Questions tagged [technic]
A more advanced form of LEGO®, allowing for the creation of more realistic working parts.
363
questions
68
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4answers
11k views
Is it possible to build simple logic gates with LEGO mechanics?
I built a simple bitshifter in Minecraft yesterday. I wondered if something like this could be built with LEGO?
Maybe there is a possibility to build gates with rubber bands and those movable ...
37
votes
4answers
10k views
When did LEGO decide that it was okay to put a stud into a Technic hole?
At one point, LEGO didn't really support putting a stud into a Technic hole, stating that it caused too much stress on the bricks. And for a while, there were no sets where that's the case. However, ...
37
votes
8answers
28k views
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 ...
32
votes
7answers
7k views
Why did Technic bricks have holes in the studs?
Lego Technic (/ Expert Builder) bricks have always had a very different design than the normal Lego brick, with peg holes lining the sides serving fairly obvious purposes, but they also have had (as ...
32
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5answers
12k views
Why does LEGO now use studless technic designs?
It seems to me that sometime between 1998 and 2006 (between the Mindstorms RCX and NXT), LEGO switched from using studded technic bricks (like this:)
to studdless beams (like this):
In my experience,...
26
votes
6answers
4k views
Can an axle be removed from this Technic 'brick paradox'?
This blogpost on Technic Bricks briefly explains a few 'brick paradoxes' or dead ends. This particular model seems impossible to disassemble by hand:
How can I remove the axle without damaging/...
25
votes
1answer
4k views
How can I make a working pin tumbler lock?
I'd like to make a working pin tumbler lock out of LEGO bricks. I have already designed a key I'd like to use that should be compatible with five cylinder lock.
25
votes
1answer
4k views
Is it possible to build a working 100% LEGO glider with the Technic Catamaran sails?
In the past I've tried to make working LEGO gliders but since all the LEGO sails were either too small or the wrong shape the only thing that ever kinda worked was using paper over Technic beams (in ...
22
votes
5answers
2k views
Technic axle corrosion? What happened here?
I got my LEGO from storage from when I was a kid (1980s) and while almost all bricks are in good condition, the Technic axles are in a pretty bad shape. They seem to have corroded(?). Please see the ...
22
votes
3answers
6k views
How can I build a functional gearbox?
I'm looking for a fully functional (manual) transmission / gearbox for my Technics motorized vehicle. How can I build this?
21
votes
4answers
3k views
What tool can get the Technic pin out from a connection closed in the other end?
I'm having trouble removing these LEGO Technic pins apart from their connectors and I don't want to use carpenter tools like pliers which may damage the bricks.
What tool can get the pieces separated ...
20
votes
8answers
20k views
What are the largest Technic-compatible tires on the market?
I am looking for the largest LEGO wheels with tires available to build a nice-sized RC LEGO car.
Of course I will start with the simplest prototype, but I would like to achieve a design which will ...
19
votes
1answer
1k views
How much weight can a handle of Technic pegs and beams support?
Some Lego spaceships have handles attached, made out of Technic beam and pegs, and attached to the model using Technic bricks, pegs, and axles.
For example, 7644: MX-81 Hypersonic Operations Aircraft ...
19
votes
3answers
6k views
Is Technic compatible with Mindstorms?
My wife bought me a Mindstorms NXT 2.0 for my birthday. I've been reading up on it from as many sources as possible however apart from the 9695 Education Resource Set which adds some additional bricks ...
19
votes
3answers
2k views
How would you make a good pivot-arm suspension?
I once tried to make a 4 wheeled Lego robot using a pivot arm suspension system. The robot was motorized using 2 Mindstorm (2.0) motors (one one each side). I can't find and original picture but it ...
18
votes
2answers
23k views
Is connecting LEGO studs on Technic pins legal?
I see it in MOCs all the time, and I’ve seen studs connect on half pins in official sets, but what about full pins?
18
votes
7answers
7k views
How to unplug black friction pin connectors
Black friction pin without slots connectors are common in older Technic sets. Note that these were quickly replaced by the current version with slots that is much easier to remove.
vs
Especially ...
18
votes
1answer
3k views
Which old Technic set included large yellow motor?
I am trying to find the number or some other identity of a Technic set I remember owning as a child (so it was probably bought in the 1985-1995 year range, more likely in the 80's half of it). Among ...
18
votes
4answers
12k views
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
4answers
18k views
How to speed up the 4x4 Crawler truck 9398?
Just finished building the 4x4 Crawler and it was a fun build but as a remote control car it is . . . in a word . . . SLOW! I know it's powerful and can climb over stuff but sometimes there is nothing ...
17
votes
2answers
1k views
What are Good LEGO (or similiar) sets to play-prototype machines working with fluids?
I want to play around with fluid engines.
I'm aware that LEGO is sometimes used in labs for prototyping kinematic components, are there successful examples of operating with fluids?
Have pistons, ...
17
votes
2answers
3k views
Are Samsonite gears compatible with modern Technic gears?
Do the old Samsonite gears (above) work with current Technic gears (below)
LEGO bricks tend to be backward compatible with older bricks, but since I don't own any Samsonite gears I cannot tell.
...
17
votes
2answers
6k views
When did LEGO stop producing Technic action figures?
I recently got interested in LEGO Technic again. The last set I own is maybe 15 years old, so my knowledge is a little bit outdated.
Back then some of the Technic sets had action figures included, ...
16
votes
1answer
1k views
Is this element some kind of Technic connector?
I am thoroughly confused about an element I have come across:
I have never seen a piece quite like this.
It's unlike any Technic connector I've seen, so I doubt if that is what it's for.
The two ...
16
votes
1answer
3k views
How do the various LEGO springs compare?
Recently I received set 42107 Ducati Panigale V4 R.
I noticed that this set includes a new spring - part 65151c01 Technic, Shock Absorber 11L with Internal Spring, Dark Bluish Gray Shaft, and Light ...
16
votes
2answers
3k views
Is this a real Technic cloak?
I found a cloak piece in some used LEGO I bought from a former LEGO employee. The cloak does not say LEGO on it, but it fits perfectly onto Technic figures with a satisfying pop and matches the ...
16
votes
1answer
2k views
How can I make a precise one-way clutch using Technic elements?
I need a mechanism so that if a (NXT) motor rotates forward, it moves one gear, but the other stays still, but if it rotates backwards, the first gear does not move, but the second one does.
I found ...
16
votes
3answers
1k views
Is there a way to remotely operate the push-button light brick?
The push-button light brick seems to be popular with Lego at the moment, and included in quite a few sets.
I'd like to find a way of being able to operate it remotely, so that I can include the ...
15
votes
1answer
1k views
What are these Technic "Zapfen" ("stoppers") called in English?
What are these pieces called in English? Google translator doesn't help in this case...
15
votes
1answer
6k views
What are the angles used in angle connectors and liftarms?
LEGO makes Technic Angle Connectors, like these:
(Here are names and part numbers).
They also make angular liftarms, like these:
(part 32348).
That last part has an angle of 53.5 degrees. What ...
15
votes
4answers
35k views
Is there a Technic set that is just an assortment of parts and not a specific vehicle?
Can I buy Technic sets that are just assortments of parts as opposed to a specific vehicle?
Background
I do research on sediment carbon cycling in lakes and I need use a rotating array of magnets to ...
15
votes
1answer
2k views
Will Lego repair a bad motor?
I have the Electric Technic Micromotor:
http://www.peeron.com/inv/sets/5119-1
and it simply won't come on. I seem to recall at some point someone telling me a long time ago, that if you sent parts ...
15
votes
2answers
8k views
Is a N2 or CO2 paintball tank a viable power source for a LEGO pneumatic Engine?
I would like to know how a LEGO pneumatic engine would perform when powered with a nitro (N2, HPA) or CO2 tank. I have seen a few RC cars powered with air (from soda bottles), so I am wondering if it ...
15
votes
1answer
753 views
How much tension can I expect to get out of a lego chain before it starts to give away?
Assuming I am using the technic chain links to make a chain, how much force can I expect to be able to get out of the chain before it breaks?
Suppose I am using a 16t gear to directly drive a 24t ...
14
votes
1answer
5k views
Is there difference between different colors of LEGO axles?
There are a few different colors of LEGO Technic axles, but not enough to really use for artistic variation - black, grey, some beige, and recently I have started seeing blue.
The particular color ...
14
votes
1answer
843 views
What is the difference between these hole shapes?
I purchased an assorted bag of LEGO Technic pieces. There are pieces with axle holes, but what puzzles me is that the holes are different from what I am familiar with.
There's a piece with an ...
14
votes
2answers
596 views
Is it possible to dismantle and refurbish an original 870 Technic motor?
I have a couple of ancient 870 motors (the 4.5v ones) that run but don't sound great. I've looked for, but can't find, a guide on how to dismantle them. I'd like to either get in there and clean/...
13
votes
4answers
3k views
Has anyone created a analogue LEGO clock that runs time accurately?
I've seen someone on YouTube create a LEGO Clock with all the wheels and a pendulum, but I was wondering if there is any project or building instructions available to build such a clock with an ...
13
votes
3answers
8k views
How to start with technic?
I have bought myself the technic set 9393 Tractor. I really like the model and I want to dig deeper into the Lego technic universe. I am not focused in building pre-designed models (although I enjoy ...
13
votes
2answers
31k views
Which sets currently contain pneumatic LEGO equipment?
When I was younger my dad bought me 5218-1, a technic-based pneumatics set, which, combined with the old motor system to provide a mini compressor system created quite a bit of entertainment and it ...
13
votes
1answer
3k views
How much current do the LEGO motors draw?
I'm building a project with Raspberry Pi and some other electronics driving the LEGO Power Functions M-Motor (8883) and I need to know how much current those motors draw under load.
Has anyone done ...
13
votes
1answer
2k views
What's the purpose of the clutch gear in Power Functions set?
I have just bought this set and wonder the purpose of the white gear in the middle:
How can you use it in your Lego Technic projects? Is it available in other sets?
12
votes
4answers
10k 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 ...
12
votes
3answers
4k 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 ...
12
votes
3answers
1k views
Technic Pin/Travis Brick Legal Connection?
Is seating a Travis brick on a Technic pin a legal connection? TLG has used this construction at least once (M-Tron Particular Ionizer's "rotor"), but that was in the early 90s. Will this connection ...
12
votes
1answer
3k views
Realistic Lego car sets containing gearboxes and engines?
Lego Technic 853/956 Auto Chassis contains a car chassis, complete with a transmission gearbox. Other sets like Lego Technic 858/8858 Auto Engines contain parts to build working models of real-life ...
12
votes
1answer
1k views
Motorized speedboat from Technic Catamaran alternate model?
The alternate model for the 42105 Technic Catamaran set looks a lot like a remote-controlled speedboat.
This set doesn't actually come with any motors, or even propellers, so obviously this model isn'...
12
votes
1answer
15k views
How can I motorize 42077 Technic Rally Car with LEGO Power Functions?
The new 42077 Technic Rally Car set looks really nice, and even has a built-in steering system which can be controlled by a gear on the top. There's also a fair bit of extra room inside, is there a ...
12
votes
2answers
1k views
Is there a way to plan and organize your LEGO project like a GitHub hosted software?
I have the idea to host, plan and maintain a LEGO project (building a MOC in several steps with different functionalities) like a software in GitHub. The project should have forks, pull requests and ...
12
votes
2answers
2k views
What are good books for building techniques of LEGO Technic
I've been searching for good resources for especially LEGO Technic. I find the Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide by Paweł “Sariel” Kmieć. The book is very good at explaining things. Beside that ...
