Peter's blog

Option 1: Lego Mindstorms NXT Software version 2.0 The first and the official programming option for the NXT is Lego Mindstorms NXT software version 2.0 that is based on Labview from National Instruments. It is delivered with 8547 LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT 2.0. Mindstorms software is a graphical programming environment. The programming is made connecting bricks and data lines. It is "a great tool" for learning and teaching programming, and it is also fun. It is possible to do non trivial tasks like multi-threading and functions. But for non-small programs it is not practical. Mindstorms software is used to make programs, to send the compiled programs to the NXT, to remote control the NXT, and to update NXT firmware. Both USB and Bluetooth are supported. I've tested it under Windows but it is also supported under Mac. It does not work under Linux. See my enhanced color sorter program: The main program. Note the two threads. The bottom is for the dispenser and color

The bad news: My NXT brick was not working properly when I took it from the box. The sensor port 2 was not working. I do not think that there is warranty coverage for Lego Mindstorms in Brazil. I had no better option than try to fix it. The good news: Lego delivers all information about the NXT electronics and its embedded software. It is a true open source platform. I've downloaded the schematics from: http://mindstorms.lego.com/en-us/support/files/default.aspx And I've noticed a missing component near the port 2. R59 was not there. For lucky it is a common 1k resistor. Thanks to my father's SMD lab, we were able to solder a new resistor, and push hot air over port 2 components. After that port 2 started to work. I'm deeply happy with Lego's open source policy for this product. I was wondering how happy I'll be when my car becomes open source. Lego gave us the power to fix the problem without any limitation. It is clear to me now that open source is gr

Want to have some fun with Robotics? 8547 LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT 2.0 is the right kit for you!     Color Sorter with a bit more complex algorithm  To me Lego Mindstorms NXT is a dream come true. Why? Robotics! Robotics! Robotics! What's inside the box? - The NXT programmable Brick with Bluetooth, USB, 7 I/O ports for sensors and motors, speaker, buttons, and LCD display. - 4 Sensors: Ultrasonic, light and color, 2 touch sensors - Some cables - 600+ pieces for assembling machines animals and humanoids. - Software for Windows and Mac for programming the NXT. See Lego's official website