Questions tagged [software]
Questions about software related to planning models or programming LEGO robots.
172
questions
98
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8
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Do any programs exist that allow you to build your own LEGO manuals?
What I'm looking for is a program or website/webapp that allows "virtual" building of a LEGO model, step-by-step, and allows you to save these single steps to get a complete building plan in the end. ...
56
votes
2
answers
16k
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Is there anything like a 'recipe generator' for LEGO models?
For me, most of the fun of LEGO toys, is building new things from the instructions. Rebuilding things can be fun, but if I know I have certain bricks (or even sets), is there somewhere to cross-...
23
votes
5
answers
7k
views
How can I create synthetic imagery (rendering) of LEGO models?
I'd like to know how I can create computer imagery of my own models or existing models.
How can we do photographic quality or cartoon like images?
22
votes
2
answers
45k
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Is there a way to convert a 3D model into a lego sculpture?
After researching this question for a few days, I want to post it here so I can share what I learned in an answer, and hopefully learn some new techniques too.
If anyone has found another way to do ...
21
votes
4
answers
86k
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Where can I download the LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 IDE?
I want to see how well that IDE runs on my old Windows XP laptop.
I looked on www.lego.com, but it seems to all be documentation (downloads).
20
votes
3
answers
24k
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Is there any application to keep an inventory of owned sets and pieces?
I'm looking for a desktop application that keeps track of sets and pieces owned. Ideally something that would look up LEGO databases such as Peeron or others in order to add the pieces in a set ...
20
votes
1
answer
4k
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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 ...
18
votes
3
answers
7k
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Is it possible to build Lego bricks with a makerbot replicator 3D print?
Is it possible for plates, tiles or small pieces ? Is it possible to use MLCAD with a Makerbot replicator?
18
votes
2
answers
9k
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What software was used to create the LEGO Movie?
So I've just seen the LEGO Movie and I was amazed at the such intricate details of all the minifigures and sets.
I was wondering if anyone knows what software was used to create the film. Animal ...
18
votes
4
answers
13k
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LEGO Digital Designer Alternatives
I am been using LDD (LEGO Digital Designer) for my latest NXT project and noticed a major delay in building and making instructions for my Projects (My Mindstorm projects contain well over 500 pieces) ...
18
votes
1
answer
4k
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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 ...
13
votes
4
answers
10k
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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 ...
12
votes
2
answers
2k
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Is there an XML format for Lego?
I've seen some pretty neat applications using customized XML formats. There is a Musical Notation XML so that a user can create sheet music on XML. With the right software, that XML can be converted ...
11
votes
2
answers
55k
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Building instructions from an LXF file
I've downloaded an LXF file from rebrickable.com. Which software do I need (for Windows and/or Linux) to get the building instructions based on the LXF file?
11
votes
2
answers
7k
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Good LEGO CAD Design Software with Technic elements and animation
I'm taking computer engineering in Gr. 11 right now and our final project is to create a robot with the first version of Mindstorms. My partner and I are making a sumo robot for the class competition. ...
11
votes
6
answers
10k
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RCX firmware download problem
I hope someone can help me with a problem with getting an original RCX 1.0 system working with a current PC.
I bought the RCX 1.0 system back in (I think) 2000 but its been in storage a long time. In ...
11
votes
1
answer
568
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Is there a rock wall generator?
In Lego store, and on many photos on the Internet, I've seen vertical "rocky" walls made of slopes and simple 2x1 bricks. For example this one.
Is there a software that would take wall length and ...
11
votes
1
answer
1k
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Is 'plate between studs' SNOT supported by one of the LEGO building software?
Do any of the multiple LEGO building software supports 'plate between studs' SNOT assembly?
10
votes
6
answers
33k
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How to fix Mindstorms Error Code 1003
I am using the Lego Mindstorms NXT Education Kit, software version 2.1. Everything was working fine writing programs and downloading them to the robot until all of a sudden when I tried downloading a ...
10
votes
3
answers
3k
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?
10
votes
1
answer
279
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Do I really need to sign into Stud.io?
I recently installed Stud.io 2.0 on my MacBook. Is it absolutely necessary to sign in, or is that just so that you can save to the cloud and build with friends?
10
votes
2
answers
396
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Is it possible to use EV3 MicroPython with Windows 7?
I have been trying to get python on my EV3 brick using an EV3 MicroPython SD card image as described on the Lego website. The EV3 brick seem fine with its new OS.
Instead my problems are at the ...
9
votes
1
answer
325
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Where does the EV3 software store its crash reports?
I cannot find where the crash reports generated by my EV3 software are stored. I have looked where it tells me to, but I can't find any.
8
votes
3
answers
5k
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Does LEGO no longer support NXT 2.0 at all?
I am running Mac OS X 10.15 (Catalina) and the EV3 software can't detect my NXT 2.0 using USB.
8
votes
4
answers
451
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Compare part lists between Stud.io models?
I've created a MOC using Stud.io, bought the pieces and built it. Since it was unstable I've changed the model in Stud.io, and now I would like to buy just the pieces I've added. I could compare both ...
8
votes
2
answers
691
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What solutions are there to organising a LUGBULK order?
I'm involved in a LUG that's made orders in each of the LUGBULK programs that have run. Determining what goes into each order has proven to be a nightmare, with all sorts of email-spreadsheet-ad hoc ...
8
votes
2
answers
5k
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Lego Boost app won't connect. What are my options?
So far, on three devices (Amazon Fire tab, Galaxy tab S2, Galaxy Phone S9), the following when trying to connect to the move hub from the Boost app:
all three permissions (Bluetooth, microphone, ...
7
votes
4
answers
4k
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How to load an RCX from a modern system?
I recently bought a new in box 1.5 Mindstorms kit featuring the RCX. My computer unfortunately does not have a 9-pin connection, and the software does not appear to work on Windows 10. Short of buying ...
7
votes
4
answers
6k
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No software with the EV3 robot?
We bought EV3 robot but it looks like there is no software and we have to pay an additional $99 for the EV3 software. Is this true?
7
votes
2
answers
13k
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EV3-specific bricks missing from Lego Digital Designer 4.3.11 (Win)?
I have LDD on my Mac and have used it to create EV3 models (like an FLL robot, or a Lego dot-matrix printer). Recently, I purchased a cheap Windows laptop for use by a FLL team.
After twice ...
7
votes
2
answers
3k
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How to control a RCX from a Mindstorms NXT
I have both an RCX and an NXT.
I would like to control the RCX brick from the NXT (and possibly communicate back to to the NXT from the RCX). I would like to avoid purchasing the Mindsensors RCX to ...
7
votes
2
answers
8k
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Remote Control option NXT Mindstorms
I bought the NXT Mindstorms education software v2.1 along with a Mindstorms kit (which I don't know the version of).
I am trying to remote control a robot I made using bluetooth between my mac and ...
7
votes
3
answers
3k
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How do I erase all old programs using the new scratch type Education software?
I have 24 Lego Mindstorms EV3 bricks that have old programs and the bricks are named. I want to erase them so they can be used for new students. In the older Mindstorms software I would just reinstall ...
7
votes
2
answers
383
views
Good "freeware" mosaic creator
I need to know of a decent "freeware" program that can take an image and turn it into a full color mosaic. It also needs to have a part count/listing.
7
votes
1
answer
5k
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How can an EV3 motor "remember" it's starting position?
I am currently working on a project that uses large motors. I want the project to return to a "starting position" (0,0,0) at the touch of a button so that it can be used multiple (identical) times. ...
7
votes
1
answer
370
views
How can I make a mosaic from a given number of 1x1 bricks and a picture?
This question is similar to How can I convert an image's pixels to actual LEGO colors? except that I need to fit a certain number of bricks of a certain colour.
For example, I have 20 white, 28 ...
7
votes
1
answer
2k
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Software to help inventory set
Are there any software applications to help check the inventory of a lego set?
Currently I load the set-up as a bricklink wanted list and then delete each part one by one until I have only the ...
7
votes
0
answers
375
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Digital tool for roller coaster physics
I'm currently working on a roller coaster MOC with a looping. I started physically building the MOC but quickly recognised that it is quite a mess to build something, tear it down rebuild it, etc. ...
6
votes
5
answers
28k
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Where can I download the software for old RCX-era Mindstorms sets?
These days I've been coming across a lot of people who've purchased used MINDSTORMS sets from the RCX era, only to find they didn't come with a CD. And in order to use the set, assuming that using an ...
6
votes
3
answers
9k
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What kind of software can I use to design LEGO MOCs?
What kind of software can I use to design LEGO MOCs? I hear the LDD is not so good to use so is there alternative software I can use?
6
votes
5
answers
4k
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Does the Mindstorms EV3 software run on OS X El Capitan?
El Capitan was released a few days ago, and I want to upgrade. Will there be issues with the software, or will it run nicely on El Capitan?
My Mac:
Retina MacBook Pro 13", Early 2015
6
votes
2
answers
2k
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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 ...
6
votes
1
answer
524
views
How to visually search for specific parts in a 3D model?
For a missed/loose piece that needs to be reattached, I plan to check all the steps where the piece was used. If I can also get an overview of the possible piece locations from the existing 3D models, ...
6
votes
1
answer
168
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How to distinguish official LEGO mini movies from non-official movies?
My sons (7 and 4.5 years old) love watching LEGO city mini movies on YouTube.
They love watching all kinds of LEGO city mini movies, such as:
Arctic Explorers
The Escape From Prison Island
...
6
votes
1
answer
151
views
What is NXT-G number format?
We've been following this tutorial to connect a NXT 1.0 brick to a PC via Bluetooth.
We've been able to set up the communication, send and receive data in ASCII format.
However, whenever we try to ...
6
votes
1
answer
2k
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Control Lego Technic Control+ Hub via Python
Is it possible to control the Lego Technic Control+ Hub with Python?
I have tried using Pybricks but that didn't work well for me.
6
votes
1
answer
272
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LEGO Dacta Intelligent House
I obtained an LEGO Dacta 9707 Intelligent House set plus the Interface B:
By searching on BrickLink for the set, I found out that there was an Activity
Pack for use with Control Lab software.
If ...
6
votes
1
answer
200
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How can I find overlapping bricks in LeoCAD?
I've just started using LeoCAD to generate instructions for a model I want to share. I've been able to get it working despite the sparse tutorials. But in looking at my results so far I see that I'...
6
votes
1
answer
306
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Where can I find 'Dolphin', the 3D model to LEGO software?
It was created at the École Polytechique Fédérale de Lausanne.
But it seems it is no longer available for to download. Does anybody knows what happened?
6
votes
1
answer
921
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Convert 3rd party NXT programming language code to NXT-G program?
Is there a way to convert code from one or more 3rd party programming languages used for programming the NXT into a program that can be loaded up in NXT-G? If not, do any text-based languages provide ...