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NXT . . . an introduction

The Kit and the Software

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The BrickOutput Ports

A, B, and C

Three separate motor ports

A B C USB

1 2 3 4

Input ports

1, 2, 3, and 4

Where sensors are attached

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Select Buttons

On and Enter

Back and Off

The Brick

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Bluetooth

< switched on <> connected

Name of the brick

Battery level (full)

Icon selections

The Brick

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Sensors

Detects the surrounding light intensity (not color) between 0 – 100%.

The Light Sensor can generate it’s own light (Ideal for line following).

To allow this to happen the “Generate light” box in the Light sensor block configuration panel needs to be ticked.

Light Sensor

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Harder objects will return more accurate readings than softer objects which can absorb the sound waves.

It works by sending out and receiving sound waves. Similar to the echo sounding used by bats.

It has a range of 0 – 255cm.

SensorsUltrasonic Sensor

Allows a robot to detect the distance to objects and walls.

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25-100% Loud noise/music.

10-25% Talking to sensor as a microphone.

The Sound Sensor gives readings of Sound Pressure in Decibels (dB) or Adjusted Decibels (dBA). For the Mindstorms NXT, the readings are presented as Percentages (%).

SensorsSound Sensor

0-5% Silence/Whispering.

5-10% Normal classroom noise.

Note: dB – Sounds beyond our hearing range dBA – adjusted to our hearing range

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Extra pieces can be added to the front of the Touch sensor to make a bigger bumper.

As shown on the Touch sensor block configuration panel

SensorsTouch Sensor

The Touch Sensor can respond to being pressed, released or bumped.

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NXT-G Software

Main Working Space

“Common”Block menu

NXT Window – Access Brick info.

(e.g., memory,

battery, and so on)

“Complete”Block menu

Accessed here

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Add Program

blocks here.

Download and run

immediately

NXT-G Software

Main Working Space

Download (Run from the brick)

Starting point

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Robot EducatorA series of 46 lessons split into:

Common – Easier (20)

Complete – Harder (19)

Data Logging – Mixed (7)

Each lesson includes:

Challenge Brief – Video or slides

Building Instructions

Programming Instructions

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Written comments

can be added.

Pointer and Selection Tool(default)

Grab Hand to move the work space

around.

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Move

Wait For Touch

Display

Sound

Switch (Touch)

Some commonly used blocks

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Drag (left-click) block here.

Change the settings in the Configuration

panel.

Release when the

white position preview marks

appear.

Placing Blocks on the working space

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