Recent LUGNET news

Re: Pink Planet Retreat

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 18:27:26 GMT

lugnet.space: Hi Janey,

great MoC. Lots of wonderfull details. But why pink? I don't like girly
colors :-)

Thanks for posting here, I still hope LugNet isn't deserted completely. This
was where my AFol carrier started only a few years ago.

Regards,

Re: RCX 1.0 (!!): how to disable or delay the "auto power-off" function

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 18:04:02 GMT

lugnet.robotics: In lugnet.robotics, Stefano Prosseda wrote:
> Hi to all,
>
> I'm seeking help for something which could seem anachronistic, but that's it.
> I used my old RCX 1.0 (programmed with NQC) to power and control a "3S"
> detachable cableway.
> Hereunder I post some link to a couple of youtube movies.
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag3gnFxwwf0&eurl=http://www.funiforum.org/funiforum/showthread.php%3Ft%3D6254&feature=player_embedded
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWqM-abdIpg&feature=fvw
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCJpPUcPJqo&feature=related
>
> The problem is, after running 10 minutes or so (I actually didn't take the exact
> time), the RCX shuts down - I mean - the display goes blank, everything stops.
>
> I read somewhere, e.g. in the PHilo's site, that a "power off delay" parameter
> can be set long enough to avoid such issues, but I actually couldnt find where
> this parameter is.
>
> Could you please give me some hint? I am quite much a newbye.
>
> Thanks a lot!
> SteP

Maybe this is what you are looking for:

SetSleepTime(minutes) Function - All
Set the sleep timeout the requested number of minutes (which must be a
constant).
Specifying 0 minutes disables the sleep feature.
SetSleepTime(5); // sleep after 5 minutes
SetSleepTime(0); // disable sleep time

Jetro

Re: new moc: toileting issues

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 17:48:33 GMT

lugnet.build: In lugnet.build, Doug Eaton wrote:
> They came sooo close too. Chrome fig with black hands:

It wouldn't have helped. If you check the Bricklink inventories, both the
and
did
have chromed hands (in gold or black, respectively). But, only the portion of
the hand that's exposed was chromed, while the wrist stem was not. This saved
them the trouble of having to retool either the arm or hand to allow for the
thickness of the chrome plating, but it means that the most prominent part on
this toilet design would still be unchromed. No, if you absolutely need a fully
chromed minifig hand, you'd need to find someone who could chrome it for you.
Beyond that, the best option would be to hope they someday release it in that
new metallic silver color, go a bit more glitzy and use the metallic gold C-3PO
hand (formed color, not chromed, so the whole piece is the same color), or go
ultra-modern with the top-side push-button style.

Re: Pink Planet Retreat

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 17:58:59 GMT

lugnet.space: In lugnet.space, Eric Sophie wrote:
> Glad the lights were on long enough to see this one! I like seeing all those
> shapes come together like that. BIG TOO. Very nice work. Thanks Janey!
>
> Eric Sophie
> Legomaster
> Biomechanical Bricks

Thank you.

Janey "Red Brick"

Re: Pink Planet Retreat

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 17:51:58 GMT

lugnet.space: Glad the lights were on long enough to see this one! I like seeing all those
shapes come together like that. BIG TOO. Very nice work. Thanks Janey!

Eric Sophie
Legomaster
Biomechanical Bricks

Re: Radial Compressor

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 17:49:32 GMT

lugnet.technic: Excellent work. I like seeing all the technic bits and that speed computer!
I was just looking at all the pnuematics I have that are unused too. I would
have tried a racer motor too, I don't have any of the power functions motors,
(you would think!), that XL motor looks like the way to go.

Thanks!

Eric Sophie
Legomaster
Biomechanical Bricks

RCX 1.0 (!!): how to disable or delay the "auto power-off" function

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 14:20:24 GMT

lugnet.robotics: Hi to all,

I'm seeking help for something which could seem anachronistic, but that's it.
I used my old RCX 1.0 (programmed with NQC) to power and control a "3S"
detachable cableway.
Hereunder I post some link to a couple of youtube movies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag3gnFxwwf0&eurl=http://www.funiforum.org/funiforum/showthread.php%3Ft%3D6254&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWqM-abdIpg&feature=fvw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCJpPUcPJqo&feature=related

The problem is, after running 10 minutes or so (I actually didn't take the exact
time), the RCX shuts down - I mean - the display goes blank, everything stops.

I read somewhere, e.g. in the PHilo's site, that a "power off delay" parameter
can be set long enough to avoid such issues, but I actually couldnt find where
this parameter is.

Could you please give me some hint? I am quite much a newbye.

Thanks a lot!
SteP

Re: Would the last person to leave, please turn out the lights?

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 14:52:23 GMT

lugnet.admin.curators, lugnet.space, lugnet.technic: In lugnet.space, Eric Sophie wrote:
> I'd still like to see MOCs from 'THIS' Newsgroup posted to the ".space MOC
> Highlight". That would be nice.
>
> Alas, much like the .technic group, which has had no MOC updates for nearly 2
> years.
>
> Anyone interested in the jobs?
>
> -LUGNET Member 1051

There are people out there (like me) who still post MOCs on LUGNET but the way
we share our photos has changed the last few years.

Since I (and many others) started using sites like Flickr to share photos,
viewers can post comments on the Flickr page rather than the old method where we
posted pics on BrickShelf and then post our comments here on LUGNET.

What killed off RTL nearly a decade ago was the diversity LUGNET brought to the
niches in the LEGO community but my theory of what will kill off LUGNET in the
future is its inability to "store-photos-and-share-comments" that Flickr is
providing now.

LUGNET still holds value to me (and no doubt many others) as a news source about
the LEGO community but, like newspapers, if there aren't any big changes, it
will go bye-bye.

Adr.

Radial Compressor

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 13:21:03 GMT

lugnet.technic: I wasn't planning on posting this here, but after Eric Sophie's call for
participation I thought the least I could do is get things started.

One of the GBC modules I presented at HispaLUG last year was a fully automated
pneumatic excavator. It requires a considerable amount of air and since I
finished it only a couple of days before the event I quickly threw together a
compressor consisting of an RC motor and two small pneumatic pumps connected to
the innermost shaft. The solution was adequate but rather ugly, and I wanted to
make something that looked nicer.

After trying out several closed geometries with angle connectors I decided that
a square configuration would be my best option. I used the RC motor in the
earlier compressor because of its speed, but it's harder to integrate so I
decided to use the PF 'XL' motor which has a much slower speed (about 220RPM).
If two pumps on an RC motor with an approximate speed of 1300RPM gave me the
right amount of air, a radial configuration with 4 pumps should turn at around
half that speed, so using the XL motor I needed a 3x multiplication which I got
by using a z36 gear connected to two z12 gears (in case that wasn't clear enough
2 pumps x 1300RPM ~ 4 pumps x 220RPM x 3):

[(Click on the images to make them larger)]

>

That left me with two eccentric connection points and once I figured out the
correct configuration for the pumps I also noticed it would be very easy to make
the model include another 4 pumps:

>

The motor speeds are based on Philo's excellent website but I was curious to
know how much the motor would slow down due to 1) the weight/friction of the
construction itself and 2) the pressure build-up, so I decided to attach a Speed
Computer to measure the actual speed. One of the problems of the Speed Computer
is that it's terribly inaccurate. It only reports multiples of 20RPM, and so to
get a reasonable accurate measurement I decided to gear it up 5x (36:12 and
20:12)

>

I used two motors, both to make sure I'd have enough torque once the pressure
went up and to ensure a symetry of weight for reasons I'll explain further down.

>

I measured two values: 1) with the compressor running free and 2) with the
output completely blocked. The results were as follows:

| Measured Real Speed
| free spinning 1060 212
| output blocked 960 192

Another one of the problems I wanted to address was the noise a compressor
generates due to the vibrations and the fact that when you place it on a table
this noise is amplified. In the case of a radial compressor these vibrations are
even more important due to the weight of the central piece and the fact that it
rotates eccentrically. After several tests I came up with the following
configuration which absorbs 99% of the vibrations: working at top speed the
baseplate on which the model is placed doesn't move a mm, whereas previously it
would dance all over the table.

>

I also made a short video with my mobile phone. Unfortunately, the refresh rate
of the camera is quite low so at higher speeds the core of the compressor
appears to be static, and the vibration of the compressor vs the baseplate is
hard to see, but I think it's worth viewing:

Next up: 8 pumps...

Re: new moc: toileting issues

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 02:07:30 GMT

lugnet.build: In lugnet.build, Doug Eaton wrote:
> In lugnet.announce.moc, Deborah Higdon wrote:
>> ~ i'm really happy with
>> this final product, but can only dream about one day seeing minifig hands
>> in chrome silver.
>
> They came sooo close too. Chrome fig with black hands:
>
> Limited-edition LEGO® Star Wars™ minifigure and magnet!
> Celebrate the 10th anniversary of LEGO® Star Wars™ with this unique,
> limited-edition metallic chrome Stormtrooper minifigure with removable
> magnetic stand and blaster rifle! No fridge in the galaxy is complete without
> it!
>
> <>
>
>
>
> Very nice build with easy to obtain parts. Time to open a plumbing store with
> your fixtures. Add these to the Canadian Tire play set.

that was close! the arm would be too big for this use, but oh, the things we
can do with them. maybe i will develop a new appreciation for minifigs _and_
star wars.

thanks, doug. plumbing store, hmmmm. maybe dan would like these for his store.
see you next week,

-§ deborah §-

Re: new moc: toileting issues

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 02:00:20 GMT

lugnet.build: In lugnet.build, Janey C. L. Gunning wrote:
> In lugnet.announce.moc, Deborah Higdon wrote:
>> ~ i am working on a largish project right now. it's taking a while but i'm
>> at the interior stages now on the main part. i'm all for building a
>> better mousetrap and so i wanted to improve my toilet design from the last
>> . i'm really happy with
>> this final product, but can only dream about one day seeing minifig hands
>> in chrome silver.
>> ~ <>
>>
>> enjoy it on >> flickr>. instructions included.
>>
>> -§ deborah higdon-leblond §-
>
> Awesome skip to the loo, my darlin. Sorry, couldnt resist. I like this
> design, but I would like to see what it would look like if the technic brick
> flipped to face the front of the tank instead.
>
> Janey "Shall the moc posting wars begin?"Red Brick

wow, that was awesome. wish _i'd_ thought of that one. i could have written
"skip on over to flickr" or "don't skip this loo" or ... never mind. as for the
technic brick, i've seen loos with the flickr on the side and others at the
front. it was a toss which way to go. get it? gotta go.

-§ deborah §-

Re: Pink Planet Retreat

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 01:47:45 GMT

lugnet.space: In lugnet.announce.moc, Janey C. L. Gunning wrote:
> Come tour the Pink Planet Production Studio Project and Moonbase Retreat
>
>
>
> It is a diverse yet simple sanctuary for the Y-chromosome-enhanced AFOLs.
> This Planet is not anti-male, its just predominantly pro female and of
> course, provocatively pink.
>
> <>
>
> Here you will find tons of pink versions of fan created space mythology,
> credit listed within the photo descriptions.
>
> <><><><><>
>
>
> The comments along the way describe the different features of the Pink Planet
> Retreat in a humourous way, please don't have a look if you sent your
> appreciation of humour out for the day.
>
> This MOC is dedicated to the female builders I love (they know who they are)
> and to mock typical female stereotypes, and tease some of the well know
> "Spacers" that are prolific and amazing builders. It was built with the
> utmost respect for both groups, but truly built with one tongue in my cheek.
>
> It is my hope that this project is taken as a silly/fun/light hearted project
> it was and not a serious attempt at Moonbase or even "Quality" building of
> any kind. While you may feel compelled to give me a million ways to improve
> it, your effort will be lost, since this project was a one off, built around
> 2-3 years ago (although never posted) and has already been dismantled and
> sorted due to a shortage of white bricks I needed for my next project.
>
>
> Cheers, and thanks for looking.
>
> Janey "Pink.... errrr I mean, Red Brick"

unfortunately, i don't think there'll be much traffic here, someone appears to
be turning off the . hope you're
happy in your new "home" where your work is much appreciated by the pink brigade
and many others! but like me, i think you won't give up hope for the old
homestead.

as for the moc - great details as always, despite the colour choice, wink.

-§ deborah §-

Re: new moc: toileting issues

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 01:20:20 GMT

lugnet.build: In lugnet.announce.moc, Deborah Higdon wrote:
> ~ i'm really happy with
> this final product, but can only dream about one day seeing minifig hands
> in chrome silver.

They came sooo close too. Chrome fig with black hands:

Limited-edition LEGO® Star Wars™ minifigure and magnet!
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of LEGO® Star Wars™ with this unique,
limited-edition metallic chrome Stormtrooper minifigure with removable magnetic
stand and blaster rifle! No fridge in the galaxy is complete without it!

<>

Very nice build with easy to obtain parts. Time to open a plumbing store with
your fixtures. Add these to the Canadian Tire play set.

Pink Planet Retreat

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:01:52 GMT

lugnet.announce.moc, lugnet.space, FUT: lugnet.space: Come tour the Pink Planet Production Studio Project and Moonbase Retreat

It is a diverse yet simple sanctuary for the Y-chromosome-enhanced AFOLs.
This Planet is not anti-male, its just predominantly pro female and of course,
provocatively pink.

<>

Here you will find tons of pink versions of fan created space mythology, credit
listed within the photo descriptions.

<><><><><>

The comments along the way describe the different features of the Pink Planet
Retreat in a humourous way, please don't have a look if you sent your
appreciation of humour out for the day.

This MOC is dedicated to the female builders I love (they know who they are) and
to mock typical female stereotypes, and tease some of the well know "Spacers"
that are prolific and amazing builders. It was built with the utmost respect for
both groups, but truly built with one tongue in my cheek.

It is my hope that this project is taken as a silly/fun/light hearted project it
was and not a serious attempt at Moonbase or even "Quality" building of any
kind. While you may feel compelled to give me a million ways to improve it, your
effort will be lost, since this project was a one off, built around 2-3 years
ago (although never posted) and has already been dismantled and sorted due to a
shortage of white bricks I needed for my next project.

Cheers, and thanks for looking.

Janey "Pink.... errrr I mean, Red Brick"

Re: new moc: toileting issues

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 23:50:26 GMT

lugnet.build: In lugnet.announce.moc, Deborah Higdon wrote:
> ~ i am working on a largish project right now. it's taking a while but i'm
> at the interior stages now on the main part. i'm all for building a better
> mousetrap and so i wanted to improve my toilet design from the last
> . i'm really happy with
> this final product, but can only dream about one day seeing minifig hands
> in chrome silver.
> ~ <>
>
> enjoy it on > flickr>. instructions included.
>
> -§ deborah higdon-leblond §-

Awesome skip to the loo, my darlin. Sorry, couldnt resist. I like this design,
but I would like to see what it would look like if the technic brick flipped to
face the front of the tank instead.

Janey "Shall the moc posting wars begin?"Red Brick

SPACE! @ TSL2009

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 19:56:45 GMT

lugnet.space, lugnet.events, FUT: lugnet.space,lugnet.events: WOW!

http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=389606

Gallery by: V2

Re: Would the last person to leave, please turn out the lights?

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 19:52:08 GMT

lugnet.space, lugnet.technic, lugnet.admin.curators, FUT: lugnet.admin.curators: I'd still like to see MOCs from 'THIS' Newsgroup posted to the ".space MOC
Highlight". That would be nice.

Alas, much like the .technic group, which has had no MOC updates for nearly 2
years.

Anyone interested in the jobs?

-LUGNET Member 1051

new moc: toileting issues

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 18:48:43 GMT

lugnet.announce.moc, lugnet.build, lugnet.town, FUT: lugnet.build: ~ i am working on a largish project right now. it's taking a while but i'm at
the interior stages now on the main part. i'm all for building a better
mousetrap and so i wanted to improve my toilet design from the last
. i'm really happy with this
final product, but can only dream about one day seeing minifig hands in chrome
silver.
~ <>

enjoy it on .
instructions included.

-§ deborah higdon-leblond §-

LD4DStudio 1.1 Beta 2 Released

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 16:54:15 GMT

lugnet.cad: Hello All,

Bug fixes, some improvements and two new samples.

You'll find it here:

http://www.ld4dstudio.nl/downloads

It's release notes are here:

http://www.ld4dstudio.nl/downloads/releaseNotes

You can install this one over any old one, an uninstall is unnecessary.

Greetings,

Roland

Re: Dinner on the 10th

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 16:03:52 GMT

lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto: In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Janey C. L. Gunning wrote:
> Just for the record, Im about to drag Chris camping for the next week so neither
> of us will be in attendance for dinner. Enjoy yourselves, see you next month.
>
> Janey "Red Brick"

San and I are camping as of Sunday so we may be back in time for dinner on the
10th.

Depends on how well Josh likes camping...

Dave K
-whose idea of camping now consists of blow up queen size mattress and air card
for laptop...