LEGO

Lepin Baja Trophy Truck (23013) Build / Lepin vs LEGO Comparison

Let's start by clearing the air.  I'm fully aware of what Lepin is up to.  I'm an AFOL and have been a dedicated LEGO fan (mostly Technic and Minstorms) for over 40 years.  I have spent more $ on LEGO than I want to know.  Am I a purist?  Somewhat.  I didn't really pay much attention to knock-off LEGO brands as I just assumed they were crap, so I ignored all the media about them. …
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3D Printing

3D Printed RC Hex to LEGO Hub Adapter

After building BluCrawler, I wanted to see what other possibilities there were with builds using RC crawler tires.  LEGO is not there yet with similar tires (closest are the Claas Xerion tires - but they are not crawler tires).  Anyway, it's challenging to mate a LEGO hub to an RC tire.  There are aftermarket adapters out there, but they are expensive, so I decided to design and print my own. The STL file is available on…
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HiTech HS-225BB LEGO Servo Mate

I'm looking at alternate steering options for BluCrawler as the LEGO PF servo motor doesn't cut it, and I'm not satisfied with other LEGO-based approaches I've tried.  So, I'm headed into unconventional territory that may cause my AFOL brethren to shiver.   I'm looking at integrating a HiTech HS-225BB Servo to manage steering.  If it works, I'll add one to the front and rear to give me the throw I need for a tight turning radius as well…
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Arduino

BTBox – LEGO Power Functions Bluetooth Controller

I've been on a bit of a LEGO Technic/Mindstorms hiatus for a while - ok, it's been 7 years!   I have an I've been spending much of my hobby time making my own DIY projects / IoT stuff all while mastering Arduino.   That changed a few weeks back when I came across THIS.  I've been thinking of getting an RC crawler for some time, but it struck me that I have 95% of the…
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Arduino

BluCrawler – LEGO Rock Crawler with BTBox Bluetooth Controller

First I want to give a shout-out (and credit) to PunkTacoNYC as BluCrawler is based off his Chilli Crawler - this is his creation. I'm  just taking it down another path.     You can also find published instructions if you want to build it yourself.  For some time, I wanted to get an RC crawler, but they can be $$$.  When I came across PunkTacoNYC's Chilli Crawler, that was I figured I had 90% of the…
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LEGO Technic Wire Storage

What better way to store my wire supply, then to use spare LEGO Technic beams & friction pins.   After fumbling through bags of wire, pulling what I need out, and stuffing it back into the bag, I decide to take a stance and make a change!!!!  Digging into my Mindstorms / Technic supply, I pulled out some beams and friction pins.  15 minutes later, I have a nice storage solution for my silcone wiring.…
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DYI, Mods, Hacks & Stuff

Prop Storage Using LEGO Technic Axles

I have a variety of 5040 and 5030 spare props.  The need for both CW and CCW props, makes for a mess when trying to find a replacement when you crash and need a new prop. Given I break at least 1 prop per flight (I'm learning flips these days!), I wanted a quick way to access either size or direction of prop.   Look no further to your LEGO Technic collection for axles (or…
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LEGO Robots

Quad Landing Gear Meets LEGO Shocks

After a few hard landings, the carbon fibre landing gear that came with the ZMR250 frame were done.    After researching different solutions, I gave the zip tie concept a try.  The solution entailed creating 'loops' out of zip ties and mounting them to the quad legs.  However, they sagged under the weight of the quad only a day or so after mounting them.  This caused the quad to be out of level - not a good thing for…
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LEGO Related Links

I have compiled a list of links to clubs, resources and other cool stuff NXT and Mindstorms Related Blogs .. a Lego Mindstorms NXT Community The NXT Step The NXT STEP Blog brings together news and information related to the LEGO Mindstorms NXT system. BNXT Lego Community / Market / MOCs LUGNET, the worlds largest online Lego community.  If you want info on Lego, go there. RTL Toronto. The local Robotics / Train club in…
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