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NXT Basics: Technic Building and NXT-G. Erin Cejka Riecker Center for Engineering Educational Outreach Tufts University. Getting to Know the NXT. Motors and Sensors. Hardware Comparison. Technic or “Studless” Building. Pieces: Studless beams Connectors Axles Features: Symmetry Sturdy.
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NXT Basics: Technic Building and NXT-G Erin Cejka Riecker Center for Engineering Educational Outreach Tufts University
Technic or “Studless” Building Pieces: • Studless beams • Connectors • Axles Features: • Symmetry • Sturdy
Software Options ROBOLAB 2.9 LEGO Mindstorms for NXT (NXT-G)
Using ROBOLAB 2.9 with the NXT New sensors Screen control
Using ROBOLAB 2.9 with the NXT NXT control panel appears during download
NXT-G Interface Tutorials Web Portal Toolbar Workspace Sequence Beam Palettes Controller Configuration Panel Help & Navigation
NXT-G tools • Pointer tool: move blocks, select blocks • Pan tool: move within workspace • Comment tool: add notes to your code
Intro to NXT-G: Palettes Common: Complete: Custom: Most All blocks Downloaded commonly and created used blocks blocks
Writing a Basic Program • Drag and drop block(s) on sequence beam • Manipulate Configuration Panel & Download
Intro to NXT-G: Controller Download & Run Selection NXT Window Stop Download Download & Run
NXT Rotation Sensor • Built in to motors • Measure degrees or rotations • Reads + and - • Degrees: accuracy +/- 1 • 1 rotation = 360 degrees
Viewing Sensors • Connect sensor • Turn on NXT • Choose “View” • Select sensor type • Select port
NXT Sound Sensor • Sound sensor can measure in dB and dBA • dB: in detecting standard [unadjusted] decibels, all sounds are measured with equal sensitivity. Thus, these sounds may include some that are too high or too low for the human ear to hear. • dBA: in detecting adjusted decibels, the sensitivity of the sensor is adapted to the sensitivity of the human ear. In other words, these are the sounds that your ears are able to hear. • Sound Sensor readings on the NXT are displayed in percent [%]. The lower the percent the quieter the sound. http://mindstorms.lego.com/Overview/Sound_Sensor.aspx
Challenge: Stop with sound • Program your NXT car to drive until you yell “Stop”
NXT Ultrasonic/Distance Sensor • Measures distance/proximity • Range: 0-255 cm • Precision: +/- 3cm • Can report in centimeters or inches http://mindstorms.lego.com/Overview/Ultrasonic_Sensor.aspx
Challenge: Parking NXT • Program your NXT car to drive forward until you “find a parking spot” (hit a touch sensor) • The car should then turn into the spot, and stop when it gets close enough to wall.
A note about NXT memory • Memory space is limited! • To clear space, use NXT window • Show and delete system files for more space
Challenge: Stay on Table • Program your NXT to stay on the table
Challenge: Remote Control • Program car to drive while the touch sensor is pushed and stop while the touch sensor is released
NXT Sound • NXT can play sound files or notes • Sounds take up more memory space
NXT Display • Display images, text, or drawings • Choose location on display screen • 100 x 64 pixels (up to 7 lines of text) • Graphics take up memory space
Challenge: Say Hello • Have the RCX say hello using sound and the display screen • Don’t forget – the program ends after the last block. You may need a wait for to see the display. • Caution: one of the options in the configuration panel is Clear – use it to clear screen. Otherwise, uncheck the box!
My Blocks • Create custom blocks • Saved in custom palette • Download blocks from the web
Creating My Blocks • Write the code for the My Block
Creating My Blocks • Select all the blocks to be used for My Block
Creating My Blocks • Choose “Create My Block” on toolbar • Or, go to the Edit menu and select “Make a new My Block”
Creating My Blocks • Name My Block • Add a description
Creating My Blocks • Create a custom icon
Creating My Blocks • My Block appears in Custom Palette
Challenge: Create My Block • Come up with a program where you might use a My Block • May use it to repeat actions or to conserve workspace
Example Program: Create My Block • This program displays “If you’re happy and you know it, press the touch sensor (and hold it)!” • If the touch sensor if pressed, it displays a happy face, otherwise it displays a sad face • A My Block is used for the text display
Design Challenge: Alarm System • Build an alarm system using the NXT • Alarm can be triggered by any sensor (or use more than one) • Alarm should have an audio component • Alarm can use display or motors as well