LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 A Solid Improvement on the Best MINDSTORMS Set

LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 A Solid Improvement on the Best MINDSTORMS Set

I first met MINDSTORMS series in 2001 when I bought the Robotics Invention System 1.5 by curiosity. Since I bought and used several sets MINDSTORMS, written two books MINDSTORMS, developed and taught a course in Lego robotics, and given presentations Lego. So when I heard that Lego NXT 2.0 fall or summer / autumn 2009, I was curious about how LEGO would improve its flagship product. After finally get their hands on a 2.0 setup, I have been busy constructing, programming and analysis of the characteristics of the kits. And I think that's the best MINDSTORMS far.

The NXT original was published in 2006 (I call it "Set 1.0") were huge successes, but still had some shortcomings. NXT 2.0 addresses some of these gaps and really all it is 1.0 which should have been. As robotic kits, the NXT 2.0, which focuses on building and programming, so I'll take a look at how the kit works in all these areas.

The first is to build a fun and exciting, while providing excellent additions. For electronics, servo motors and NXT microcomputer are the same as in the design and quantity, but the selection of sensors changed. There are now two touch sensors, an ultrasonic (distance) of the sensor and color sensor. The new color sensor has three functions. It can detect colors (six basic colors), measuring the light intensity and serve as a lamp (light emitting red, blue or green). Unlike version 1.0, which is light sensor or sound sensor: the new color sensor can act as a light sensor, and LEGO apparently thought to have two touch sensors would be more useful than having a sensor pressure and a sound sensor that in one, 0 sets. I agree.

The construction elements are, again, without nails bit techinc Lego instead of traditional bricks. The 1.0, which included TECHNIC bricks, but they went across 2.0, which focuses entirely on the design double-free. Overall, there is always a good selection of bars, rods, and axes (including a new # 9 longitudinal axis) and the addition of two rubber bands. Also fun is the archery equipment with special ball 12 small colored balls.

There are only few tools are included, however. Although the 1.0, which included a good variety and quantity of gear, including 2.0 that only a handful of double bevel gear and bevel gear 12t one. It's a bit disappointing, but understandable. People like to spend a ton of gear in his robots to make them cool, but a lot of tools to introduce a lot of friction. The reason for the 2.0 kit sample demonstrates how to connect the robot parts directly to the engine instead of using gears to transmit motion. It works well and takes some getting used to, but I would still encourage new users to enlarge his LEGO collection of bills for the purchase of 2.0 sets.

When it comes to programming, with version 2.0 of the accompanying software NXT-G some welcome new features. A remote control, audio editor, image editor, this new block of programming, better performance and more features programming more enjoyable. The performance is much better than in version 1.0, but perhaps still sluggish.

The software contains a number of fun challenges over four missile configurations: Shooterbot, Robogator, color sorter, and the Alpha Rex. The missile test is durable and works well, although some instructions for using the color varieties have been a little confused. The new version of Alpha-Rex robot is a really fascinating: in addition to being a fun "advanced" model to build new users can learn much from its surprisingly compact and elegant design.

MINDSTORMS NTX 2.0 set leads the series in the right direction. I like what I see in this series, and I think that Lego has a winner on their hands. The 2.0 is more expensive than the 1.0 set - with $ 30 - but I think the improvements and new features to justify the additional cost. In summary, the NXT 2.0 brings a great set of tools for each robot builders and a must for fans MINDSTORMS.

Product Description

The "NXT" generation of buildable, programmable robots is here!
LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT is back and better than ever, with new robot models, even more customizable programming, and all-new technology including a color sensor! MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 combines the unlimited versatility of the LEGO building system with an intelligent microcomputer brick and intuitive drag-and-drop programming software. The new 2.0 toolkit features everything you need to create your first robot in 30 minutes and then tens of thousands of other robotic inventions that do what you want!

• The intelligent NXT LEGO brick features 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, 4 input and 3 output ports, and Bluetooth and USB communication link
• Three interactive servo motors
• Four sensors: Ultrasonic Sensor, 2 Touch Sensors and the all-new Color Sensor
• Color Sensor has triple functionality: distinguishes colors and light settings, and functions as a lamp
• Easy-to-use software (PC and Mac) with icon-based drag-and-drop programming and 16 fun building and programming challenges All the LEGO® elements (612 pcs) you need for creating incredible robots Building instructions for 4 new amazing robots
• Personalize your robots with the Sound and Icon editors
• Share your project files with your friends with the Pack-N-Go project packager
• Batteries not included

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 18.9 x 3.7 x 14.9 inches ; 4.5 pounds
• Manufacturer recommended age: 10 - 18 years

Microsoft Windows Requirements

• Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 2 or newer
• Intel Pentium processor or compatible, 800 MHz minimum (1.5 GHz or better recommended)
• Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or newer
• Intel Pentium processor or compatible, 1 GHz minimum (1.5 GHz or better recommended)
• CD-ROM drive

Apple Macintosh Requirements

• Apple MacOS X v10.4 or v10.5
• PowerPC G3, G4, G5 processor, 600 MHz minimum
• Intel processor (1.3 GHz or better recommended)
• DVD drive

General System Requirements

• 512MB of RAM minimum
• 700MB of available hard-disk space
• XGA display (1024x768)
• 1 available USB port
• Compatible Blue tooth adapter (optional)

You can find this product at : LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0

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