LEGO Mindstorms NXT

by Kelly, James Floyd

• ISBN13: 9781590597637
• ISBN10: 159059763X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-12-11
• Publisher: Apress

Summary

LEGO Mindstorms NXT: The Mayan Adventure presents a multipart fictional story as the premise for introducing and detailing a unique robot. The story's main character, Max, is on an archaeological expedition with his uncle in the jungles of Guatemala to investigate a newly discovered Mayan pyramid. During the expedition, the team encounters various problems. And each problem is solved with the help of a unique robot that Max creates. Following each chapter in which a new problem is introduced is a "theory" chapter that discusses the concepts and provides the programming knowledge you need for creating the robot. The robot "solution" chapter ultimately follows. Over the course of the book, you'll follow along as Max and the expedition team use the Lego Mindstorms NXT kit to overcome obstacles and move deeper into the Mayan pyramid.

Table of Contents

About the Author	p. xiii
About the Technical Reviewers	p. xv
Acknowledgments	p. xvii
Introduction	p. xix
Tomb, Trap, and Trigger	p. 1
Day 2: King Ixtua Tomb Excavation, 4:42 PM	p. 1
Tunnel Challenge	p. 3
Evan's Solution	p. 4
ExploroBot-Planning and Design	p. 7
The ExploroBot	p. 7
The Robot Description	p. 9
The Task List	p. 10
Limitations and Constraints	p. 10
Mindstorm	p. 13
Sketches	p. 15
ExploroBot-Build It	p. 17
Never Be Afraid to Experiment	p. 17
Step by Step	p. 18
First Section: Ultrasonic Sensor and Neck	p. 18
Second Section: Bot Body and Motors	p. 21
Third Section: Rear-Wheel Assembly and Frame	p. 24
Fourth Section: Put It All Together	p. 30
ExploroBot-Program It	p. 41
Some Experience Required	p. 41
Into the Tunnel	p. 45
Out of the Tunnel	p. 52
What the Degree, Kenneth? (With Apologies to REM)	p. 54
Opening the Tomb Door	p. 55
String, Pebbles, and Gravity	p. 57
Day 3: Inside King Ixtua's Tomb, 8:13 AM	p. 57
More Monkey Business	p. 58
Vine Challenge	p. 59
Evan's Solution	p. 60
StringBot-Planning and Design	p. 63
Design and Planning	p. 63
The StringBot	p. 63
The Robot Description	p. 64
The Task List	p. 65
Limitations and Constraints	p. 66
Mindstorm	p. 68
Sketches	p. 70
StringBot-Build It	p. 73
Where to Start?	p. 73
Step by Step	p. 75
First Section: Brick, Framework, and Motors	p. 75
Second Section: Wheels-on-String System and String Guides	p. 81
Third Section: Carrier Arm and Motor Assembly	p. 85
StringBot-Program It	p. 91
Get Familiar with the Blocks	p. 91
Getting to the Vase	p. 94
Above the Vase	p. 99
Back for More	p. 101
Filling the Vase	p. 104
Scroll, Key, and Camera	p. 107
Day 3: Tomb Reception Area, 6:08 PM	p. 107
The King's Library	p. 108
Key Retrieval Challenge	p. 110
Grace's Solution	p. 111
SnapShotBot-Planning and Design	p. 115
SnapShotBot Planning and Design	p. 115
The Robot Description	p. 116
The Task List	p. 117
	p. 118
	p. 119
	p. 119
	p. 120
	p. 120
	p. 121
	p. 121
	p. 122
	p. 122
	p. 122
What About the Twine?	p. 122
Limitations and Constraints	p. 122
Mindstorm	p. 123
Sketches	p. 125
SnapShotBot-Build It	p. 127
Jump In	p. 128
Step by Step	p. 128
First Section: Basic Body	p. 129
Second Section: Ball-Wheel Assembly and Light Sensor	p. 133
Third Section: Camera Cage and Motor	p. 136
SnapShotBot-Program It	p. 149
One Block at a Time	p. 149
Finding the Basket	p. 154
Getting Around the Basket	p. 155
Getting the Bot Home	p. 159
Get In, Grab It, Get Out	p. 165
Day 4: Outside King Ixtua's Library, 8:43 AM	p. 165
The Throne Room	p. 165
Locate the Burial Chamber	p. 166
Scroll Challenge	p. 168
Max's Solution	p. 170
GrabberBot-Planning and Design	p. 171
GrabberBot Planning and Design	p. 171
The Robot Description	p. 171
The Task List	p. 173
Limitations and Constraints	p. 174
Mindstorm	p. 174
Sketches	p. 177
GrabberBot-Build It	p. 179
First Section: Main Body	p. 180
Second Section: Lifting Arm Mechanism	p. 190
Third Section: Sensors and Various Beams	p. 192
GrabberBot-Program It	p. 203
Down the Tunnel...Again	p. 203
Approaching the Scroll	p. 208
Acquiring the Scroll	p. 212
Bravery, Wisdom, and Honor	p. 217
Day 5: Inside King Ixtua's Throne Room, 10:12 AM	p. 217
The Burial Chamber	p. 218
Famous Figures	p. 219
The Final Challenge	p. 220
Evan's Solution	p. 221
PushBot-Planning and Design	p. 223
PushBot Planning and Design	p. 223
The Robot Description	p. 223
The Task List	p. 225
Limitations and Constraints	p. 226
Mindstorm	p. 227
Sketches	p. 228
PushBot-Build It	p. 231
Step by Step	p. 232
First Section: Motor/Cage-Arm Mechanism	p. 232
Second Section: Wheels and Neck/Ultrasonic Sensor Assembly	p. 243
Third Section: Main Body	p. 248
PushBot-Program It	p. 255
Getting the PushBot into Position	p. 255
Positioning Three Figurines	p. 262
The Final Figurine	p. 272
Discovery, Secret, and Home	p. 281
Day 7: Base Camp, King Ixtua's Tomb, 11:05 AM	p. 281
Online Reference and Support	p. 285
Web Sites	p. 285
Blogs	p. 286
Forums and Message Boards	p. 286
Building Instructions for Bots	p. 287
Background	p. 287
Step by Step	p. 288
NXTLOG	p. 291
User Account	p. 291
Tools	p. 292
HiTechnic NXT Compass Sensor	p. 295
North, West, East, and South	p. 295
Using the Compass Sensor	p. 296
Index	p. 305
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