ROBOTMAK3RS Blog

This Vending Machine project is one of the "bonus projects" available on the CD LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 by Example from nxtprograms.com . A preview and video of the project are available on the website (see video below), and full building instructions and the fully commented NXT-G program are available on the CD. Built with a single NXT 2.0 kit, the machine displays four LEGO parts for sale on the rack in front. The colored balls act as different coin values, with the color sensor detecting them as they are inserted. Using the display and buttons on the NXT, you choose your item from a menu on screen, then you insert balls to pay for it. If you inserted enough money, the selected item is dispensed down the slide in the front, and if you inserted extra money, the machine automatically computes and dispenses the correct amount of change via a hidden change reservoir into the change cup in front. The machine also handles various other error cases such as not inserting enou...

Now available is the CD LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 by Example , which contains the NXT 2.0 projects from nxtprograms.com in convenient CD format plus exclusive bonus projects and bonus material. Designed to be both fun and educational, the CD is intended for users of the NXT 2.0 (8547) kit (NXT 1.0 users see the CD 65 Fun Projects for your LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT ). In addition to the 23 NXT 2.0 Projects on nxtprograms.com, the CD also contains the following exclusive bonus content: Over 70 ready-to-run and fully commented NXT-G programs for the new Multi-Bot project, for both fun and programming education (beginner to advanced). Studying and using these programs will provide an extensive education in NXT-G programming, including a variety of techniques for motor control, sensor usage, and more (see the program descriptions ). A new Vending Machine project. The Pinball Machine project (demonstrated at the LEGO booth at FLL World Festival 2009). The full version of the Guitar Challenge ...

Just in time for the holidays, I have updated the project CD on nxtprograms.com, now called 65 Fun Projects for your LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT , to include building instructions and programs for all 65 of the NXT 1.X projects on the site, including the newer ones such as the Forklift, Dial Remote Control, Peg Sorter, Claw Striker, Trailer Pull, Combination Lock Box, and more... The CD also contains the full verson of the new NXT Guitar Challenge Game project. The full version of this game is available only on the CD, and includes a PC (Windows) graphical song recorder/editor, so you can "record" and edit Guitar Challenge Game songs for your favorite music on your PC and download them to the NXT to play along with. Owners of the CD also get access to additional songs on the web submitted by other users of the game, and full source code for the game and recording programs, for those advanced NXT programmers who are interested in getting exposed to some NXC and C/C++ programming. The...

You've heard the saying "Don't forget the batteries!" That saying certainly still applies, but if there is an NXT kit for someone on your Christmas/Holiday gift list, I would also encourage you to not forget the instructions! The LEGO NXT kit comes with minimal instructions, so by adding a book or a CD to your gift, you can open up many, many more doors for the recipient and provide for much more fun and enrichment. This is similar to "Don't forget the software" when buying a computer. And if your special someone already has an NXT set, adding a CD or book can really help re-energize their existing NXT set, so a CD or book gift for them is a great value. In my experience teaching hundreds of kids robotics over the years, and feedback from their parents, when the the kids are at home working on their own set, the majority of kids need some help with building instructions, and almost all kids need help with the programming. Providing the extra instruct...

MINDSTORMS NXT 1.1 (upgrade) CD is for sale on the Shop@home. Unfortunately only for the US customers. This CD can also be usefull if you have the Education Kit (9797) and the Education resource set (9648) . Product link: MINDSTORMS® NXT CDItem #: 4524081 Price was USD 19.99 Sale Price USD 7.98

The nxtprograms.com website reached a milestone recently, with 50 projects posted, all with full building instructions and downloadable programs. To celebrate this milestone, I have published a new version of the CD titled " 50 Fun Projects for your LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT ", now in a full color jewel case. The CD is useful for anyone who wants to access the projects without a fast internet connection in their LEGO room, as a backup against network flakiness, or just as a nice addition to their collection of books and other NXT resources. A significant bulk discount is also available for teachers and coaches to order multiple copies to use in their classrooms and/or distribute to their students. Also, by popular demand, I have started to try to enter the video age by posting videos of the projects on YouTube. There are some there now from the most recent projects, and as I have time, I will be rebuilding and videoing the past projects to get more up there.