NXT Simulation

A reader, Hugo Vivier, has told me about a very cool program that simulates the NXT on the computer. Here's what he says.

I would like to share something interesting with LEGO NXT Mindstorms and the MS Robotics Developer Studio, it is a package which contains a 3D simulation of the TRIBOT.

You can use this package to practice with 3D robotic simulation.

The MSRDS will allow you to design programs that you will be able to test both on your computer (in the simulated version) and on your real Tribot, via the package interface.

Almost all the sensors are implemented in the simulation.

Demo programs and tutorials are already done, you can also control your robot with a Xbox pad if you have one.

For the moment, only the TRIBOT is available, but if people discuss about new robots on the forum, maybe we will create new ones.

The Simply Sim website

NXText Messaging?

I just had an awesome idea: wouldn't it be cool if you could text message with NXTs? I have two, and I could have them send text to each other via BlueTooth that you enter on some NXT text interface like the one when you save a "NXT Program" (on the NXT) !
The programming will be tricky, but not too hard.
What do you think? Will it work?

BlueTooth Remote Control

This is a lesson on how to control one NXT with another. (via BlueTooth)
Ingredients:

• Two NXTs
• One computer
• 4 motors

1. First, you need to build a Tribot, or some similiar basic robot. (picture 1)
2. You then will build a remote like the one in picture 2
2. Connect the motors on both car and remote to motor ports A and C
Then, open the program with the NXT-G programming application.
3. Download Remote.rbt to the Controller NXT
4. Download Receiver.rbt to the vehicle robot.


5.
Connect the NXTs through BlueTooth on connection 1.

6. Run the programs. Use the paddles on the controller to steer the robot.




Credits:
Some of the program was from Brian Davis.

NXT-G

NXT-G 1.05 is out and can be downloaded for free at:


http://mindstorms.lego.com/Support/Updates/

NXT-G

NXT-G 1.0 is now obsolete! Sort of. LEGO education is now selling NXT-G 1.1! Unfortunately the upgrade is not free, it costs $20 (oops, I mean "$19.99")