several accessories that can be added or removed during operation of the machine ...
- 183
6
votes
2
answers
403
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How can I connect a 4mm Stepper motor shaft to a technic gear?
How can I connect a 4mm or 6mm stepper motor D shaft to an old Technic gear?
I would like to mount an old 8-tooth gear to a 4-6 mm diameter stepper motor shaft.
Lego part: 3647:
Stepper motor:
...
- 279
7
votes
1
answer
267
views
Looking for a PC controlled motor that allows for very small and precise movements
The image below is a LEGO specimen stage designed for a stereo microscope. I am looking for a recommendation for a PC controlled motors that allows for very small and precise movements.
I want use ...
- 279
6
votes
1
answer
256
views
LEGO or LEGO-compatible control for SG90 servo?
Is there a way to control three-wire servo (for example the SG90 servo or other common models) by LEGO Power Functions or CaDA power function?
- 61
4
votes
1
answer
287
views
Does LEGO sell a DC relay for Power Functions?
I’d like to use a signal from a (5V) littleBits circuit to control some (9V) Power Functions motors.
Does LEGO sell or recommend a DC relay to facilitate this sort of thing?
If the answer is no, I’d ...
- 450
7
votes
2
answers
690
views
Looking for instructions for Nanoblock Synthesizer (NBC_038)
I was given a Nanoblock Synthesizer (NBC_038) at Christmas last year and frankly am feeling really guilty for not having built it and put it on the piano yet. Sadly, I've lost the instructions. I've ...
- 173
5
votes
2
answers
269
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Are there any existing (or upcoming) aftermarket PoweredUp hubs?
I bought the Mindstorms v4 / advanced hub (in set 51515). It's a good set, and the Hub has some great features - notably a rechargeable battery, the ability to run "live" off of USB power, ...
1
vote
1
answer
223
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Help identifying a Megabloks set - grey and black mass
Could you help me work out what this set could be? Tried searching through Google Images, etc. and can’t find it.
2
votes
2
answers
1k
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Looking for a way to connect SG90 servo motor to Lego Technic hole in a brick, in order to control Lego train track switch
After looking at this question:
Can I remotely control the points on PF train tracks?
I got the idea of controlling the train track switch handle using a servo motor that will be able to move the ...
- 23
4
votes
2
answers
324
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Which is more environment-friendly: LEGO bricks or Mega Bloks?
Which is more environment-friendly LEGO bricks or Mega Bloks?
- 41
6
votes
2
answers
1k
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Arduino-izing LEGO Technic - ideas for a car / vehicle to choose
I am starting a project - Arduino-izing LEGO Technic - and now I need some ideas for a car / vehicle to choose.
This project starts out as a quest to find a way to combine the ease of LEGO Technic ...
- 173
11
votes
1
answer
494
views
How To Sort Out 3rd Party Technic Clones From LEGO Originals?
I've recently bought bulk parts, and wish to sort out the official LEGO pieces from the inferior quality 3rd party clones.
On bricks I can easily spot-out the clones, becasue they don't sport the "...
- 415
2
votes
2
answers
719
views
Is the EV3 compatible with a 3rd party I2C gyroscope?
The only detail I've found so far is that the pull-up resistor should be 82k ohm. I'm wondering If I could just get something like this Adafruit Gyro/Accelerometer
and just hook it up to the SDA and ...
- 143
2
votes
1
answer
266
views
Can you identify this piece of non-LEGO submarine from a sketch?
This is from a submarine set I bought on aliexpress. It's not LEGO but usually the pieces are the same. I'm missing this piece and cannot identify it. Can you guys help me?
5
votes
1
answer
213
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Is there a slotted yoke piece?
I need it for mechanisms such as the Scotch yoke, but I only see workarounds, like this one, where the slot is made with several other pieces.
-2
votes
1
answer
536
views
LEGO clone identification with letter B on studs
What LEGO clone is this?
It looks like LEGO, but I can't seem to find anything more.
Could you please help identifying this?
- 1
6
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Difference between gyro sensor and compass sensor
Does the HiTechnic compass perform the same function as the gyro sensor? I have been trying to find out the difference.
- 61
3
votes
0
answers
734
views
Can I use EV3 with a TETRIX motor?
What program can I use to control a TETRIX motor through the LEGO EV3? I've heard that RobotC currently cannot be used for this.
Has NI released a Labview version which I can use to control TETRIX ...
- 31
4
votes
2
answers
475
views
Question about a Lego Compatible brand with "B L" logo
My son has a small orange and grey space ship building set. It has two astronauts with it. The logo on the bricks shows the letters "B L" on them. We're trying to find instructions online so that he ...
- 41
5
votes
1
answer
1k
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Is it safe to use a hot glue gun for Mega Bloks?
I've just managed to secure a copy of the Mega Bloks StarCraft Battlecruiser set on eBay after they dropped significantly in value with Blizzard clearing out the last of the stock with their recent ...
- 53
2
votes
1
answer
2k
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Mega Bloks vs LEGO bases [duplicate]
Are Mega Bloks compatible with LEGO bases? Do they sell larger LEGO bases for them? I am making a table but want to use the correct base.
- 29
2
votes
1
answer
516
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Where can I buy engraved LEGO bricks?
What is the cheapest site to buy engraved LEGO bricks?
I am searching for the cheapest site to buy engraved 2X4/2x6 bricks so that I can put names on them and send them to people. Any insight is ...
- 51
4
votes
1
answer
368
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Are there any components compatible with EV3 that are more powerful and durable?
Are there components compatible with EV3 like motors, sensors, brackets, other details that I can easily connect to an existing EV3 main block and build something to do real-life tasks? Like ...
- 635
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vote
1
answer
1k
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Is (C) engraved on a piece an indication that it is Cobi brick?
I know that Lego prints their logo on almost all of their bricks, but some are not given this privilege. I have a couple of pieces, 3x3 in a shape of 2 fingered foot, two pin holes on front corners ...
- 639
6
votes
5
answers
6k
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What are the pros and cons of using a Lego rental service such as Pleygo?
Anyone used Pleygo which is a website advertised as A Netflix-like rental service for Lego® sets? What are the pros and cons?
- 587
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votes
7
answers
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Who else produces Duplo-sized blocks?
I gather that Mega Bloks Mini Bloks are the same size as Duplo, and are compatible with it. Do any of the other major brick manufacturers make similar bricks?
Knowing the possibilities can help when ...
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14
votes
3
answers
3k
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Third-party blocks with a smiling face or an umbrella with 2 dots on each side
I bought a bunch of duplos from the thrift store and inside there was not Just duplos but also mega bloks. I was able to separate most of them but there are a few that I just cannot tell which is ...
- 141
11
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3
answers
7k
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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 ...
- 5,453
9
votes
5
answers
2k
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Factories that could make off-patent bricks?
I'm quite interested in finding a factory that can produce a small-ish run of high-quality plastic bricks that I can use in my classes and possible to re-sell as stand-alone kits. I only need a few ...
- 747
5
votes
2
answers
3k
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Is there a place where you can buy single pieces of LEGO-compatible systems?
I've acquired a set of MegaBloks and was amazed at the slopes with studs on top.
Unfortunately the set is $15 and there's only 6 pieces I need.
So I wanted to ask, are there any sites like Bricklink ...
- 341
4
votes
1
answer
950
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Does the LEGO company actively follow or copy clone bricks?
What does The LEGO group do to follow clone brands?
Do they buy at least one of every set produced by The Other Guys?
I'm more interested about what the LEGO company does to keep up with what ...
- 3,279
7
votes
1
answer
282
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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 ...
- 822
9
votes
6
answers
12k
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LEGO brick competitors?
I'm trying to find all the competitors to LEGO. I know there is MegaBloks. What are some more?
The base idea is that they should be bricks and they need to connect to each other like LEGO. However, ...
- 191
8
votes
1
answer
669
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 ...
- 81
8
votes
2
answers
6k
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Is it possible to retrive a text file from an NXT?
I am on a SeaPerch building team which is starting to use a Vernier Dissolved Oxygen probe, connected to an NXT to log the data. I have a bit of programming experience, but nothing in particular with ...
- 183
13
votes
4
answers
2k
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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 ...
- 2,607
9
votes
2
answers
2k
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LEGO-compatible suction cups?
I'm looking for suction cups that are compatible with the LEGO pneumatic system. I've seen people who have built things with them (on YouTube videos, etc), but haven't found anything on eBay or ...
- 1,228
12
votes
3
answers
4k
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What are all the third party (unofficial) accessories I can get for an NXT
Similar to this question but I'd like to know about 3rd Party/aftermarket options instead please.
I've heard about motor multiplexers and the like but are there others, i.e. more sensitive colour ...
- 19.5k
5
votes
2
answers
269
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What are all the different third-party accessories that I can get for an RCX?
What are all the different third-party accessories that I can get for an RCX?
- 1,085
28
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6
answers
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In what ways are LEGO and Megabloks incompatible?
I know that the basic bricks of LEGO and Megabloks fit together, but was wondering if other elements do too.
Such as:
Plates
Rods (Ones Minifigures can hold, not Technic)
Right angle (such as Erling)...
- 5,216
2
votes
3
answers
206
views
What are some 3rd party mini-figure gun makers that distribute in Canada?
I'd like to buy some flint-lock era mini-figure guns for my collection, something like these guns. What I don't want is to pay the outrageous customs fees to get them to Canada. Does anyone know of ...
- 1,399
15
votes
5
answers
4k
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Are companies producing custom molded LEGO pieces legally entitled to do so?
We have seen (or I have seen, given I am a member of a few popular BIONICLE fan sites) an uproar from custom molding companies -- that is, companies that create their own LEGO pieces.
My question is ...
- 251
38
votes
8
answers
30k
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What are the best options for building a LEGO RC car?
I would like to build a remote controlled car. And if someone already has a good solution for that I would be glad to try it.
It's been a while since I had the time and material to build some LEGO ...
- 1,336
13
votes
4
answers
939
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Do any of the KRE-O Transformers sets actually transform?
KRE-O, a LEGO-compatible brick toy, has several officially licensed Transformers models. I have two of the smaller ones and they do not actually "transform" - you take them apart and put them back ...
user23
10
votes
3
answers
7k
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Are Nanoblocks compatible with other building bricks?
Recently I have found Nanoblocks, a Japanese brick toy, in American stores. How compatible are these with other building toys? They look to be approximately the same scale as Modulex.
user23