Extreme NXT: Extending the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT to the Next Level

Extreme NXT: Extending the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT to the Next Level

Released March 2007
Publisher(s): Apress
ISBN: 9781590598184

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Book description

Extreme NXT: Extending the LEGO MIDSTORMS NXT to the Next Level is for intermediate-level users of NXT who would like to advance their capabilities by learning some of the basics of electronics. Plenty of examples are provided, and easy-to-follow instructions are included for building over 15 different sensors.

This makes a great reference for the NXT hardware interfaces. Examples even come complete with multiple, alternative NXT languages. The book is also abundant with illustrations.

Table of contents

  1. Title Page
  2. Dedication
  3. Contents at a Glance
  4. Contents
  5. Foreword
  6. About the Authors
  7. About the Technical Reviewer
  8. Acknowledgments
  9. Introduction
  10. CHAPTER 1: In the Beginning
    1. The RCX and the Robotics Invention System
    2. The MINDSTORMS NXT
  11. CHAPTER 2: In the Box
    1. The Sensors
    2. The Motors
    3. The Lamp
    4. The Languages
  12. CHAPTER 3: Connecting to the NXT
    1. NXT Ports
    2. Physically Connecting to the NXT
    3. Screw Terminal for Passive Sensors
    4. RCX Compatibility Cable
  13. CHAPTER 4: Contact Sensors
    1. Touching Wires
    2. Electronic Surfboard
    3. Switches
    4. Parallel and Series
    5. Antenna Sensor
    6. Going Further
  14. CHAPTER 5: Resistive Sensors
    1. Analog to Digital Conversion
    2. Ohmmeter
    3. Temperature Sensor
    4. Light Sensor
    5. Two Switch Input
  15. CHAPTER 6: Potentiometer Sensors
    1. Connecting to the Pot
    2. Resistance Selection
    3. Angle Sensor Construction
    4. NXT Protractor
    5. Pressure Sensor
    6. Broom Balancer
    7. Joysticks
  16. CHAPTER 7: Voltage Sensors
    1. Design of a −5V to +5V Sensor
    2. Constructing the Voltage Sensor
    3. NXT Battery Tester
    4. A −15V to +15V Sensor
  17. CHAPTER 8: 4.3V Powered Sensors
    1. Hall Effect Sensor
    2. Transistor Buffer
    3. Infrared Rangefinder
    4. Differential Light Sensor
    5. Enhancing the Transistor Buffer
  18. CHAPTER 9: Two-Wire Powered Sensors
    1. Signals
    2. Programming
    3. Half-Volt Sensor
    4. Current Sensor
    5. Pressure Sensor
  19. CHAPTER 10: Aftermarket Vendors
    1. HiTechnic
    2. Mindsensors.com
    3. Techno-Stuff
    4. Vernier and DCP Microdevelopments
    5. LEGO Education
  20. CHAPTER 11: NXT Motor Interfaces
    1. The Clapper
    2. The Etch-A-NXT
    3. The Pneumatic Gripper
  21. CHAPTER 12: Beyond NXT Motors
    1. The Motor Block
    2. Output Control Program
    3. Lamps
    4. Muscle Wires
    5. Electromagnets and Solenoids
    6. Doubling Outputs
    7. Light Emitting Diodes
    8. More Power
  22. CHAPTER 13: I2C Bus Communication
    1. I2C Communications
    2. PCF8574
    3. Eight Outs
    4. Magic Wand
    5. Four Ins and Outs
    6. Simon Game
    7. Relay Outputs
    8. PCF8591
    9. Four Analog Ins
    10. Color Sensor
    11. Going Further
  23. CHAPTER 14: Cool Combinations
    1. Data Logging
    2. NXT-to-NXT Bluetooth Remote Control
    3. LEGO Train Station
    4. Panoramic Camera
    5. Graphics
    6. NXT Pong Video Game
    7. Remotely Guided Vehicle
  24. APPENDIX A: Breadboard Construction Technique
    1. Solderless Breadboard
    2. Building on the Breadboard
    3. Printed Circuit Board
    4. Soldering
    5. Building a Printed Circuit Board
  25. APPENDIX B: References, Links, and Sources
    1. General Interest
    2. Chapter 1
    3. Chapter 2
    4. Chapter 3
    5. Chapter 5
    6. Chapter 6
    7. Chapter 8
    8. Chapter 9
    9. Chapter 10
    10. Chapter 11
    11. Chapter 12
    12. Chapter 13
    13. Chapter 14
    14. Appendix A
  26. APPENDIX C: Code Listings
    1. Chapter 9
    2. Chapter 13
    3. Chapter 14
  27. Index

Product information

  • Title: Extreme NXT: Extending the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT to the Next Level
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: March 2007
  • Publisher(s): Apress
  • ISBN: 9781590598184