SR 3D Builder LEGO simulator

[xsergio74]

Hi,
maybe this is the wrong place for posting this message, but no other seems better to me.
If this is boring you, then delete this message.

I'm here to present you a new software for building Lego models with your PC
It's a free software and you can dowload for free from
http://staff.polito.it/sergio.reano/

Looking at some video worths more than 1000 words:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=xSe ... iew=videos

enjoy building

Sergio

[Iare Tosevite]

Seems nice I'll check it out.

[Joedward]

Just looked through a few of those videos, and this just looks amazing.

[liquidcross]

Any plans for Mac or Linux versions?

[xsergio74]

Any plans for Mac or Linux versions?

No, sorry, I use DirectX and are available only on MS OSs

[gfxguy]

Any plans for Mac or Linux versions?

I've been playing with VM-Ware's free virtual machine player... you still need a valid copies of Windows, though, but I had to duel boot before, now I can just boot up XP in a window.

[liquidcross]

Any plans for Mac or Linux versions?

I've been playing with VM-Ware's free virtual machine player... you still need a valid copies of Windows, though, but I had to duel boot before, now I can just boot up XP in a window.

I use the full VMware Workstation on my Linux laptop. Problem is...no 3D card.

[gfxguy]

I use the full VMware Workstation on my Linux laptop. Problem is...no 3D card.

Well... you wouldn't have a 3D card even if he did make the program for Linux.

[onions]

aren't you just advertising?

[Turkguy19]

I'll stick with my easy to use, and less hardware intensive MLCad....

[xsergio74]

Well, the program is absolutely free!

It's your choice !!

aren't you just advertising?

[xsergio74]

Yes, I know MLCad, but:
- what about working with slope plane
- what about automatic orienting of parts
- what about automatic snap to part connecting point
It's a nightmare !!!

Have you tried SR Builder?

I'll stick with my easy to use, and less hardware intensive MLCad....

[Turkguy19]

What about em? I know how to use MLCad just fine, so why would I want to learn another program when this one works just well for me? Just because you say it's better?

[xsergio74]

What about em? I know how to use MLCad just fine, so why would I want to learn another program when this one works just well for me? Just because you say it's better?

Hi,
I'm writing this application because I'm unsatisfied of how other application works:
MLCad is a great application for "drawing" Lego models with a lot of utility around it but has some huge limitations:
- Parts alignment is not always precise
- Rotating parts is approximate: to perform precise rotation you need to enter values in matrix!!
- There are not REAL connections, just parts positioned near other parts
- Positioning parts on sloped planes is a nightmare
- No ways to test your model functionality

Using SR 3D Builder solves all the above issues:
- Parts and rotating hinges snap to possible connections
- Parts are really connected
- The hinge solver let you to correct align 2 holes (or whatever connections) to let, for example, an axle insertion
- The dynamic grid positioning let you work on sloped planes like if they where perfectly horizontally
- Many (not all) mechanism are automatically detected and you can see your model working like in the real world
- Easy to use (easier than MLCAD)
- Read manual (still incomplete) for a brief of what you can do and how

after saying that, it's your choice trying it or not...

byes

Sergio

[Iare Tosevite]

Jeez. Your program may be all that but when I tried to run it, it let me select the ldraw directory.

I did that, but it closed with an error. It now closes with an error each time I run it. Don't ever set program to close with error if theres misconfiguration. It gives users NO chance to fix problems.

Okay I figured it out but why is there no "New" menu item? I tried "clear" but item I added doen't go away.

Note I said "item"? It's because I couldn't add any more items than the one I added. Each time I try, the item gets replaced with other item I selected. I tried "Help" but it says use space or enter, which does nothing but refresh screen with nothing added.

[xsergio74]

Jeez. Your program may be all that but when I tried to run it, it let me select the ldraw directory.

I did that, but it closed with an error. It now closes with an error each time I run it. Don't ever set program to close with error if theres misconfiguration. It gives users NO chance to fix problems.

Okay I figured it out but why is there no "New" menu item? I tried "clear" but item I added doen't go away.

Note I said "item"? It's because I couldn't add any more items than the one I added. Each time I try, the item gets replaced with other item I selected. I tried "Help" but it says use space or enter, which does nothing but refresh screen with nothing added.

Hi,
I fixed the configuration problem in the next release.
To add item to model space, press <SpaceBar> or <Enter> while the mouse is over the model space window (not on the menubar or over the toolbox)

Taking a look at the manual may help you

[Turkguy19]

MLCad is a great application for "drawing" Lego models with a lot of utility around it but has some huge limitations:
- Parts alignment is not always precise

The worst precision I have had in MLcad is about a millimeter off, and quite frankly, I dont see that as a problem.

- Rotating parts is approximate: to perform precise rotation you need to enter values in matrix!!

I can get pretty precise angles. And, truthfully, the matrix isn't hard to use.

- There are not REAL connections, just parts positioned near other parts

That's what grouping parts is for. Once you have a chunk built how you want it, you can group it, and then they will be one.

- Positioning parts on sloped planes is a nightmare

That's why you position them on a flat plane, then rotate them with the connection.

- No ways to test your model functionality

So?


It seems you are claiming it is easy to use, but you wrote the program, so of course it's gonna be easy for you to use. MLCad is easy to use if you know how to, and it seems you didn't.

[donneyboy]

I'm gonna download it and see how it runs.