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First Lego League in Virginia and DC

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From:
Glenn Roberts <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Glenn Roberts <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:11:17 -0400
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We had trouble with some Bluetooth adapters.  The only one that worked reliably for us was the USB one sold by Lego 

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 27, 2011, at 8:01 AM, William Ogle and Hanna Witzgall <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I am able to connect the NXT brick to our laptop via Bluetooth, but when we try to download an NXT program from the laptop to the brick, it gives an error that the device is not connected. But, it does show up in the list of devices connected via Bluetooth. Are there additional steps needed to use Bluetooth?
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On Oct 25, 2011, at 10:01 PM, Jane Jiang <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
>> Paul,
>> 
>> My team has been using educational version since the 1.x version and always used the bluetooth to download programs without any problem.   I am not sure if there is any menu though.   Once you connect the robot with the computer via bluetooth connection, it shows up as one of the available robot to connect in the NXT-G program.  From there, there is no difference between bluetooth and USB connection as far as menu goes.   The kids also uses the remote control to test some maneuver.  But I am not sure what program they used.  I do not know if they read sensor values.   Do you use a special program/menu for that?  maybe that is missing from the edu version?
>> 
>> Jane Jiang
>> Team 3816, the Brainy Bunch 
>> 
>> From: Paul Conlin <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 9:48 PM
>> Subject: Re: [VADCFLL-L] EXT :Re: [VADCFLL-L] LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Books ?
>> 
>> Swayne just replied to me privately with their version number.  Thanks Swayne!
>>  
>> But I think there is a misunderstanding.  It could still be me, I'll admit, but it could be helpful if this reply is publics so I am back "on-list".
>>  
>> Swayne is talking about the Bluetooth programming blocks on the advance menu.  I agree that functionality is present in both versions.  But that is not what I am talking about.  If you have never used the commercial version then you don't know what you are missing.  On the menu there is a "remote control" option that allows you to connect the robot via Bluetooth wireless.  From there you can download software, check battery voltage, and remotely control the bot.  As in you push the up arrow and the bot moves forward.  Right arrow, it turns right. etc.  Neat trick but not all that useful.  Remotely download program files and remotely reading sensor values, etc., THAT is very useful and worth buying.  To be clear, this has *nothing* to do with the NXT programming language.
>>  
>> As I said, if you have always had the educational versions and have never used this feature, then you don't know what I am talking about and that is a real shame.  Hence my advice to not by the educational version.
>>  
>> I hope someone proves be wrong and tells me how to find this secret fuctionality on the educational version.  I would be happy to find it.
>>  
>> Paul
>>  
>>  
>> From: First Lego League in Virginia and DC [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Paul Conlin
>> Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 7:33 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: [VADCFLL-L] EXT :Re: [VADCFLL-L] LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Books ?
>>  
>> Hmmmm.  That is great news.  Please tell us how to find this feature on the educational version.  We use it daily on the commercial version of the software.  The menus are slightly different when we compare the two packages side-by-side.
>>  
>> We have what we think to be the latest educational software.  We actually have a site license.  I'm not in front of one of the computers now to find the exact version number.  I know you said version 2.0 but can you post the exact version number the software displays, including any updates, where this Bluetooth wireless feature works.
>>  
>> It would be appreciated.  Thanks.
>>  
>> Paul
>>  
>>  
>>  
>> From: Swayne, Dominic - swaynedd [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
>> Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 7:24 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: [VADCFLL-L] EXT :Re: [VADCFLL-L] LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Books ?
>>  
>> The bluetooth works just fine on the educational version.  They are identical in this regard – at least on version 2.0 of the software
>>  
>> From: Paul Conlin <[log in to unmask]>
>> Organization: Blaze Broadband
>> Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:10:24 -0400
>> To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Re: [VADCFLL-L] EXT :Re: [VADCFLL-L] LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Books ?
>>  
>> No one has mentioned the Bluetooth wireless link that is missing from the educational versions!  Unless someone can explain how to find this feature in the educational versions of the software, I would highly recommend buying only the retail version.  While wireless is not permitted during competition it is a very valuable feature while teaching and during the program development phase.  Not only can programs be very quickly downloaded without plugging in the bot, this bi-directional wireless link can also be used to read motor positions and sensor values from a live robot.  For example, you can move the arm and read exact number of degrees of rotation.  Then plug that value into your code and you are done.  No more time wasting iterations.  This can work for wheel rotations too.  You can also read sensor values to determine what the robot is sensing, in real time!
>>  
>> I feel Lego's decision to delete this wireless feature from the educational version was a big mistake.
>>  
>> Paul
>>  
>>  
>> From: First Lego League in Virginia and DC [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Aucoin, Bill (ES)
>> Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 1:57 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: [VADCFLL-L] EXT :Re: [VADCFLL-L] LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Books ?
>>  
>> Wendy,
>>  
>> Nice summary. Attached is part of a presentation that I put together. This particular slide helps summarize the same information in a matrix for easier comparison.
>> As you mention, the biggest differences in the kits are:
>> ·        Color sensor vs. Light Sensor
>> ·        Batteries
>> ·        Included?
>> ·        Rechargeable?
>> ·        Software license
>> ·        None
>> ·        Single Seat
>> ·        “FLL Team License”
>>  
>> Also, this blog, from Northern California, discusses the differences: http://www.norcalfll.org/elgg/pg/blog/jillw/read/3609/which-lego-mindstorms-nxt-kit-to-buy
>>  
>> Thanks,
>> Bill
>>  
>> From: First Lego League in Virginia and DC [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of W bretton
>> Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 9:37 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: EXT :Re: [VADCFLL-L] LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Books ?
>>  
>> Below is information I sent to some friends a while back.  The product number for the Resource set changed & prices went up, so the differences listed below may not be exact,   but generally speaking  FLL Robot set =  Retail kit (8547) + Resource Set (9695) with a few differences...
>> ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
>>  
>> The "FLL Robot Set" consists of: 
>> LEGO®  MINDSTORMS® Education NXT Base Set Product ID: W979797
>> http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/lego_mindstorms_education_nxt_base_set/2095
>> LEGO®  MINDSTORMS® Education Resource Set   Product ID: W979695
>> http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/lego_mindstorms_education_resource_set/2214
>> LEGO®  MINDSTORMS® Education NXT Software 
>> http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/lego_mindstorms_education_nxt_software_2_1/2240
>> (Purchasing thru FLL provides the FLL Team license )
>>  
>>  
>> The retail kit (8547), which you find on the web for $250-$270, is essentially the NXT Base Set above with just a few differences as follows:
>> Retail kit does not come with the rechargeable battery.
>> Retail kit has color sensor.  The Education set has just plain light sensors.
>> Retail kit comes with the software, but not the license for loading it on many computers as you would need in a school setting.
>> I think the retail kit did not have the sound sensor either???   I could be wrong.
>> I think the retail kit has fewer tire choices.
>> The retail kit does not have the red and blue plastic balls either (minor difference)
>>  
>> The retail set (8547)   +   the Education Resource Set above (9648) (~$80) is a close equivalent to the “FLL robot set” with differences listed above.
>>  
>> Hope this helps.
>>  
>> -Wendy Bretton
>>  
>>  
>>  
>>  
>> From: First Lego League in Virginia and DC [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rajesh Shah
>> Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 8:04 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: [VADCFLL-L] LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Books ?
>>  
>> I had another rookie team question. We bought the NXT kit from Amazon this summer.
>>  
>> What is difference between this Kit and NXT kit supplied by FLL.  Do we need to buy more parts ?
>>  
>> On Mon, Oct 24, 2011 at 7:05 AM, Rajesh Shah <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>  
>> We are not competing in this years competition.   As you said, we are mostly getting ready for next year.
>>  
>> Yes,we do plan to visit this years event.
>>  
>> Appreciate your inputs.
>>  
>>  
>> Rajesh
>>  
>> On Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 10:11 PM, B Bergenstock <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>> Do you mean that you just started your team and are registered for a local tournament?  Because competition is just 2 to 3 weeks away, and that's a pretty tall order. But good luck to you and your team. 
>>         If it were me and I had just started, I would not enter into this year's competition, but hold an after school program starting in January every other week, teaching them programming and then enter next fall's tournament.  Definitely go to this year's event, even as a spectator, because being at the competition teaches you a lot. 
>>      As for books to teach lego to your team,. I highly recommend Educate NXT 
>> http://www.educatenxt.com/
>> It's the best value for your money and time.  Carnegie Mellon also has an excellent series called Robotic Engineering.  They started a free online class equivalent but I can't seem to find that link right now;  Maybe someone else has that link.  
>> Regards, 
>> Brandy
>> . 
>> On Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 9:48 PM, Rajesh Shah <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>> We are new FLL team recently registered with parents as coach and mentor. We
>> are all new to LEGO Mindstroms NXT Constructions and Programming.
>> 
>> 
>> I was a thinking a good book will be a nice way to get a jump start for our team.
>> I see a bunch of books available in Amazon.  Any suggestion ?
>> 
>> http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?
>> ie=UTF8&keywords=LEGO%20MINDSTORMS%20NXT&tag=nxtprogramsco-
>> 20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325#/ref=nb_sb_noss?
>> url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-
>> keywords=LEGO+MINDSTORMS+NXT&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3ALEGO+MINDST
>> ORMS+NXT
>> 
>> 
>> Thanks for your help.
>> 
>> Rajesh Shah
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