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Awhile back I had a couple of hours of build time (shocking but true) and a project that has been on my mind for some time was to create a nifty dock for my iPhone. As I began to create this little contraption I said to myself, “How could this be a bit cooler and more functional?” The answer was to make it a rotating dock so I could watch movies and apps in landscape mode...
27 comments:
Grab some tiny rubber wheels from little lego cars and axels n' what not and slip those over those grey cap pieces you have. That should reduce the slip on it.
Bryan,
Now that's and idea...only problem is I won't have the smooth flush transition from base plate to iMac stand. But it does get me thinking.
Steven
perhaps these: http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/45590
Gev,
I think I have a few of those parts. I may be able to incorporate them onto the back of the base. I’ll have to find them and give it a shot.
Thanks for the recommendation!
“Keep on Building”
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Steven B. Combs, Ph.D.
:: Bricks in my Pocket (BimP)
:: http://www.bricksinmypocket.org
:: steven@bricksinmypocket.org
Oh man, I'd love an instructional on how to build one. This looks great!
Demi,
I’m contemplating instructions. I’ve already had many requests. Before I provide instructions though, I would like to scale back the required number of parts and work on a couple of problem issues. Oh...and there’s also the matter of that motorized version that is sitting on my desk in prototype form. :D
“Keep on Building”
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Steven B. Combs, Ph.D.
:: Bricks in my Pocket (BimP)
:: http://www.bricksinmypocket.org
:: steven@bricksinmypocket.org
Can you post this as a Lego Digital Designer project (when you are done tweaking it)? That would be awesome! Thanks!!
nice set of pics, I was able to reproduce this pretty easily :D
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28858884@N05/sets/72157622351024232/
added a couple bars to hold it in place better, and my swivel is too loose :/
what clock app is that?
This is quite the awesome little dock, though I haven't seen that white turntable piece before, I'm kind of wondering if it's from a technic set or a regular lego set (as I have alot of technic pieces and would probably have one)
also, does it stop turning at 90 degrees, or does it continually rotate?
I would love plans for this! I'm not a huge LEGO geek (found your site via Gizmodo), but this is cool and good-looking. Even just a list of the pieces you used would be helpful; I'm sure most people could figure it out just by looking at your Flickr photos.
risknc - that's the Night Stand app.
Amy,
Thank, I was just getting ready to post that the iPhone app was Night Stand.
“Keep on Building”
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Steven B. Combs, Ph.D.
:: Bricks in my Pocket (BimP)
:: http://www.bricksinmypocket.org
:: steven@bricksinmypocket.org
Mr Somers,
Sorry, I checked LDD and the turntable I use (the key component) was not in the inventory. Will probably use Bricksmith. Stay tuned.
“Keep on Building”
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Steven B. Combs, Ph.D.
:: Bricks in my Pocket (BimP)
:: http://www.bricksinmypocket.org
:: steven@bricksinmypocket.org
How have you build the Dock-Connector, sorry I cant see.
Fabrice,
Stay tuned, more instructions coming soon.
“Keep on Building”
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Steven B. Combs, Ph.D.
:: Bricks in my Pocket (BimP)
:: http://www.bricksinmypocket.org
:: steven@bricksinmypocket.org
Hi Steven, I saw this post on gizmodo and got my lego happiness all stirred up! I saw you were asking for either donations or monetary value for your instructions and thought it was a nice plea for financial help in making more fun projects, but real lego builders don't need instructions on how to do this sort of thing. (or would just download the instructions when released from someone who has already bought them and posted them without your concent) regardless, i think the sliding is a problem as seen on your video, but i think having a way couple of pneumatic cylinders that came down to hold the iphone/itouch in place would be a great feature! also, having either a rubber backing, or a way to incorporate space for easy placement for devices with cases would be nice to see, but simplicity is the best solution.
i think the only way to get it to not slide as much is to either make it heavier so that the rubber has something to hold it down on the table to, or find a way to install a lego brick on your desk to it wont move at all! wow, that would be great to see, a 2x4 brick on a desk for lego projects.
prequarius,
Agree with your comments about AFOLs needing instructions. In all honesty, most people asking for instructions have been non-AFOLs. At this point, I am leaning toward the donation model. That way, if AFOLs or the public feel there is some value to my time, they can donate, if not, that's OK too. I'm not here to get rich, just support my habit. :D
Love the idea about mounting a 2x4 to the desk; although a plate would be better than a brick, me thinks. I may have to play with that idea a bit.
Thanks for the comments,
“Keep on Building”
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Steven B. Combs, Ph.D.
:: Bricks in my Pocket (BimP)
:: http://www.bricksinmypocket.org
:: steven@bricksinmypocket.org
Thanks for the inspiration! I took your idea and created a similar dock myself. I'm not sure if mine has less parts than yours, but it definitely has the sliding all over the desk issue.
You should be able to make a good solid base by attaching some rubber wheels to the back part, like Brian said, then push some wheels onto http://shop.lego.com/PAB/ it's called 1 1/2 Connecting Bush, should be the first item on the list. If it isnt the first one, just paste 4211050 into the "Element ID" Search box on the left. That way it should make your dock still have a flush transition with the iMac stand.
Nice Dock! Is there somewhere a list with all Lego parts?
I would love to build this, does anyone know what type of technic set i need to buy? and how much? maybe link me? I know Doc's putting together a list, but i'd like to order or go out and buy the set so im ready :)
While I was reading your blog at work, my coworker saw my screen and said "I really want it!!!". Now I am thinking about giving it as a birthday present next month for him. I downloaded "Lego Digital Designer" software and I am also excited that we can order our original model, create its own box and an instruction! I am sure it is going to be a good gifts, only I need is your building instruction... I really appreciate if I can get it!
That looks awesome! The first thing I need to get myself either an iPhone or free iPod Touch first so that I have something to dock before creating something like this!
how about a lego modeler file so we can upload it to lego.com and then have them send us the necesary parts?? ill buy it if you ask for donations
Hi i Line your dock . Look mine sorry for my english i'm french ^^ http://iphonedock.e-monsite.com this is my website i take dock with lego and k'nex
Yeah, this has got to be one of the greatest ipod docks EVAR!!! i am going to play around with LDD and see if i can figure this one out.
I would be willing to pay a reasonable amount for a set of plans for this and a parts list.
I started thinking about my days back when I was a lid and endlessly fiddling with legos and remembered that I had that plastic arm that you could pick things up with a squeeze of the handle. Mostly for old people or reaching something that's out of reach and in a small space. (anyways!) I wonder how awesome it would be to have the pnuematic system to hold the iPod/iPhone stand anywere you could want it. Shelves, glass desks, drafting tables, anywhere!
Although mind you, this might require a lot more pieces, and a lot more bulk added to the fixture. Maybe just having the pump seperate from the base would be an idea.
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