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In lugnet.robotics.edu, Merredith Portsmore wrote:
<snip>
>
> http://www.lego.com/eng/create/technicdesignschool/default.asp
>
> Course: Beams & Connectors
> How LEGO TECHNIC elements work together.
> Lesson 1: TECHNIC 101
> Lesson 2: Stability with LEGO TECHNIC
>
> Course: Gears
> TECHNIC on the Move!
> Lesson 1: Gearing 101
>
>
> Merredith Portsmore
> Tufts Center for Engineering Educational Outreach
> Legoengineering.com
Meredith,
Thanks for posting this. It is wonderful first shot at some of these building
topics.
I am concerned, however, about the Pythagorean triangles on the Stability link.
The figures show two Pythagorean triangles, namely the 3-4-5 and 6-8-10
triangles. The figures, unfortunately and arguably incorrectly, show the
lengths as 4m, 5m, and 6m and 7m, 9m, and 11m. The first course on beams
defines one 'm' to be the distance between the centers of adjacent holes. As
such, the figure labels of 4m, 5m, and 6m (and the 7-9-11) are misleading.
Agreed, there is discussion in the text of there being six holes but the
distnace is really 5m, but this has all the ingredients to send your typical
12-year-old packing. They can learn to count starting at zero or compute the
distance by subtracting one from the number of holes; we should work hard to
make sure that the explanations aren't internally inconsistent. The 3-4-5 works
with the Pythagorean theorem; 4-5-6 does not. Telling them that the distances
are 4-5-6 in the figure and then doing Pythagoras with 3-4-5 creates, methinks,
more problems than it solves.
(It might be helpful to show that 5-12-13 and 7-24-25 are Pythagorean triangles,
too!)
There are actually two further issues; although more minor, they nonetheless
should be addressed. First, the 'm' used in the figures is a lower-case 'm',
while in the text it is upper-case 'M'. Some standardization should be used.
Secondly, if one chooses to use lower-case 'm', one might want to address issues
in conflict with the SI base unit m, which is meters.
Since we are working with Lego, I might suggest using 'stud' as a unit,
eventhough it is not part of the SI lexicon, as far as I know! My understanding
of 'stud' as a unit of measure in the Lego context is that it is equivalent to
the 'module' defined on your pages.
Again, thank you for your postings on technic building techniques. I am sure
that they are of value to many of us who are trying to build better technic
structures. I just want to make sure that the newbies that read this kind of
thing are getting a straight scoop. We need to make sure we get the details
right.
Thanks,
Rafe
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In lugnet.technic, Mark Haye wrote:
> I am working with a couple FLL teams, building with the NXT.
> I am having a little trouble coaching them on studless building
> techniques, as it is still a bit of a new concept to me as well.
> I'm sure I've seen presentations or how-to's on the subject
> posted to LUGNET somewhere, perhaps as part of BrickFest
> or somesuch, but I have so far failed to locate any.
> If you know of some resources in this area, please post a link.
> Thanks.
>
> Mark Haye
> Professional programmer. Closed source. Do not attempt.
There are some good basics at the LEGO Technic Design School. They've been
slowly adding more
http://www.lego.com/eng/create/technicdesignschool/default.asp
Course: Beams & Connectors
How LEGO TECHNIC elements work together.
Lesson 1: TECHNIC 101
Lesson 2: Stability with LEGO TECHNIC
Course: Gears
TECHNIC on the Move!
Lesson 1: Gearing 101
Merredith Portsmore
Tufts Center for Engineering Educational Outreach
Legoengineering.com
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I am working with a couple FLL teams, building with the NXT.
I am having a little trouble coaching them on studless building
techniques, as it is still a bit of a new concept to me as well.
I'm sure I've seen presentations or how-to's on the subject
posted to LUGNET somewhere, perhaps as part of BrickFest
or somesuch, but I have so far failed to locate any.
If you know of some resources in this area, please post a link.
Thanks.
Mark Haye
Professional programmer. Closed source. Do not attempt.
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Hi, I am a newbie and would appreciate some help. My 11 year old has just
joined his school robotics club. He will be using set 9794 (Mindstorms for
School with ROBOLAB 2.5.4) and has to prepare a robot for a Tug-of-War
competition (based on FLL rules) in just 2 weeks time. This is really short
notice! I have
downloaded various pdf files from the net (artoflego, FLL guides etc.) as
well as buying a digital copy of the Ferraris' book. I am at a loss as to
how to help him beyond attempting to digest all this downloaded material as
fast as I can. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
Raj.
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Greetings All,
Here is a video of a FLL team that I coached:
http://homepage.mac.com/aklego/iMovieTheater29.html
The team was quite good and made it to the the World Festival in Atlanta last
month. In the five months leading up to the festivle, they were able to improve
their robot to the point where they could often get a perfect score.
Unfortunatly, the robot was camra shy and I was never able to capture a perfect
run. Anyway, hope you enjoy it.
Tom
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I try to keep to around not more than 5 children per mindstorms kit
(or per RCX if using Dacta), and not more than 8-10 per instructor.
Usually - once you get above about 8, it is good to have a couple of
other adults around to keep peace, so the main instructor can actually
teach and do group demonstrations. This also means the other adults
can help stuck children a bit.
Danny
On 7/3/05, Elizabeth Mabrey <emabrey@storming-robots.com> wrote:
> Hi Robo Educators,
>
> I would like to gather some opinions from the educators out there who teach
> their middle school classes using the LEGO MINDSTORMS + Robolab:
> 1) What is a reasonable class size in 2 to 3 hours session?
> 2) How about summer camp configuration? Since the summer classes runs 5
> hours a day, it involves additional science projects for an hour.
> Therefore, they really spend approx. 4 hours on robotics activities. I
> currently plan to have 12 middle school kids in the class with one adult
> instructor. Will this sound reasonable?
>
> Please advise!
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> --------
> Best Regards,
> Elizabeth Mabrey
>
>
> --
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http://orionrobots.co.uk - Build Robots
Online Castle Building RPG -
http://www.darkthrone.com/recruit.dt?uid=V30311I30328J30379X30379E30260X30277
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Hi Robo Educators,
I would like to gather some opinions from the educators out there who teach
their middle school classes using the LEGO MINDSTORMS + Robolab:
1) What is a reasonable class size in 2 to 3 hours session?
2) How about summer camp configuration? Since the summer classes runs 5
hours a day, it involves additional science projects for an hour.
Therefore, they really spend approx. 4 hours on robotics activities. I
currently plan to have 12 middle school kids in the class with one adult
instructor. Will this sound reasonable?
Please advise!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------
Best Regards,
Elizabeth Mabrey
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In lugnet.robotics.rcx, Michael Obenland wrote:
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The starter kit is $300, which is a 50% pricier...
|
Sure, but it seems of not much value regarding programming. The
informations on the vex site are sparse and not easy to decipher, but I
think you will have to:
- pay aditional $99 for somethink called easyC, that is more or less nqc
- or pay some bucks for a genuine c compiler from microchip.com.
|
I think you’re paying not for the compiler, but for the “programmer” (a sort of
serial adapter with an integrated PIC that massages the data somehow). But
either way, yes, it’s an extra $100 to program the thing. And without the
ability to program it, it *is* pretty useless, so this thing is basically twice
the cost of Mindstorms.
But, it’s a lot more than twice the functionality. And of course, it’s only
twice the cost if you get only one -- if you get more than one, you still need
only one programmer, which brings the cost back down a bit.
I hear rumors of a new RCX coming... hopefully it will be closer to Vex in
functionality.
Best,
– Joe
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Hi Joe,
Their website seemingly offers a lot of other gadgets. However, I have
serious doubt about the programming platform though. Or, perhaps I have
not found much about the programming language which can interface with it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------
Elizabeth Mabrey
> -----Original Message-----
> From: news-gateway@lugnet.com
> [mailto:news-gateway@lugnet.com] On Behalf Of Joe Strout
> Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2005 5:19 PM
> To: lugnet.robotics.rcx@lugnet.com; lugnet.robotics.edu@lugnet.com
> Subject: Re: vex robotics kit
>
> In lugnet.robotics.rcx, Elizabeth Mabrey wrote:
>
> > I wonder if anyone has had a chance to use the new VEX • robotic kit by radio
> > shack. I am trying to collect the info to evaluate this • product vs LEGO
> > RIS + robolab in terms of educational values.
>
> I haven't used it, but I thank you for pointing it out. (For
> others, the link is <http://www.vexrobotics.com/>.)
>
> I hate to say it, but this looks like it rather blows the
> socks off of standard LEGO robotics. The starter kit is
> $300, which is a 50% pricier, but comes with some really cool
> features out of the box that are very difficult or impossible
> to add to Mindstorms at all. For example, a radio
> transmitter and receiver, that lets you interact with your
> robot by remote control (in addition to its autonomous
> control via the programmable microcontroller).
>
> Additional parts are nicely available and well-priced, too --
> for example, $20 for a servo kit, $50 for a radio crystal set
> that enables four different frequencies, $13 for an extra set
> of gears (duplicating all the gears in the starter kit, plus
> two more), and $50 for a battery charger that can charge
> robot and transmitter batteries at the same time.
>
> The major drawback, of course, is that the dang thing isn't
> based on LEGO, so it's going to be a PITA to build and
> comparatively limited in the physical structures you can
> make. Looks surprisingly fun anyway, though.
>
> I found a review of the VEX system that may be useful:
> <http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/ZDM/story?id=817378>
>
> I haven't been able to find much detail about the
> microcontroller, except that it contains "dozens of ports for
> sensor plugs and jumpers." It's not clear exactly what that
> means, though. Nor can I find any information about how it
> is programmed -- apparently it comes with a preset program
> you can tweak in small ways via jumpers, but they also claim
> it's "programmable."
>
> I hope this gives some inspiration to both the engineers and
> the marketing guys at LEGO... I feel like LEGO robotics is
> falling behind, and has some catching up to do.
>
> Best,¬
> - Joe
>
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In lugnet.robotics.rcx, Elizabeth Mabrey wrote:
| |
I wonder if anyone has had a chance to use the new VEX robotic kit by radio
shack. I am trying to collect the info to evaluate this product vs LEGO
RIS + robolab in terms of educational values.
|
I haven’t used it, but I thank you for pointing it out. (For others, the link
is http://www.vexrobotics.com/.)
I hate to say it, but this looks like it rather blows the socks off of standard
LEGO robotics. The starter kit is $300, which is a 50% pricier, but comes with
some really cool features out of the box that are very difficult or impossible
to add to Mindstorms at all. For example, a radio transmitter and receiver,
that lets you interact with your robot by remote control (in addition to its
autonomous control via the programmable microcontroller).
Additional parts are nicely available and well-priced, too -- for example, $20
for a servo kit, $50 for a radio crystal set that enables four different
frequencies, $13 for an extra set of gears (duplicating all the gears in the
starter kit, plus two more), and $50 for a battery charger that can charge robot
and transmitter batteries at the same time.
The major drawback, of course, is that the dang thing isn’t based on LEGO, so
it’s going to be a PITA to build and comparatively limited in the physical
structures you can make. Looks surprisingly fun anyway, though.
I found a review of the VEX system that may be useful:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/ZDM/story?id=817378
I haven’t been able to find much detail about the microcontroller, except that
it contains “dozens of ports for sensor plugs and jumpers.” It’s not clear
exactly what that means, though. Nor can I find any information about how it is
programmed -- apparently it comes with a preset program you can tweak in small
ways via jumpers, but they also claim it’s “programmable.”
I hope this gives some inspiration to both the engineers and the marketing guys
at LEGO... I feel like LEGO robotics is falling behind, and has some catching up
to do.
Best,
- Joe
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Hi
I wonder if anyone has had a chance to use the new VEX robotic kit by radio
shack. I am trying to collect the info to evaluate this product vs LEGO
RIS + robolab in terms of educational values.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------
Best Regards,
Elizabeth Mabrey Partner
of
Director
LEGO MINDSTORMS
3322 Rt. 22 West, Bldg 4, Ste 402 Robotics Community
Branchburg, NJ 08876
Ph: (908) 595-1010 ; M-F: 10-5; Sat: 11-4
Fax: (908) 891-2026
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In lugnet.robotics.rcx, Elizabeth Mabrey wrote:
| |
Hi,
I am trying to look for a few lego end effectors configuration. I got the
one from CMU’s robotics educator. Suggestion will be greatly appreciated.
--thanks
|
Do you mean robot hands? If so, try the one from my robot:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=82738
It’s actuated with pneumatics at the moment but the two 24mm pulleys have bevel
gears linking them, to keep the fingers synchronised, so you could use a motor
and low gearing to power it from an RCX instead. The fingers use parallelograms
to stay parallel with each other, so that they can grip any amount of the
object. In this case the object is a 2x10 brick, held vertically (11.2mm
thick).
The actual grippers are rubber tyres from 12V train motors, though wide rubber
bands would do.
In this robot, the gripper cylinders are in parallel with two cylinders that
move a much bigger load, that of a bank of 5 switch valves on the back of the
robot. Therefore the gripper moves before the bank of switches.
There’s also a diagram of the pneumatic circuit in the folder.
Mark
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Hi,
I am trying to look for a few lego end effectors configuration. I got the
one from CMU's robotics educator. Suggestion will be greatly appreciated.
--thanks
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Sue,
I am currently running a learning center which does use the lego mindstorm
center (lmc) materials. It is not a franchise, but similar. If you are
interested, feel free to ask me questions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------
Best Regards,
Elizabeth Mabrey Partner
of
Director
LEGO MINDSTORMS
3322 Rt. 22 West, Bldg 4, Ste 402 Robotics Community
Branchburg, NJ 08876
Ph: (908) 595-1010 ; M-F: 10-5; Sat: 11-4
Fax: (908) 891-2026
-----Original Message-----
From: news-gateway@lugnet.com [mailto:news-gateway@lugnet.com] On Behalf Of
Suz
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2005 2:39 PM
To: lugnet.robotics.rcx@lugnet.com; lugnet.robotics.edu@lugnet.com;
lugnet.lego@lugnet.com
Subject: Mindstorms Centers
I would love to know more about this program and people's experiences with
it.
It seems like a franchise. I'm surprised there are so few centers in the US
on the map. Also, I notice that the URL is under FIRST LEGO League, but
there's no direct connection, is there?
Mindstorms Centers
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/default.aspx?pid=5
> From the above webpage:
"LEGOR MINDSTORMST Center activities are compelling hands-on robotic
challenges, guided by facilitators. They take place in specially designed
"cool"
environments. The Centers provide a forum for children from 8 years of age
to develop an understanding of - and extended interest in - the scientific
world."
-Suzanne
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In lugnet.robotics.rcx, Suzanne Rich Green wrote:
> I would love to know more about this program and people's experiences with it.
> It seems like a franchise. I'm surprised there are so few centers in the US on
> the map. Also, I notice that the URL is under FIRST LEGO League, but there's no
> direct connection, is there?
It appears to be a mirror from the Mindstorms site:
http://mindstorms.lego.com/centers/
-Rob.
> Mindstorms Centers
> http://www.firstlegoleague.org/default.aspx?pid=5
>
> From the above webpage:
> "LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ Center activities are compelling hands-on robotic challenges,
> guided by facilitators. They take place in specially designed "cool"
> environments. The Centers provide a forum for children from 8 years of age to
> develop an understanding of - and extended interest in - the scientific world."
>
> -Suzanne
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I would love to know more about this program and people's experiences with it.
It seems like a franchise. I'm surprised there are so few centers in the US on
the map. Also, I notice that the URL is under FIRST LEGO League, but there's no
direct connection, is there?
Mindstorms Centers
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/default.aspx?pid=5
From the above webpage:
"LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ Center activities are compelling hands-on robotic challenges,
guided by facilitators. They take place in specially designed "cool"
environments. The Centers provide a forum for children from 8 years of age to
develop an understanding of - and extended interest in - the scientific world."
-Suzanne
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1) The Call for Presentation and Papers for the Annual ROBOLAB Conference
(August 15-17th, Austin, Texas) has been extended to APRIL 1st. Please
consider submitting a presentation or a paper for the conference. Details
are available at the conference web site
http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/events/robolabconference
2) Registration forms for the Annual ROBOLAB Conference are now available
at the web site! Sign up Soon!
http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/events/robolabconference
3) The Northeast Regional ROBOLAB Conference is a happening on April 8 in
Enfield, CT. The event will feature presentations by local educators,
ROBOLAB workshops and event a factory tour. Visit the web site for more
details and registration forms.
http://ceeo.tufts.edu/events/robolabconference/regional/northeast.htm
-----------------------
Tonya L. Witherspoon
Educational Technology Specialist
Center for Research and Evaluation Services Fellow
College of Education, Wichita State University
1845 N. Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0131
316-978-6242 (voice)
316-978-3302 (fax)
http://www.wichita.edu/education/twitherspoon
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I don’t work for the LEGO Company, but I felt that this announcement should be
posted in the official .lego group. -Suz
http://news.lugnet.com/robotics/rcx/robolab/?n=386
I’m reposting the announcement of a special event. This conference, at the
LEGO Enfield HQ, is a big deal!
For those who don’t know about ROBOLAB, it was
developed at Tufts University in
Massachusetts while the RCX brick was developed nearby, at the MIT Media Lab
(MIT made Logo-based software). RoboLab is built on the LabView engine and is expandable.
Here is a comparison to
Mindstorms software. You can download the quick
start guide to learn more.
You may recognize the names Ben Erwin and Chris Rogers. Ben wrote
Creative
Projects with LEGO Mindstorms. Tonya Witherspoon is another
super-amazing person. Follow the link at the bottom of this page to see for
yourself. These are just three of the key people involved in The LEGO Company’s
education sector of RCX usage.
This event is mainly for teachers. However, I believe it includes folks
interested in using the ROBOLAB software in their after-school programs and
workshops. If you’ve never used ROBOLAB or its accompanying LEGO
Educational Division products, you can try them out at the conference! This
is the place to ask questions of the developers!! I should mention that the
First LEGO League is not related to this event. Registration includes a
lunch, demos by Master builders, and an optional factory tour. Teachers and
event leaders will be there showing off what they have done with the
product.
I know I’m going!
-Suz
Tonya Witherspoon wrote:
Northeast Region ROBOLAB Conference
Date: Friday April 8th, 2005
Location: LEGO Americas’ headquarters in Enfield, CT.
Purpose: To gather teachers and educators who use or plan to use ROBOLAB
and LEGO Mindstorms to teach math and/or science in their classrooms and
for these teachers and educators to:
- Try out activities that use ROBOLAB to teach math and science in the classroom-learning environment
- Share successes, obstacles and ideas for ROBOLAB implementation into the classroom
- Ask any questions to master LEGO builders and master ROBOLAB programmers
To Register and Learn More:
http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/events/robolabconference/regional/northeast.htm
Tonya L. Witherspoon
Educational Technology Specialist
Center for Research and Evaluation Services Fellow
College of Education, Wichita State University
1845 N. Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0131
316-978-6242 (voice)
316-978-3302 (fax)
http://www.wichita.edu/education/twitherspoon
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In lugnet.robotics.rcx.robolab, Elizabeth Mabrey wrote:
> I tried to explain term firmware to middle school age children. The best
> that I can do without using the technical terms, like embedded software, ROM
> is this:
>
>
>
> "Firmware is a set of instructions which must be loaded into the RCX Brick
> in order for it to understand your programming language."
>
>
>
> This may work for a middle school kid. How about a 4th to 5th, ie. 9 to 10
> years old? Suggestion?
>
>
>
> --
>
> Elizabeth
Firmware is the Operating System for the RCX, the way Windows (or whatever) is
the OS for your PC. Firmware by itself doesn't do anything, it's just there to
run the programs that you write.
It's like the trays in the cafeteria that hold your lunch. You can't eat the
tray, but you can't eat lunch *without* the tray, either.
Tim (Smith)
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In lugnet.robotics.rcx.robolab, Elizabeth Mabrey wrote:
> I tried to explain term firmware to middle school age children. The best
> that I can do without using the technical terms, like embedded software, ROM
> is this:
>
>
>
> "Firmware is a set of instructions which must be loaded into the RCX Brick
> in order for it to understand your programming language."
>
>
>
> This may work for a middle school kid. How about a 4th to 5th, ie. 9 to 10
> years old? Suggestion?
A program that runs on the RCX that makes it easier to program.
Kevin
>
>
>
> --
>
> Elizabeth
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I tried to explain term firmware to middle school age children. The best
that I can do without using the technical terms, like embedded software, ROM
is this:
"Firmware is a set of instructions which must be loaded into the RCX Brick
in order for it to understand your programming language."
This may work for a middle school kid. How about a 4th to 5th, ie. 9 to 10
years old? Suggestion?
--
Elizabeth
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One activity I've used w/a huge age range is "A chair for Mr. Bear"
http://130.64.87.22/robolabatceeo/k12/activities/23/activity-nostandards.html
Despite being listed as a k-2 activity, I've used it on pre-K through college
level. The challenge is deceptively simple--build a chair that can survive a
fall from knee height. The older students usually approach it w/cockiness and
are quickly humbled. The trick is to be mean when you drop it. Aim so it lands
on an edge or corner.
Good luck w/the class.
Tom
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In lugnet.robotics.edu, Elizabeth Mabrey wrote:
> Hi,
>
>
>
> I am going to hold an afterschool enrichment class designed for 3rd to 5th
> graders. The organizer made a mistake of taking in a lot of 2nd graders as
> well. Now, the class has 8 2nd graders, 10 3rd graders, 10 4th & 5th
> graders. Yes, I do have one instructor and two assistants. However, I
> just think including 2nd graders in the same curriculum is just too
> unrealistic.
>
>
>
> Now, since the organizer has already informed and accepted the enrollment of
> these 2nd graders who most likely very much look forward to the class, I
> hate to disappoint them by removing them.
>
>
>
> My next immediate solution is to move the 2nd graders to another class, but
> it leaves budgeting problem as far as making payment to another instructor.
> I wonder if I can borrow ideas of the most sensible solutions to this
> situation.
>
>
>
> Suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
>
>
>
> --
>
> Elizabeth Mabrey
Hi Elizabeth,
As a favor to a community services manager I took on a class of 1st graders last
year (usually I teach 3rd - 8th graders). It was a bit like hearding cats but I
learned a few things from the experience.
They're a bit young at that age to understand and really work with programming.
Some will get it but quite a few just don't have the attention span to handle
the back and forth that needs to go into solving a challenge. You are fortunate
to have some older kids in the class. The younger ones will watch the older ones
and learn by osmosis. In the end I was happy if they could tell me what steps
needed to go into the program.
I use Robolab and tailored most of their challenges so that they could solve
them in Pilot. Simple competitions like drag racing and tug-o-war will keep them
happy and allow you to sneak in gear ratio theory and some simple sensor work.
Older kids can also participate in the same events but use Inventor to make more
elaborate programs.
You could also take the approach of assigning a larger project like a minature
golf hole or building an amusement park ride. These don't need as much
programming but allow you teach things like gear trains and other simple machine
stuff.
Hope that helps. Good luck,
James
http://robotics.megagiant.com
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Liz,
I don't envy you. It'll be hard to keep the attention of such a diverse age
group. From my experience, the 2nd and 3rd graders will be the easy ones. The
4th and 5th graders, well, I don't envy you.
I am always impressed when I go to my daughter's hockey practices. Her team is
composed of girls from 2nd to 4th grade. The coaches keep them in a constant
state of motion. They are always involved in something, and they stay focused.
These girls actually like doing drills because the coaches make them fun.
That may be difficult in a classroom. Constant motion is probably not something
you want going on. But constant interaction and involvement may be achievable.
I do training for FLL, mostly building with LEGO. Originally the classes were
aimed at coaches and mentors. All adults. A group probably less experienced
with LEGO than your second graders. But there was a strong interest in allowing
kids to participate, so we let them in last year. I thought, Oh Great! How can
I make a class that will work with kids and adults. But it ended up not being a
problem. The magic formula ended up being:
1. Discuss a little theory.
2. Build something.
3. Repeat
Occasionally I would replace Build something with Show something. Want to
introduce the light sensor? Give a line following demonstration. Talking about
gears? Lift something heavy with a puny little motor. We also had a little
competition where the "teams" get to play around with gearing and wheel sizes in
an attempt to make their drag racer car (one of the build projects use to
demonstrate cross bracing) be the fastest at driving up an inclined dragstrip.
It was a lot more fun than adults only.
The real reward came when I judged the state FLL competition. I got to see how
the kids used their new knowlege to make some very fine robots. They didn't
copy the ideas I presented, but instead came up with their own interpretation.
To see a 4th grader who understands gears and the tradoff between torque and
speed! I nearly cried.
Dean Hystad
|
|
| |
In lugnet.robotics.edu, Elizabeth Mabrey wrote:
> I just think including 2nd graders in the same
> curriculum is just too unrealistic.
I'd agree with the other poster, strongly dependant on the individuals. I
worked with a group of 4-to-10 year olds for a couple years and got some useful
stuff done. The biggest hurdle was programming - the younger kids didn't seem to
have the ability to abstract that much. Note that the lower age limit was
actually set by me - I wasn't going to spend the time teaching if I couldn't get
my son in the class :-).
> My next immediate solution is to move the
> 2nd graders to another class...
Two options - a special role within the class structure (such as
finding/sorting pieces, or even using them as go-between negotiators between two
other groups: I used this to develop communication skills in both the older and
younger kids). A second option is special projects - the small kits sold by
Pitsco (gears, pulleys, levers, etc.) seem to work very well with the younger
kids. I could put two 4-to-6 year olds on a kit, and it occupied them and
educated them with *no* teacher required for about an hour or more. With four
kits ($100+ at $20 a kit, IMS) that will work with 8 kids (four teams of two)
for four classes (each team rotates through each kit).
> Suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
I've got a list of activities, if you want them.
--
Brian Davis
|
|
| |
<SNIP>
> Well, as the father of a 1st grader reading and doing match at the 3rd grade
> level.... I'd say let them do their best to keep up with the rest, they may just
> surprise you!
Blast it, I meant math, not match... by typo, bad! As a side note, both my 1st
and 3rd grade daughters are designing competition robots, so far the 1st graders
looks more likely to be successfully competitive.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.robotics.edu, Elizabeth Mabrey wrote:
> Hi,
>
>
>
> I am going to hold an afterschool enrichment class designed for 3rd to 5th
> graders. The organizer made a mistake of taking in a lot of 2nd graders as
> well. Now, the class has 8 2nd graders, 10 3rd graders, 10 4th & 5th
> graders. Yes, I do have one instructor and two assistants. However, I
> just think including 2nd graders in the same curriculum is just too
> unrealistic.
>
>
>
> Now, since the organizer has already informed and accepted the enrollment of
> these 2nd graders who most likely very much look forward to the class, I
> hate to disappoint them by removing them.
>
>
>
> My next immediate solution is to move the 2nd graders to another class, but
> it leaves budgeting problem as far as making payment to another instructor.
> I wonder if I can borrow ideas of the most sensible solutions to this
> situation.
>
>
>
> Suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
>
>
>
> --
>
> Elizabeth Mabrey
Well, as the father of a 1st grader reading and doing match at the 3rd grade
level.... I'd say let them do their best to keep up with the rest, they may just
surprise you!
|
|
| |
Hi,
I am going to hold an afterschool enrichment class designed for 3rd to 5th
graders. The organizer made a mistake of taking in a lot of 2nd graders as
well. Now, the class has 8 2nd graders, 10 3rd graders, 10 4th & 5th
graders. Yes, I do have one instructor and two assistants. However, I
just think including 2nd graders in the same curriculum is just too
unrealistic.
Now, since the organizer has already informed and accepted the enrollment of
these 2nd graders who most likely very much look forward to the class, I
hate to disappoint them by removing them.
My next immediate solution is to move the 2nd graders to another class, but
it leaves budgeting problem as far as making payment to another instructor.
I wonder if I can borrow ideas of the most sensible solutions to this
situation.
Suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
--
Elizabeth Mabrey
--
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|
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The ROBOLAB Conference ( http://ceeo.tufts.edu/events/robolabconference/ ) will
be happening for the second year in Austin, Texas from August 15th - 17th.
The Call for Papers and Presentations has been extended until APRIL 1st. Please
visit the web site for more information on submission. Categories range from
K-12 education to College Courses to Teacher Professional Development - If you
have been doing work with LEGO Robotics we want to hear from YOU!
Registration forms are also available online and Details on the Conference are
forthcoming.
------------------------------------------------------
Merredith Portsmore
merredith.portsmore@tufts.edu
Education & Technology Program Manager
Center For Engineering Educational Outreach
http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu
|
|
| |
Northeast Region ROBOLAB Conference
Date: Friday April 8th, 2005
Location: LEGO Americas' headquarters in Enfield, CT.
Purpose: To gather teachers and educators who use or plan to use ROBOLAB and
LEGO Mindstorms to teach math and/or science in their classrooms and for
these teachers and educators to:
* Try out activities that use ROBOLAB to teach math and science in the
classroom-learning environment
* Share successes, obstacles and ideas for ROBOLAB implementation into
the classroom
* Ask any questions to master LEGO builders and master ROBOLAB
programmers
To Register and Learn More:
> http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/events/robolabconference/regional/northeast.htm
-----------------------
Tonya L. Witherspoon
Educational Technology Specialist
Center for Research and Evaluation Services Fellow
College of Education, Wichita State University
1845 N. Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0131
316-978-6242 (voice)
316-978-3302 (fax)
http://www.wichita.edu/education/twitherspoon
--
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|
 |
Subject:
|
Errors while installing brickOS 0.2.6.10
|
Newsgroups:
|
lugnet.robotics, lugnet.robotics.cybermaster, lugnet.robotics.edu, lugnet.robotics.rcx, lugnet.robotics.rcx.legos, lugnet.robotics.rcx.nqc
|
Followup-To:
|
lugnet.lego, lugnet.org, lugnet.people.newbie, lugnet.people.teens, lugnet.technic
|
Date:
|
Thu, 2 Dec 2004 16:10:44 GMT
|
Viewed:
|
1440 times
|
| |
|
|
Hi,
I am a newbie. I have encountered some errors while installing brickOS 0.2.6.10.
http://brickos.sourceforge.net/docs/INSTALL-cygwin.html
Did anyone encounter the same problems before?
1. When I just start cygwin, it gives me an error message like this:
This application program can not be executed becuase cygintl-3.dll is
not found. Reinstall the program might be able to solve this problem.
Should I ignore it, or should I reinstall? Or how can I fix it?
2. When I build the Hitachi-H8 cross-compiler, there are some errors
message as well. Is this normal?
$ ./buildgcc.sh
Installing source code...
Fri Nov 26 14:06:27 2004 Source code installation start
tar (child): /build/binutils-2.10.1.tar.gz: Cannot open: No such file
or directory
tar (child): Error is not recoverable: exiting now
tar: Child returned status 2
tar: Error exit delayed from previous errors
tar (child): /build/gcc-2.95.2.tar.gz: Cannot open: No such file or directory
tar (child): Error is not recoverable: exiting now
tar: Child returned status 2
tar: Error exit delayed from previous errors
./buildgcc.sh: line 111: cd: /build/gcc-2.95.2: No such file or directory
Fri Nov 26 14:07:14 2004 Source code installation end
Building binutils-2.10.1...
Fri Nov 26 14:07:15 2004 Binutils configuration start
./buildgcc.sh: line 119: /build/binutils-2.10.1/configure: No such file or direc
tory
Fri Nov 26 14:07:15 2004 Binutils configuration end
Fri Nov 26 14:07:15 2004 Binutils build start
./buildgcc.sh: line 122: make: command not found
Fri Nov 26 14:07:16 2004 Binutils build end
Fri Nov 26 14:07:16 2004 Binutils install start
./buildgcc.sh: line 125: make: command not found
Fri Nov 26 14:07:16 2004 Binutils install
Building gcc-2.95.2...
Fri Nov 26 14:07:16 2004 GCC patch start
./buildgcc.sh: line 131: cd: gcc-2.95.2: No such file or directory
mv: cannot stat `gcc/config/h8300/h8300.c': No such file or directory
error ept0034: Neither command line parameter specified is an existing directory
.
mv: cannot stat `gcc/config/h8300/h8300.h': No such file or directory
error ept0034: Neither command line parameter specified is an existing directory
.
Fri Nov 26 14:07:17 2004 GCC patch end
Fri Nov 26 14:07:17 2004 GCC configuration start
./buildgcc.sh: line 141: /build/gcc-2.95.2/configure: No such file or directory
Fri Nov 26 14:07:17 2004 GCC configuration end
Fri Nov 26 14:07:17 2004 GCC build start
./buildgcc.sh: line 144: make: command not found
Fri Nov 26 14:07:18 2004 GCC build end
Fri Nov 26 14:07:18 2004 GCC install start
./buildgcc.sh: line 148: make: command not found
Fri Nov 26 14:07:18 2004 GCC install end
Done.
Done.
:-------------------- End Fri Nov 26 14:07:19 2004 --------------------:
3. I am not able to install the brickOS files after download the one
on the project web. All I get is error message. I tried different
directories, but it still didn't work.
$ cd /
$ tar xvfz brickos-0.2.6.10.tar.gz
tar (child): brickos-0.2.6.10.tar.gz: Cannot open: No such file or directory
tar (child): Error is not recoverable: exiting now
tar: Child returned status 2
tar: Error exit delayed from previous errors
$ cd /brickos-0.2.6.10.6
$ tar xvfz brickos-0.2.6.10.tar.gz
tar (child): brickos-0.2.6.10.tar.gz: Cannot open: No such file or directory
tar (child): Error is not recoverable: exiting now
tar: Child returned status 2
tar: Error exit delayed from previous errors
4. In the try it! section, I think we should change current directory
to brickos-0.2.6.10.6; otherwise, it can not work. However, I got
another error message after I type in ./configure; make
$ cd /brickOS
bash: cd: /brickOS: No such file or directory
$ cd /brickos-0.2.6.10.6
$ ./configure; make
Welcome to the brickOS Makefile configurator.
Attempting to find the Hitachi gcc compiler. (This may take some time.)
No hitachi gcc compiler found, please install compiler and try again.
bash: make: command not found
$ cd util
$ make strip
bash: make: command not found
$ ./firmdl3 ../boot/brickOS.srec
bash: ./firmdl3: No such file or directory
$ ./dll ../demo/helloworld.lx
bash: $: command not found
I appreciate your help and thanks for you time answering my questions.
Sincerely,
Dennis
|
|
| |
In lugnet.robotics.rcx.java, Roger Glassey wrote:
| |
Hi Anders In lugnet.robotics.rcx.java, Anders Gaasedal wrote:
| |
My problem is the communication speed from the PC to RCX, it takes about 0.5
sec before the IR tower sends the message (1 byte) to the RCX. I use the
lejos software and the pcrcxcomm.jar and I use the RCXF7PORT for
communication.
|
I could not repeat your experiment exactly because I don’t have a joy stick.
So instead I wrote a pair of programs that send single byte messages between
the PC and the RCX. The RCX adds 1 to the incoming byte and immediately send
it back. The PC then echoes it back to the RCX. I am using the LeJos
RCXF7Port, InputStream and OutputStream. I count about 4.2 round trip
messages per second. The PC side code sends the first byte in response to a
mouse click. The delay between the mouse click and the tower light coming on
is too short to observe. The light then appears to stay on continuously.
Perhaps the delay you are seeing is not in the communications, but somewhere
else in your code? Good luck, Roger
|
Hi Roger,
Thank you for your help, it is a bit strange that you dont see any problems,
since it is the same protocols we are using. I dont think the joystick is the
problem since I have the same problem with inputs from keyboard or mouse, but I
will try to review my code again, and see if I can find any bugs. I would be
very glad if you will send your example to my email.
Thanks, Anders
|
|
| |
Hi Anders In lugnet.robotics.rcx.java, Anders Gaasedal wrote:
| |
My problem is the communication speed from the PC to RCX, it takes about 0.5
sec before the IR tower sends the message (1 byte) to the RCX. I use the
lejos software and the pcrcxcomm.jar and I use the RCXF7PORT for
communication.
|
I could not repeat your experiment exactly because I don’t have a joy stick. So
instead I wrote a pair of programs that send single byte messages between the PC
and the RCX. The RCX adds 1 to the incoming byte and immediately send it back.
The PC then echoes it back to the RCX. I am using the LeJos RCXF7Port,
InputStream and OutputStream. I count about 4.2 round trip messages per second.
The PC side code sends the first byte in response to a mouse click. The delay
between the mouse click and the tower light coming on is too short to observe.
The light then appears to stay on continuously. Perhaps the delay you are
seeing is not in the communications, but somewhere else in your code? Good luck,
Roger
|
|
| |
Hi everyone,
Im working on a project with controlling a large Container Crane by 4 RCXs.
I have implementet some controlling and a lot of functions in the model,
including a userinterface made in Java for a laptop. The crane is controlled by
a Joystick through the PC.
My problem is the communication speed from the PC to RCX, it takes about 0.5 sec
before the IR tower sends the message (1 byte) to the RCX. I use the lejos
software and the pcrcxcomm.jar and I use the RCXF7PORT for communication.
Are there any other method I can use which do not includes 0.5 waiting time, or
do you know how to get around the problem?
Please visit my homepage to see the project, I have put a lot of pictures in
there. http://www.gaasedal.dk
Thank you for your help.
Best regards
Anders Gaasedal
LEGO Mobile Cranes
|
|
| |
Hi guys!
Some weeks ago I was trying to build a remote controlled (web page) camera
using my RCX and .NET. I tried many libraries and no one worked ok. Then I
decided to built my own .NET library, and It worked perfect.
Now I'm sharing this with you.Take a look and let me know any comments:
http://www.geeksco.com/rcxnet/index.htm
The programming interface is very similar to spirit's, but It does not
expose all its functionality. (Just drop me an email if you need some
additional method :-) )
enjoy!
David
|
|
| |
In lugnet.loc.il, David Arnon wrote:
hehe
| |
I want more details!
From the number of kids in the pictures I assume it was for kids (right?)
What age?
|
something between 9-12
| |
How did those children earn this special treat?
|
easy, they payed for it:)
| |
Did the university employ you as tutor?
|
yeah, but only for the course for now
| |
What did you cover in the course?
|
building technic, sensors, motors and Robolab
| |
What are the robots in the pictures suppose to do?
|
well some of the basics there are from the original instructions
few others unique ideas:
1. holds a plastic knife with a conveyor belt which suppose to move a cucumber
and the knife to cut it (the knife wasn’t strong enough to cut it though).
2. a robot that can draw, uses the thouch sensors as remote.
3. a robot that suppose to bring a a cola can from one to another.
4. a rail for some sort of a train (from the instructions) but the rail was
redesigned to spin left at the end.
5. a robot that shoots rubbers
also some kids made a dreidel (only from gears) with launching base which worked
brillient, don’t have pictures of it though, but I’ll might upload instructions
for it soon.
| |
Where (and how) did you get the LEGO for the course?
How much LEGO did you get?
|
The University paid for it, something like 6 Mindstorms kits, and like 10 RCX
overall, several extra parts
| |
Where did you buy it from? (and how much did you pay...)
|
Don’t know the entire details but it was from US, and I guess it was quite a
lot.
| |
Nice to see you:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=669476
|
thanks
| |
Who is with you in the picture?
Is she also tutoring the course? (Another Israeli AFOL?)
|
Well she did helped me with the kids and everything, she is not an AFOL, and I
think that after this course the last word she wants to hear is LEGO:) (only
kidding), she’s not a LEGO fan, she likes computers and programming so she
helped mainly with Robolab.
| |
Sorry for asking so many questions, feel free to ignore any of them!
David
|
not really a problem
I think most of the kids really enjoyed the course. I know I sure did:)
Yaron “Webrain” Dori
|
|
| |
In lugnet.loc.il, Yaron Dori wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> 2 weeks ago I finished teaching the first course of Mindstorms in Tel-Aviv
> University - Israel and wanted to share pictures from the entire course.
>
> <http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=73067
> <http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/irod/Misc/Israel/Course/thumb/p1010104.jpg_thumb.jpg>>
>
> Enjoy
>
> Yaron "Webrain" Dori
Excellent.
I want more details!
From the number of kids in the pictures I assume it was for kids (right?)
What age?
How did those children earn this special treat?
Did the university employ you as tutor?
What did you cover in the course?
What are the robots in the pictures suppose to do?
Where (and how) did you get the LEGO for the course?
How much LEGO did you get?
Where did you buy it from? (and how much did you pay...)
Nice to see you:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=669476
Who is with you in the picture?
Is she also tutoring the course? (Another Israeli AFOL?)
Sorry for asking so many questions, feel free to ignore any of them!
- David
|
|
| |
Hi all,
2 weeks ago I finished teaching the first course of Mindstorms in Tel-Aviv
University - Israel and wanted to share pictures from the entire course.
Enjoy
Yaron “Webrain” Dori
|
|
| |
As part of a Widening Participation project, the UK Open University have
produced a 10 week/10 hr per week distance education undergraduate short course
on Robotics and the Meaning of Life:
http://robots.open.ac.uk
and follow the link for T184: Robotics and the Meaning of Life.
As well as reviewing the history of robotics, and considering the social impact
of robots in both fact and fiction (through a reading of some of Asimov's I,
Robot short stories) the course also teaches introductory programming using
either a PC based simulator and/or Lego Mindsotorms - the same program will
control both the on-screen simulated robot and an RCX controlled robot.
We are currently exploring the possibility of using the course as a focus for
family learning workshops, particularly 'Dads and Lads' type programs.
If you would like more information, please email: robofesta@open.ac.uk
|
|
| |
Hi everybody,
Yesterday (27/01/04) there was a Robots Competition for junior high at Haifa.
The task of the robot was to roll a U turn and then blow up a ballon.
Here are some pictures I took of the robots and the competitors:
(press the picture for more)
Yaron Dori
|
|
| |
WANTED: Lego Mindstorms Educators
Are you an educator using Lego Mindstorms Robotics? Would you like to
participate in a global online pilot project using Lego Mindstorms?
Wichita State University’s (WSU) College of Education Robotics Team is looking
for a small group of educators who are interested in piloting a global
collaborative project using the Internet and Lego Mindstorms Robotics. This
pilot project will involve K-20 educators, but is designed to be replicated with
students in a 4th grade or higher classroom setting.
Participants must have an Internet connection and Lego Mindstorms Robotics
equipment.
To read about WSU’s Robotics Project visit our website:
http://education.wichita.edu/mindstorms
To apply to participate in this pilot project, go to:
http://education.wichita.edu/mindstorms/global
|
|
| |
In lugnet.robotics, Tonya Witherspoon wrote:
> I just finished teaching a robotics course for elementary and middle school
> teachers on how to incorporate lego, robotics, and MLCAD into their classrooms.
> During one week of the course teachers were paired up with small groups of
> 4th-8th grade students in a summer camp to practice what they were learning. I
> use the kids' camp fees to purchase the robotics equipment teachers used during
> the class. After sucessfully completing the course each teacher gets to keep
> the equipment for their classroom. This gives teachers training, curriculum,
> experience, and equipment!
>
> The theme for our summer camp was Mars Exploration. You can see photos and
> video clips here:
> http://education.wichita.edu/mindstorms
>
> Part of our camp included driving a Mars rover on a simulated Mars yard. You
> can drive our rover and others here:
> http://redrovergoestomars.org
>
> Enjoy!
> Tonya
>
> _____________________________________
> Tonya L. Witherspoon
Tonya,
Did you know that Lego is assisting with the www.redrovergoestomars.org website?
Lego ran the competition to name MER-1 and MER-2 as "Spirit" and "Opportunity".
If you go to the planetary society's website, and look at archives pertaining to
naming the rover, you'll see pics of Kjeld and Brad Justus with the contest
winner....
Scott Lyttle
|
|
| |
I just finished teaching a robotics course for elementary and middle school
teachers on how to incorporate lego, robotics, and MLCAD into their classrooms.
During one week of the course teachers were paired up with small groups of
4th-8th grade students in a summer camp to practice what they were learning. I
use the kids' camp fees to purchase the robotics equipment teachers used during
the class. After sucessfully completing the course each teacher gets to keep
the equipment for their classroom. This gives teachers training, curriculum,
experience, and equipment!
The theme for our summer camp was Mars Exploration. You can see photos and
video clips here:
http://education.wichita.edu/mindstorms
Part of our camp included driving a Mars rover on a simulated Mars yard. You
can drive our rover and others here:
http://redrovergoestomars.org
Enjoy!
Tonya
_____________________________________
Tonya L. Witherspoon
Educational Technology Specialist
Wichita State University
1845 Fairmount, Campus Box 131
Wichita, KS 67260-0131
316.978.6242
www.wichita.edu/education/twitherspoon
|
|
| |
Alfio Scaletta wrote:
>
> I've Robolab 2.5.
> May you tell me where I can download the Service_Pack to upgrading from 2.5 to
> 2.5.2 ?
> Unfortunately the italian Dacta distributor have not.
> Thank you in advance.
> Alfio Scaletta
> from Italy
Unfortunately the Service Pack 1 does not seem to work properly to
upgrade from 2.5 to 2.5.2.
The best way is to get a copy of the current Robolab ver 2.5.2 which is
called "ROBOLAB with Training Missions" from your local LEGO
distributor.
Applying the Service_Pack12.1 will then get you to ver 2.5.3.
Ciao!
--
C S Soh
http://www.ozbricks.net/cssoh1
....where air is power!
|
|
| |
Is there any way to zoom into the icons in robolab, they are a bit tiny and
I wanted to know if I could make them look bigger so its easier to see.
Also does the RCX Code (or RIS program that comes with the mindstorms kit)
have the capability to print out the code?
|
|
| |
I am planning on using Dave Hylands technical training/coaching manual to
prepare my group for the FLL competition. I looked up the Minnesots FLL survey
results and noticed that the feedback was rather neutral on the materail.
Why is that? Is it to much like "school" ?, Are there any other guides out that
will address it differently. I would like to get other coaches opinions on it as
well. Thanks
|
|
| |
In lugnet.robotics, "Bill Blackmer" <bill@bbccd.org> wrote:
> Hello All,
>
> There is a patch of Robolab to 2.5.3. Is called Service_Pack12.1 It is
> around 4.2 mg in size
>
> Follow this URL:
>
> http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/robolabatceeo/Resources/Service_Pack/default.asp
>
>
> This is also a list of bug fixes including; one specific problem that made
> me consider death on a weekend six months ago. "Greater and less than loops
> were backward for the generic sensor." Thank You, Lord I was right!
>
>
> This is a patch to upgrade from the 2.5.2 release. So do not apply this
> patch to 2.5.1 or 2.5. You must get to 2.5.2 first.
>
>
> Here is the URL to the documentation page:
>
> The latest Lego Mindstorms SDK is here also
>
> http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/robolabatceeo/Resources/documentation/default.asp
>
>
>
> There is a new section called NEW: Thesis & Dissertation Work related to
> ROBOLAB, Lego's, and Engineering.
>
> JUST THINK you can major in Robolab, the RCX, and Lego's and get a degree
> from a great University!!
>
> I have downloaded these papers but have not reviewed them:
>
> http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/robolabatceeo/Resources/thesis/default.asp
>
>
> IN MY OPINION, you need to be running release 2.5.2 to use the advanced
> features in Robolab. There were a lot of necessary fixes in the service pack
> 1. Service Pack 1 updates you to 2.5.2 and is around 22 mg in size.
>
> There is a lot of concern about RCX and Mindstorms in general on the Lugnet
> system HOWEVER Tufts and some other great engineering schools continue to
> update or use the Robolab system which should be good news for us.
>
> Take care
>
> Bill Blackmer
Hallo Bill,
I've Robolab 2.5.
May you tell me where I can download the Service_Pack to upgrading from 2.5 to
2.5.2 ?
Unfortunately the italian Dacta distributor have not.
Thank you in advance.
Alfio Scaletta
from Italy
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Hello All,
There is a patch of Robolab to 2.5.3. Is called Service_Pack12.1 It is
around 4.2 mg in size
Follow this URL:
http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/robolabatceeo/Resources/Service_Pack/default.asp
This is also a list of bug fixes including; one specific problem that made
me consider death on a weekend six months ago. "Greater and less than loops
were backward for the generic sensor." Thank You, Lord I was right!
This is a patch to upgrade from the 2.5.2 release. So do not apply this
patch to 2.5.1 or 2.5. You must get to 2.5.2 first.
Here is the URL to the documentation page:
The latest Lego Mindstorms SDK is here also
http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/robolabatceeo/Resources/documentation/default.asp
There is a new section called NEW: Thesis & Dissertation Work related to
ROBOLAB, Lego's, and Engineering.
JUST THINK you can major in Robolab, the RCX, and Lego's and get a degree
from a great University!!
I have downloaded these papers but have not reviewed them:
http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/robolabatceeo/Resources/thesis/default.asp
IN MY OPINION, you need to be running release 2.5.2 to use the advanced
features in Robolab. There were a lot of necessary fixes in the service pack
1. Service Pack 1 updates you to 2.5.2 and is around 22 mg in size.
There is a lot of concern about RCX and Mindstorms in general on the Lugnet
system HOWEVER Tufts and some other great engineering schools continue to
update or use the Robolab system which should be good news for us.
Take care
Bill Blackmer
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Hello all,
I have to build a robot for my thesis projet that will be able to follow a
line and inetrpret some graphical commands on the line (like left triangle
turn left, big circle wait 10 secs etc)
I was planning on modifying my remote controlled car, install a webcam on it
and have a long usb cable OR have it drag my laptop OR put a biscuit pc or
normal pc on it. The operating sysetem would be linux (probably an RT linux
for the extra power). (My laptop is a p4 1.6)
Then i saw lego mindstorms, and started wondering IS IT SERIOUS ENOUGH? Does
it have the power on its own to accomplish such a task?
Or can it be teleguided by a computer (robot sends images to the computer
which processes the images and controls the robot) (If possible the computer
can be dragged on wheels...)
Besides how far can I use legos? Can i use them in my further studies,
like can 2 cameras be attached and effectively controlled so the robot is
aware of its 3D environnement. Can i do AI stuff on it?
I could buy a biscuit pc aswdell ( small pc 800mhz via cpu, everything
onboard, 10cm x 8cm) which would do me more good for learning AI and image
processing for robotics. Please advise, i have to make a decision and start
my project which is due in 2 and a half months.
I would be glad if you send me any ideas on my project.
Thank you in advance for your time and effort.
A. Teoman Naskali
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That title should have been Mindstorms Feature....sheesh!
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In lugnet.edu, Miles Gentry writes:
> What do you know about the new Robotics Educator CD-ROM by the Carnegie
> Mellon University Robotics Academy? For more information you can look at
> http://www.rec.ri.cmu.edu/education/ then Robotics Educator CD-ROM.
>
> If you do the On-line Preview, then set your display to 1024 x 768. Have
> patience; it can move slowly in spots while loading even with a high speed
> connection.
>
> Looks comprehensive and easy to use. Very nice in the preview, but $155
> sounds a little too expensive. Perhaps $80 to $95 unless the full version
> offers a lot more than the On-line Preview indicates as hidden. Any reviews
> of the full version yet?
I agree with you Miles. That's a lot of money. The product appears to be
targeted towards teachers who probably will have to convince administrators
to buy it. It also appears to have a 'one classroom' license as I recall.
So who is the audience? I found a few of the ROBOLAB PowerPoint
presentations moderately interesting - but I don't think you need a a
multi-megabyte moving presentation to tell you that using a Jump and a Land
with different colors is incorrect! One line of example code with a one
sentence explanation can tell you not to do that!
Perhaps CMU Robotics Education will send someone at LUGNET or the new Bricks
magazine a copy for review, or at least provide a detailed table of contents
with commentary.
Mitch Lichtenberg
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What do you know about the new Robotics Educator CD-ROM by the Carnegie
Mellon University Robotics Academy? For more information you can look at
http://www.rec.ri.cmu.edu/education/ then Robotics Educator CD-ROM.
If you do the On-line Preview, then set your display to 1024 x 768. Have
patience; it can move slowly in spots while loading even with a high speed
connection.
Looks comprehensive and easy to use. Very nice in the preview, but $155
sounds a little too expensive. Perhaps $80 to $95 unless the full version
offers a lot more than the On-line Preview indicates as hidden. Any reviews
of the full version yet?
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We have a bunch of kids in our school who have been
having a great time building stuff with two old
LEGO Dacta (PC Controlled, wired) set of parts. Many of
them are 1st to 3rd grade, and usually don't get to
do our Mindstorms LEGO projects yet. But it's a great
introduction, and it's been very popular, and mostly
self-guided.
We could use some MORE of this older stuff! Anyone have
some of these old sets in the closet?
We can maybe trade some other parts, electronics parts, etc.
We also have a complete IBM Personal Science Laboratory
setup with temperature and distance sensors we might trade.
I'd like to see more kids with their hands on this stuff...
--
Regards, Terry King ...In The Woods In Vermont
tking@waitsriver.k12.vt.us
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The long awaited LEGO Mindstorms Interfacing book written by yours truly is
out. I've just received my 10 copies from McGraw-Hill. This book should be a
welcome addition to the other Mindstorms books sitting on your robotic's
bookshelf. The book's main focus is on experimenting with electronics and
software interfaces for controlling Mindstorms robots.Go to the Amazon.com
website, select books and type "Don Wilcher". Click "GO" and the book cover
will be present on the screen with and Editorial review. I hope this book
will compliment the other fine books on this fascinating and wonderful
robotics tool created by LEGO. If not for the previous Mindstorms books
published, my book would have been just a dream. Enjoy !!!!!
Don Wilcher
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Sounds like an excellent book. I'll be looking forward to the release. I'm
teaching several Robotics courses for educators and the content of this book
sounds very helpful.
Tonya
In lugnet.robotics.edu, Don Wilcher writes:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I just completed a manuscript for a new Mindstorms book entitled "LEGO
> Mindstorms Interfacing". This book explains using electronic circuits,
> VBA(Visual Basic for Applications), LASM, NQC, and IC4 (Interactive C) for
> controlling Mindstorms robots (RCX and Scout based P-Bricks). There are lots
> of illustrations, a CD with circuit simulation models, VBA applets, LASM,
> NQC, RCX, and IC4 code. The main focus of the book is to introduce a Proof
> Of Concept (POC) method for engineering robots. Systems engineering
> techniques are discussed as well as how to use an Open Source programming
> language called Python for building a mini Server-Client controller. Testing
> procedures are available as well as tech information on how to use a TI
> Graphics calculator and a Calculator Based Laboratory (CBL) from Vernier
> Software for building a diagnostics controller. I've also included some
> applications on how to interface a Basic Stamp with the RCX P-Brick as well.
> The book will be published by McGraw-Hill and should be out in bookstores
> September of this year. I'll keep you posted on further developments of the
> book as it proceeds through production.
>
>
> Don Wilcher
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"Professor Rogers is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering who is
currently on a Fulbright fellowship in New Zealand. He heads the LEGO Design
and Programming System Project at Tufts University in Boston USA, where the
ROBOLAB software was created. He is visiting Australia this week for a
whirlwind ROBOLAB tour of four cities in four days... Adelaide, Melbourne,
Brisbane and Sydney."
OK, so it's already happened. Such is life...
http://www.edex.com.au/ideas/lego/index.cfm?action=newsdetail&newsitem=020601
ROSCO
FUT .mediawatch
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Hi Everyone,
I just completed a manuscript for a new Mindstorms book entitled "LEGO
Mindstorms Interfacing". This book explains using electronic circuits,
VBA(Visual Basic for Applications), LASM, NQC, and IC4 (Interactive C) for
controlling Mindstorms robots (RCX and Scout based P-Bricks). There are lots
of illustrations, a CD with circuit simulation models, VBA applets, LASM,
NQC, RCX, and IC4 code. The main focus of the book is to introduce a Proof
Of Concept (POC) method for engineering robots. Systems engineering
techniques are discussed as well as how to use an Open Source programming
language called Python for building a mini Server-Client controller. Testing
procedures are available as well as tech information on how to use a TI
Graphics calculator and a Calculator Based Laboratory (CBL) from Vernier
Software for building a diagnostics controller. I've also included some
applications on how to interface a Basic Stamp with the RCX P-Brick as well.
The book will be published by McGraw-Hill and should be out in bookstores
September of this year. I'll keep you posted on further developments of the
book as it proceeds through production.
Don Wilcher
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Dan LaFountain wrote:
> In lugnet.robotics.edu, Jan-Albert van Ree writes:
> >
> > The URL below is a picture in which some kind of sensor is displayed...
> > The brick is 2*3 studs, and 1 1/3 brick high. The big hole in the side is
> > big enough for a Technic axle to go through. The small hole seems to be a
> > sensor opening, on top the holes are made for a 4.5v connector.
> >
> > The disk is 3 studs wide, one side has 4 dark area's, the other side 8.
> > It appears to be a rotation sensor, but none of the regular Technic boxes
> > ever had these sensors. Can anybody point me to a source for more info on
> > these bricks? Thanks a lot in advance!
>
> Jan
> This comes from the original LEGO TC Logo materials (1980s) and was used
> as
> a counting wheel. You could use it as a rotation sensor by counting the
> number of seperations between black and white. It could also be used as
> an angle sensor. You could also program your device to count the number of
> rotations over time to determine speed. It was used in conjunction with
> the original interface boxes which were at that time tethered to the
> computer through ribbon cables and slot cards.
> It works on the old 4.5v system and probably cannot be used with anything
> Mindstorms.
> Dan LaFountain
> Pitsco LEGO Dacta
> (and former teacher of LEGO TC Logo materials)
Thanks a lot!
Now I at least know WHAT I have... too bad I can't use it.
I have 2 sets, if anybody's interested, drop me a line at
javanree@vanree.net and I'm sure we can work something out :)
--
Jan-Albert "Anvil" van Ree | http://artsen.vanree.net
VanReeDotNet IT Solutions | http://www.vanree.net
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In lugnet.robotics.edu, Jan-Albert van Ree writes:
>
> The URL below is a picture in which some kind of sensor is displayed...
> The brick is 2*3 studs, and 1 1/3 brick high. The big hole in the side is
> big enough for a Technic axle to go through. The small hole seems to be a
> sensor opening, on top the holes are made for a 4.5v connector.
>
> The disk is 3 studs wide, one side has 4 dark area's, the other side 8.
> It appears to be a rotation sensor, but none of the regular Technic boxes
> ever had these sensors. Can anybody point me to a source for more info on
> these bricks? Thanks a lot in advance!
Jan
This comes from the original LEGO TC Logo materials (1980s) and was used as
a counting wheel. You could use it as a rotation sensor by counting the
number of seperations between black and white. It could also be used as an
angle sensor. You could also program your device to count the number of
rotations over time to determine speed. It was used in conjunction with the
original interface boxes which were at that time tethered to the computer
through ribbon cables and slot cards.
It works on the old 4.5v system and probably cannot be used with anything
Mindstorms.
Dan LaFountain
Pitsco LEGO Dacta
(and former teacher of LEGO TC Logo materials)
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Jan-Albert van Ree wrote:
>
> Hope this is the correct newsgroup...
>
> The URL below is a picture in which some kind of sensor is displayed...
> The brick is 2*3 studs, and 1 1/3 brick high. The big hole in the side is
> big enough for a Technic axle to go through. The small hole seems to be a
> sensor opening, on top the holes are made for a 4.5v connector.
>
> http://www.vanree.net/images/dacta_sensor.jpg
Hey, that's a nifty looking shaft encoder. Where did you dig up that
thing from? Is it truly made by TLC? It looks like one of those
handcrafted works by John Barnes.
It's the basis for an angle or rotation sensor. You will need to use it
with a light sensor. You can find info on using such a shaft encoder in
Ben Erwin's "Creative Projects with LEGO Mindstorms" book.
--
C S Soh
CSSoh's Lego Pneumatics
http://www.geocities.com/cssoh1
... where air is power!
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Hope this is the correct newsgroup...
The URL below is a picture in which some kind of sensor is displayed...
The brick is 2*3 studs, and 1 1/3 brick high. The big hole in the side is
big enough for a Technic axle to go through. The small hole seems to be a
sensor opening, on top the holes are made for a 4.5v connector.
http://www.vanree.net/images/dacta_sensor.jpg
The disk is 3 studs wide, one side has 4 dark area's, the other side 8.
It appears to be a rotation sensor, but none of the regular Technic boxes
ever had these sensors. Can anybody point me to a source for more info on
these bricks? Thanks a lot in advance!
--
Jan-Albert "Anvil" van Ree | http://artsen.vanree.net
VanReeDotNet IT Solutions | http://www.vanree.net
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Bricks in my Pocket, the PDA e-journal for Advanced LEGO Users is searching
for article submissions. If you are interested in submitting an article to
BimP review the submission guidelines at:
http://www.graphics-plus.com/BimP/submission.html
You can review BimP without a PDA by pointing your web browser toward
http://www.graphics-plus.com/BimP
As an educator myself I know that many educators are seeking various
journals in which to have their articles and research posted as part of
their professional portfolio. While this e-jounal is not yet a peer
reviewed publication, once I have battery of previous authors and
professionals, I hope to include this feature to my fellow educators.
I look forward to your submissions.
Steven B. Combs, Editor
Bricks in my Pocket (BimP)
and
Steven B. Combs
Associate Professor / Instructional Technologist
Ivy Tech State College - Southwest
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In lugnet.robotics.edu, Peter Parente writes:
> Hi,
>
> I'm part of a university group trying to compile a list of ways that
> robotics are being used in high school classrooms. If you are a person
> involved with the use of robotics in high school science, math, and
> technology courses, and are interested in sharing your experiences, please
> feel free to post a reply to this message.
>
> Thanks,
> Peter Parente
Hi,
have a look at http://www.convict.lu/Jeunes/RoboticsIntro.htm
This is more than two years of work with secundary students.
Claude Baumann
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Hi,
I'm part of a university group trying to compile a list of ways that
robotics are being used in high school classrooms. If you are a person
involved with the use of robotics in high school science, math, and
technology courses, and are interested in sharing your experiences, please
feel free to post a reply to this message.
Thanks,
Peter Parente
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"Xcalabur" <Xcalabur@rocketmail.com> wrote in message
news:Go33xn.8EA@lugnet.com...
> Hi all,
>
> Watching my local news this morning (WHOTV, Channel 13 for you local guys)
> and saw a bit on 6th grade students from around the state going to ISU in
> Ames and competing in a Mindstorms competition. Each team had to build
> robots to accomplish certain tasks, such as dumping bricks into • containers,
> shooting baskets, and rescuing "scientists" (Arctic figs).
>
> -Chris
Sounds like the latest FLL (First Lego League) competition - Arctic Impact:
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/
-Rob.
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Hi All,
I'm in the process of developing lab applications which focus on learning
Systems Engineering using the Scout and RCX programmable bricks. As an
Electronics Systems Engineer working on Automotive Electronic Body Module
Architectures, I'm always looking at electronic circuits for Input,Output
interfacing and the microcontroller that ties them together. I thought how
wonderful it would be to apply automotive electronic systems technology to
robotics. The approach in demonstrating this "AutoBot" architecture is to
explain system engineering methods and tools for designing and developing such
systems. The RCX and Scout are perfect for developing a physical I/O layer for
the AutoBots and languages like NQC, LOGO, VB/VBA are great for software
control.Structural Analysis techniques such as Decomposition allow the
system to be develop in a series of design steps starting a high level down
to the circuit/software component element of the system. Has anyone else
considered or are conducting classes at a university level using the Scout
and/or RCX to teach Systems Engineering?
Don Wilcher
<mrDon219@aol.com>
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Ivy Tech State College - Southwest (located in Evansville, Indiana) is once
again hosting a Lego Robotics Challenge for area high school and middle
school students. The challenge will be held November 9, 2001 at the main
campus building. For information on this event or to register a team, visit:
http://faculty.ivy.tec.in.us/~scombs/robotics/competition.html
Steven B. Combs, MS, CIT
Associate Professor / Instructional Technologist
Ivy Tech State College - Southwest
A Community College of Indiana Partner
3501 First Avenue
Evansville, Indiana 47710
(812) 429-1476
http://faculty.ivy.tec.in.us/~scombs
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I received French version Winvll.ini from Marc Klein.
I thank all your contribution.
I append it to the archive.
There are English, German, Italian, Dutch, Danish, French and Japanese
version in this archive.
Is there who can write Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Korean, etc.?
It will become useless,if anyone else writes simultaneously, please send me
mail previously, if you have schedule to translate them.
http://www.research.co.jp/MindStorms/winvll/index-e.html
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I received Danish version Winvll.ini from Thomas Christiansent.
Thank you, Thomas.
I append it to the archive.
We get the mother tongue of the LEGO :)
There are English, German, Italian, Dutch, Danish and Japanese version in this
archive.
http://www.research.co.jp/MindStorms/winvll/index-e.html
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I received the Dutch (Nederlands) version Winvll.ini from Michiel Helsloot.
Thank you, Michiel.
I append it to the archive.
Now there are English, German, Italian, Dutch and Japanese version.
And I added new ini entry [ERROR] for "Cannot open USB Tower"
The sample template file is in English folder in the archive.
Rainer Balzerowski tells me this idea.
Thank you.
http://www.research.co.jp/MindStorms/winvll/index-e.html
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I received the Italian version Winvll.ini from Stefano Maffulli.
Thank you, Stefano.
I append it to the archive.
And I wrote how to make VLL Probe page today.
You can use the Winvll without USB Tower (RIS2.0).
Please visit again my page.
Now there are English, German, Italian and Japanese version.
I am looking forward to receive other languages ini files.
Thank you.
http://www.research.co.jp/MindStorms/winvll/index-e.html
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Hi, all:
Do you enjoy my WinVLL ?
Now I need your help.
I try the WinVLL to the multilingual program.
But I have Japanese Ed. Windows only.
Would you help me to destribute non-English nor Japanese Ed. Winvll.ini file.
Please visit for datailes:
http://www.research.co.jp/MindStorms/winvll/index-e.html.
Thank you.
-- mac
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Dan LaFountain wrote:
> Chris,
> Do you have any of the Activity Packs that go with RoboLab? These are a
> series of activities that the teachers can use to integrate the materials
> into their classrooms. The teachers will need to see that there is support
> materials available to them that are easy to implement.
> For the workshop itself, I would suggest having as much hands-on as
> possible. We usually begin with the basics of the Pilot levels using very
> small models and move up from there. What we have found is that if you have
> the teachers building larger models you will use all of the time on that and
> not on programming and problem solving. They also need the introductory
> hands-on so that they know this is something they can have success with. We
> generally use the Starter System Activity Pack for these types of workshops.
> I would keep videos, etc to a short time frame (10-20 minutes)just to give
> them an idea of what students CAN do with this material.
> I have given hundreds of these types of workshops to educators over the
> years. If you have any questions please email me.
> Thanks
> DAN
Thanks for the advice Dan, the teacher of the class is sending her
equipment over to me tomorrow so I can see what she has. From our last
conversation, it sounds like she has the activity packs.
Thanks for the advice about the actual lessons. I'll let you all know
if I have more questions and how it goes in a month.
-chris
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Ben Erwin wrote:
>
> I wrote a book, Creative Projects with LEGO Mindstorms, for exactly this
> situation. No extra parts beyond the kit are needed for 20-something of the 30
> projects. Not to mention it is the only book to talk about ROBOLAB!
>
> In the book I recommend starting out with something from the instruction books,
> or a very-directed and simple robot to build from scratch. Then program,
> modify the design, re-program, etc. And move on to something from scratch.
>
> I would strongly recommend spending the entire second session (if not some of
> the first session as well) on Investigator and data-collection and graphing,
> since this will be the most obvious tie to the science and math standards.
Good point.
> One of the projects that I just did at a workshop with the ROBOLAB teachers in
> Boston Public Schools is "burgular" - an idea I took from a 1st grade teacher.
> You set up the RCX's around the room with light sensors and shut off the
> lights. Then someone comes around with a flashlight who is the burgular. By
> uploading everybody's light graph on the same graph (different color each RCX)
> you then have to collectively as a class figure out where the burgular was
> standing and which way the flashlight was pointing (which you can figure out
> if you have more than one "row" of RCX's). Its harder than it sounds, and lots
> of interesting lessons came out of it.... we did three different trials and
> varied several variables, including time-between-points, etc.
I was reading about something similar to this online the other day.
I'll give it some thought.
> You can also get a lot of workshop-specific ideas from
> http://ldaps.arc.nasa.gov/ (particularly the Workshop and Curriculum sections!)
I'll check it out.
-chris
|
|
| |
I wrote a book, Creative Projects with LEGO Mindstorms, for exactly this
situation. No extra parts beyond the kit are needed for 20-something of the 30
projects. Not to mention it is the only book to talk about ROBOLAB!
In the book I recommend starting out with something from the instruction books,
or a very-directed and simple robot to build from scratch. Then program,
modify the design, re-program, etc. And move on to something from scratch.
I would strongly recommend spending the entire second session (if not some of
the first session as well) on Investigator and data-collection and graphing,
since this will be the most obvious tie to the science and math standards.
One of the projects that I just did at a workshop with the ROBOLAB teachers in
Boston Public Schools is "burgular" - an idea I took from a 1st grade teacher.
You set up the RCX's around the room with light sensors and shut off the
lights. Then someone comes around with a flashlight who is the burgular. By
uploading everybody's light graph on the same graph (different color each RCX)
you then have to collectively as a class figure out where the burgular was
standing and which way the flashlight was pointing (which you can figure out
if you have more than one "row" of RCX's). Its harder than it sounds, and lots
of interesting lessons came out of it.... we did three different trials and
varied several variables, including time-between-points, etc.
You can also get a lot of workshop-specific ideas from
http://ldaps.arc.nasa.gov/ (particularly the Workshop and Curriculum sections!)
In lugnet.robotics.edu, Christopher Tracey writes:
>
> Hi all,
> I've been contracted to assist in an education class at a local
> university helping with a Mindstorms project and was wondering if anyone
> had any ideas or tips we could use in this class.
>
> The class is a group of 25 students who are getting certified to teach
> ages 3 to 9. The class focuses on using technology to develop
> activities the bring students of varying ability levels together in
> cooperative activities.
>
> We have two 3-hour blocks in which to use teach. The first was going to
> be used as an intro/demo session and then the second is scheduled so the
> students can work on their own projects. Does this sould like a good
> schedule?
>
> I was going to put together a short powerpoint presentation about the
> Mindstorms system and maybe try to show how it's been used in classrooms
> before. If you have any photos or video that you would like to donate,
> let me know.
>
> We have the Robolab software and six RCXs in addition to a ton of
> technic/basic parts.
>
> Any ideas would be appreciated.
>
> -chris
|
|
| |
In lugnet.robotics.edu, Christopher Tracey writes:
>
> Hi all,
> I've been contracted to assist in an education class at a local
> university helping with a Mindstorms project and was wondering if anyone
> had any ideas or tips we could use in this class.
>
> The class is a group of 25 students who are getting certified to teach
> ages 3 to 9. The class focuses on using technology to develop
> activities the bring students of varying ability levels together in
> cooperative activities.
>
> We have two 3-hour blocks in which to use teach. The first was going to
> be used as an intro/demo session and then the second is scheduled so the
> students can work on their own projects. Does this sould like a good
> schedule?
Chris,
Do you have any of the Activity Packs that go with RoboLab? These are a
series of activities that the teachers can use to integrate the materials
into their classrooms. The teachers will need to see that there is support
materials available to them that are easy to implement.
For the workshop itself, I would suggest having as much hands-on as
possible. We usually begin with the basics of the Pilot levels using very
small models and move up from there. What we have found is that if you have
the teachers building larger models you will use all of the time on that and
not on programming and problem solving. They also need the introductory
hands-on so that they know this is something they can have success with. We
generally use the Starter System Activity Pack for these types of workshops.
I would keep videos, etc to a short time frame (10-20 minutes)just to give
them an idea of what students CAN do with this material.
I have given hundreds of these types of workshops to educators over the
years. If you have any questions please email me.
Thanks
DAN
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In lugnet.robotics.edu, Christopher Tracey writes:
>
> I was going to put together a short powerpoint presentation about the
> Mindstorms system and maybe try to show how it's been used in classrooms
> before. If you have any photos or video that you would like to donate,
> let me know.
>
> We have the Robolab software and six RCXs in addition to a ton of
> technic/basic parts.
>
> Any ideas would be appreciated.
>
> -chris
Joe Nagata's LEGO MINDSTORMS IDEA BOOK has wonderful projects. Even the
simple ones are impressive and fun to play with. It has one drawback: You
need 'extra pieces' that are not included in the Mindstorms standard kit.
So I had to make a list and buy them through Baylit. However, you might
have a headstart with that. Joe Nagata has constructs (way of using the
parts) that I have not seen anywhere else.
If you are time constrained, you might want to select the projects yourself,
rather than let the instructors (and the kids) invent things.
Good luck,
Jerry
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Hi all,
I've been contracted to assist in an education class at a local
university helping with a Mindstorms project and was wondering if anyone
had any ideas or tips we could use in this class.
The class is a group of 25 students who are getting certified to teach
ages 3 to 9. The class focuses on using technology to develop
activities the bring students of varying ability levels together in
cooperative activities.
We have two 3-hour blocks in which to use teach. The first was going to
be used as an intro/demo session and then the second is scheduled so the
students can work on their own projects. Does this sould like a good
schedule?
I was going to put together a short powerpoint presentation about the
Mindstorms system and maybe try to show how it's been used in classrooms
before. If you have any photos or video that you would like to donate,
let me know.
We have the Robolab software and six RCXs in addition to a ton of
technic/basic parts.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
-chris
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Shigeru Makino wrote:
> Hi, all !
>
> I wrote a simple free software named WinVLL for Windows95/98/Me/2000.
> This program tool for the LEGO MicroSCOUT (included DDK or DSDK) to control
> or programming.
>
> The USB LEGO infrared tower and optical fiber (included RIS2.0) are
> required, when you use it.
> This program is what I made and is not related to LEGO at all. Mr. Nanashino
> contributed the driver of VLL.
> Specification of this program is simplified as the child could also operate
> it alone.
>
> It was released May 2, 2001 but it was only for Japanese.
> Now, I release English version of this program for RIS 2.0 on sale !
> Please visit my page and use it.
> http://www.research.co.jp/MindStorms/winvll/index-e.html
>
> Enjoy !
>
> -- mac
VERY nice! This is what LEGO should have supplied with the MICRO-Scouts!
We do not as yet have the 2.0's, can you explain what the tower can do and what
it's like?
Thanks
Dean
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Hi, all !
I wrote a simple free software named WinVLL for Windows95/98/Me/2000.
This program tool for the LEGO MicroSCOUT (included DDK or DSDK) to control
or programming.
The USB LEGO infrared tower and optical fiber (included RIS2.0) are
required, when you use it.
This program is what I made and is not related to LEGO at all. Mr. Nanashino
contributed the driver of VLL.
Specification of this program is simplified as the child could also operate
it alone.
It was released May 2, 2001 but it was only for Japanese.
Now, I release English version of this program for RIS 2.0 on sale !
Please visit my page and use it.
http://www.research.co.jp/MindStorms/winvll/index-e.html
Enjoy !
-- mac
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Has anyone considered using Squeak to build a graphical RCX programmer app?
http://www.mucow.com/squeak-qref.html
I'm wondering if it's possible and am not much of a programmer myself.
-Suz
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In lugnet.mediawatch, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> from article:
>
> " Iowa State U. students use Legos to learn technology
> [...]
> As part of Iowa State University's "Preparing Today's Teachers
> For Tomorrow" program, Computer Engineering 370 -- Toying
> With Technology -- helps pre-service teachers in the education
> department learn how to use technology in the classroom."
>
> http://news.excite.com:80/news/uw/010328/tech-306
>
> a related link:
> http://class.ee.iastate.edu/twt/
>
> -Suz
These links don't seem to stick around for long, which is disapointing, but
here's another story on the same group:
Iowa State U. students design Lego golf course
http://news.excite.com:80/news/uw/010425/tech-33
-Suz
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What a strange coincident. I had just posted the message when I went to my
mailbox to find an examination copy of your text. I immediately checked to
see if your text included any information and of course found it. You text
is wonderful and as I mentioned, I am considering its adoption for a college
level course I instructor. Good luck on your text (see my previous
message). As a textbook author for AutoCAD and 3D Studio, I know how much
feedback from the readers is appreciated.
Steven B. Combs, MS, CIT
Associate Professor - Instructional Technologist
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
3501 First Avenue
Evansville, IN 47710
812.429.1476
mailto:scombs@ivy.tec.in.us
http://faculty.ivy.tec.in.us/~scombs
-----Original Message-----
From: news-gateway@lugnet.com [mailto:news-gateway@lugnet.com]On Behalf Of
Ben Erwin
Sent: Sunday, 15 April 2001 7:47 PM
To: lugnet.robotics.rcx.robolab@lugnet.com; lugnet.robotics.edu@lugnet.com;
lugnet.robotics@lugnet.com
Subject: Re: Internet Controlled Robots
In lugnet.robotics.rcx.robolab, Steven Combs writes:
> I am wanting to begin experimenting with web based control of the RCX using
> RoboLAB 2.0 but have not been able to find any information. Can anyone
> kindly lead to some resources? I have only the knowledge that this can be
> done, nothing else.
Chapter 21 of my book "Creative Projects with LEGO Mindstorms" (see
http://www.benerwin.com/) is called Advanced Communication, and covers
several
advanced communication projects, including "Internet Communication with
ROBOLAB".
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In lugnet.robotics.rcx.robolab, Steven Combs writes:
> I am wanting to begin experimenting with web based control of the RCX using
> RoboLAB 2.0 but have not been able to find any information. Can anyone
> kindly lead to some resources? I have only the knowledge that this can be
> done, nothing else.
Chapter 21 of my book "Creative Projects with LEGO Mindstorms" (see
http://www.benerwin.com/) is called Advanced Communication, and covers several
advanced communication projects, including "Internet Communication with
ROBOLAB".
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In lugnet.robotics.rcx.robolab, Steven Combs writes:
> I am wanting to begin experimenting with web based control of the RCX using
> RoboLAB 2.0 but have not been able to find any information. Can anyone
> kindly lead to some resources? I have only the knowledge that this can be
> done, nothing else.
Try this:
http://news.lugnet.com/robotics/?n=14312
HTH,
-Rob.
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I am wanting to begin experimenting with web based control of the RCX using
RoboLAB 2.0 but have not been able to find any information. Can anyone
kindly lead to some resources? I have only the knowledge that this can be
done, nothing else.
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from article:
" Iowa State U. students use Legos to learn technology
[...]
As part of Iowa State University's "Preparing Today's Teachers
For Tomorrow" program, Computer Engineering 370 -- Toying
With Technology -- helps pre-service teachers in the education
department learn how to use technology in the classroom."
http://news.excite.com:80/news/uw/010328/tech-306
a related link:
http://class.ee.iastate.edu/twt/
-Suz
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I have created a new site as a reference for educators using RoboLab in the
classroom. I would love to have some of you visit the site and provide
feedback.
At present we have only a few examples, but we are working on adding many
more. The most exciting project in progress now is our BridgeBot. This is
a two RCX bot that must cross over a 10" gap.
We also have information about our annual Robotics contest we sponsor for
College, High School, and Middle School students. The site changes daily
and you will always find some new tip or robotic information. Check it out at:
http://faculty.ivy.tec.in.us/~scombs/robotics
You will also find a link to it from my lugnet page at:
http://www.lugnet.com/~414
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Our College is sponsoring a Lego Robotics Contest for Middle School, High
School, and College students. Visit my LUGNET page located at
http://www.lugnet.com/~414 for more information. Once there you will find a
link to our official college site that provides information on the contest,
robots created by our students, and Tips and Tricks. We just started the
site and it will be expanding.
The contest has proved to be very exciting. We have some great sponsors
(including our local NBC affiliate) and some wonderful prizes. Again all of
this is outlined on our site.
I would love to hear your comments regarding our contest or our site.
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I'm a high school teacher and my students are entering a Mindstorm robot maze
contest using LegOS. We have some code for a wall runner, but would like to
see a more sophisticated algorithm to get out of a maze. Does anyone have some
code they will share?
Thanks
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