Lego Mindstorms NXT
item #8527 by Lego
An advanced version of the old familiar Lego building block system that we all grew up with. These systems have the added advantage of allowing you to build your own computer controlled robots. Your projects are built around a central unit called the NXT brick. This houses all of the electronics and I/O connections needed to design your own robot creation.
Programming is done either through the on-screen menu system of the NXT brick, or downloaded via USB or Bluetooth from you computer. The included programming software (NXT-G), which runs on a PC or - surprisingly - a Mac, is a visual language based on National Instruments LabVIEW software. There are numerous other software packages available including Next Byte Codes (NBC), Not eXactly C (NXC), leJOS NXJ and LEJOS OSEK.
In addition to designing your own creations, there are plenty of plans and ideas available on the internet for free.
Year Released: 1998 originally - NXT version 2006
Original Price: $250
Features:
NXT brick
100 x 64 LCD display
USB 2.0 I/O port
Bluetooth (class II) wireless for programming or control
4 input ports
3 output ports
Base Kit includes:
519 Lego Technic parts
NXT Intelligent Brick
three servo motors
ultrasonic distance and motion sensor
sound sensor
light sensor
touch sensor
Educational Base Kit includes:
431 Lego Technic parts
NXT Intellegent Brick
rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and charger
3 servo motors
ultrasonic distance and motion sensor
sound sensor
light sensor
2 touch sensors
3 converter cables (for using Mindstorms RIS 2.0 sensors)
7 connector cables
3 lamps
Available options:
compass sensor
color sensor
accelerometer sensor
infrared sensor
gyroscopic sensor
Technical Specifications:
CPU (main): 32-bit Atmel AT91SAM7S256 w/ 256KB flash & 64 KB RAM
CPU (aux): 8-bit Atmel ATmega48 @ 4 MHz w/ 4 KB flash & 512 bytes RAM
Power Supply:
6 x AA batteries or included 7.2v Li-Ion pack
9-12vac 800-1000ma charger for use with Li-Ion pack only
Dimensions:
Weight:
RF Frequency: Bluetooth class II
