Sid Sidious Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 I have recently been thinking about Mindstorms. I'm considering buying some in the distant future, but want to know what they are like. I have used other robot systems like Fischertechnik and VEX, plus done some stuff with battle bots, so I have some experience with robotics. Is Mindstorms really basic and hard to make cool stuff without modifying the software, or is it difficult to work with and hard to make stuff outside of the instructions, or is it a nice blend that allows for beginners and advanced people to use it? Thanks for your help. Quote
dolittle Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 I have recently been thinking about Mindstorms. I'm considering buying some in the distant future, but want to know what they are like. I have used other robot systems like Fischertechnik and VEX, plus done some stuff with battle bots, so I have some experience with robotics. Is Mindstorms really basic and hard to make cool stuff without modifying the software, or is it difficult to work with and hard to make stuff outside of the instructions, or is it a nice blend that allows for beginners and advanced people to use it? Thanks for your help. Hi, With kids doing FLL (First Lego League) whose ages vary between 9 and 14, I think you can safely pickup the set and get started without needing to program anything. Even if you decide to do something complicated, there are quite a few sites and forums that can help you on your way. Thanks, Noam Quote
DLuders Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 @ Sid Sidious: You can read more on the official Lego Mindstorms website and onMindstorms. Quote
Sid Sidious Posted October 29, 2011 Author Posted October 29, 2011 @ Sid Sidious: You can read more on the official Lego Mindstorms website and onMindstorms. Thanks for the links, those cleared up a lot of my questions. :) Quote
Jim Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 I definitely recommend buying the NXT set. It's lots of fun. And even without modifying the firmware or adding other sensors or robotic parts, you can create loads of great stuff! Quote
davidmull Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 Hi ted iv often taught about mindstorm too,is it hard to get started or do basic stuff like the robot in the picture above as I'm not very good on computers but I can do what I need to do :) is mindstorm gone off the shelves as I don't see any major toy stores stocking it? Also how my minstorm robots/sets are they? Quote
Jim Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 (edited) Hi ted iv often taught about mindstorm too,is it hard to get started or do basic stuff like the robot in the picture above as I'm not very good on computers but I can do what I need to do :) is mindstorm gone off the shelves as I don't see any major toy stores stocking it? Also how my minstorm robots/sets are they? Hi David, Let's walk through your different questions. Getting started is not hard at all. In the NXT mentioned above, there are instructions for a very simple starter bot. The model is very easy to build. There are digital building instructions (in the NXT-G software) for three or four more awesome models, including the robot on the box. There are sample programs to make the robot do stuff. Programming the robot is done with an easy to understand visual programming environment (NXT-G). You create your program by dragging blocks into an area on screen and setting the properties. You don't need to write a single line of programming code. Of course, there are ways to write your own code, but for beginners it's not mandatory. When finished, or for testing, you can upload the program to your robot and see what happens. There's a great book on the NXT-G tool. "The Art of LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT-G Programming" Mindstorms started with the old RIS kit (the yellow brick), followed by NXT 1.0 and NXT 2.0. NXT 2.0 is the set mentioned above, which is basically the same as 1.0, with different sensors. This would be the set to buy. NXT can mostly be bought at online stores or special resellers. The major Toy stores simple don't sell them, never have (in The Netherlans). Probably because of the steep price. Amazon for example, does sell the set. Hope this helps! It's really a fun way to get started with robotics and computer controlled Lego models. What more do you want Edited October 30, 2011 by Gekke Ted Quote
Burf2000 Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 The NXT rocks + the sensors the 3rd party makes it a brilliant building platform. RobotC I find easier to code in than use NXT-G Quote
Jim Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 The NXT rocks + the sensors the 3rd party makes it a brilliant building platform. RobotC I find easier to code in than use NXT-G True! However, when you lack the skills (like David states) NXT-G is nice to get started. Of course, I do agree that at the end of the day programming the robot in a "real programming language" is much better! Quote
davidmull Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 I may try it for Xmas so :) my wife was getting me Lego for Xmas so it's ether this or 8070 ;) Quote
Jim Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 (edited) I may try it for Xmas so :) my wife was getting me Lego for Xmas so it's ether this or 8070 ;) Seems like a fairly easy choice Does the Missus know about the price tag though?! The 8070 is (imho) also an excellent choice BTW. Very nice model. But if you really love me honey.... Edited October 30, 2011 by Gekke Ted Quote
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