Subject:
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Announcing the book "Lego Software Powertools"
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.cad, lugnet.books
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Date:
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Thu, 5 Dec 2002 16:22:25 GMT
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Highlighted:
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13620 times
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Dear all,
Today we will like to announce the launch of a new Lego book that has kept
us very busy for the past few months, "Lego Software Powertools".
In this book, we provide a overview of the Ldraw system, and a suite of free
Lego CAD software made by fans for fans. The book has approximately 450
pages, dividided into 10 chapters with a total of about 400 figures and
includes a CD with all the applications. It is designed to teach the newbie
and intrigue the advanced user. In the next few days / hours, we will be
releasing more material (cover, detailed TOC, etc). However, it is crunch
time for our publishers - so please be a bit patient. Check here and/or in
www.Syngress.com for updates.
Please find below a high-level TOC (only major sections of each chapter are
mentioned).
Foreword
Chapter 1 A LEGO CAD System
Introduction
The Software Power Tools Suite of Applications
Ldraw
MLCad
LSynth
L3P and POV-Ray
LPub
The LEGO Community
AT-ST Building Instructions
LEGO as a Learning Tool
Chapter 2 Installation
Introduction
Installing the Software
The LDraw Parts Library
LSynth
L3P
LPub
POV-Ray
MEGA-POV
Examples
MLCad
Chapter 3 LDraw: A Virtual LEGO System
Introduction
Created by Fans, Supported by Fans
The Initial Release
LDraw Today
A LEGO CAD System
LDraw System Basics
A Virtuous Cycle
A Multitude of Resources
Other LEGO-Based Software
Chapter 4 MLCad 101
Introduction
The MLCad Interface
The Main Window
The Toolbars
Building a Simple Model
Before We Start to Model:The Rookie Checklist
Placing the First Brick
Moving and Adding Parts
Working with MLCad
Saving and Opening Model Files
A Brief Look at Program Modes
Working with the Modeling Panes
The Modeling Panes Right-Click Menu
A Closer Look at the Parts Library
Surfing the Parts Library
Chapter 5 Modeling with MLCad
Introduction
Our Virtual Playground
Understanding View Angles
The XYZ Coordinate System: A 3D Compass
MLCad's Precision Modeling Tools
Adding Parts to a Model
Duplicating Parts
Understanding Part Origins
Changing a Part's Color
Moving Parts
Advanced Modeling Techniques
Understanding Rotations
Hiding Parts
Working with Submodels
Selecting Various Parts
Grouping Parts
Using Models as Parts
Multipart Project Files
An Introduction to Automatic Modeling
Fractal Generator
Picture Model
Rotation Model
Chapter 6 MLCad's Output
Introduction
A Peek into the Files
The Parts List Window
Working with the Model Parts List Window
Comments and Meta Commands
Using Comments
Meta Commands
Adding Instruction Steps to Our Models
Instruction Steps Meta Commands
Fine-Tuning Instruction Steps
More Instruction Steps Tools
Using Non-LEGO 3D Elements
Creating Custom Parts
An Explanation of Location Vectors and Rotation Matrices
Adapting MLCad to Our Needs
Extracting Data from MLCad
Customizing MLCad
Chapter 7 LSynth: A Bendable-Part Synthesizer
Introduction
Extendable LDraw File Format
Synthesis Specifications
Running LSynth
Hose-Type Synthesis
Ribbed Hoses
Pneumatic Hoses
Electric Cables
Fiber Optic Cables
Flexible Axles
Advanced Issues
Band-Type Synthesis
Rubber Bands
Rubber Tread
TECHNIC Chain
Plastic Tread
Advanced Issues
LSynthcp
Chapter 8 L3P and POV-Ray 283
Introduction
Running L3P
Running POV-Ray
L3P Options
Camera Options
Lighting Options
Surroundings Options
Model Options
Miscellaneous Options
Model Correctness Checking
The POV Step Clock
Chapter 9 LPub
Introduction
The LPub Main Window
Single-Image Generation
L3P Options in LPub
POV-Ray Options in LPub
LSynth Options in LPub
Creating Building Instructions
LPub Options
Tabular Web Page
Saving Option Configurations
Instruction Philosophies and Tips
Rotation Steps
The BUFEXCHG Meta-Command
The PLIST Meta-Command
The GHOST Meta-Command
Chapter 10 Going Beyond: LEGO Resources
Introduction
A Thriving Online Community
LUGNET:The LEGO Users Group Network
Brickshelf
LDraw.org
Brickfilms
From Bricks to Bothans
Bricklink
The First LEGO League
The Official LEGO Web Site
3D Café
Personal Web Sites
Other Resources
LEGO Clubs and Conventions
LEGO Parks
Your Own World
Chapter 11 AT-ST Building Instructions
Thanks!
Kevin Clague / Miguel Agullo
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