While designing Lego robots, I have found that I need a way to record my designs. Thankfully, I am not the first one to come across this problem. Of course, the most faithful recording is a 3D image.
I came across a site called LDraw, which is an open standard for Lego CAD programs. You can use it to create virtual Lego models and save the 3D CAD files. Even better, you can create building instructions and even tabulate a parts list.
I am currently in the midst of a large-scale Lego engineering effort. I have designed it to be constructed from modular sections. Here is the CAD representation of the parts needed for each section.
If all goes well, I will need approximately 24 sections to make the basic object. If I loose my mind altogether, it could easily grow into 92 sections and beyond. I’ll keep you posted, and surprise you when it is finished.
In the meantime, there are two interesting sites that allow one to keep a list of ones Lego part inventory:
lugnet.com – The International Lego Users Network
peeron.com – Peeron Lego Parts Inventory
These are both useful when you know you will need parts, and can quickly determine whether you have enough of each kind. If you need parts, visit
bricklink.com – The Brick Marketplace
Enjoy your Legos,
Kevin Knuth
Albany NY
Posted under Lego, Research, Robotics
This post was written by keV on January 18, 2007
