LEGO MindStorms NXT User manual

NXT User Guide

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WELCOME TO LEGO®MINDSTORMS®EDUCATION
LEGO®MINDSTORMS®Education is the next generation in
educational robotics, enabling students to discover Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in a fun, engaging,
hands-on way.
By combining the power of the LEGO building system with
the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education technology, teams of
students can design, build, program, and test robots. Working
together on guided and open-ended engineering projects,
the team members develop creativity and problem-solving
skills along with other important mathematics and science
knowledge. Students also become more skilled in
communication, organization and research, which helps
prepare them for future success in higher levels of schooling and in the
workplace.
The next technology now.
LEGO MINDSTORMS Education features an advanced 32-bit computer-
controlled NXT brick, Interactive Servo Motors, Sound, Ultrasonic and other
sensors, Bluetooth communication and multiple downloading capabilities. The
icon-based LEGO MINDSTORMS Education NXT Software is built on the
LabVIEW™ software from National Instruments, an industry standard with
applications in many engineering and research fields.
Curriculum. Inspiration. Support.
The LEGO MINDSTORMS Education website www.MINDSTORMSeducation.com
is your main resource for curriculum, training, product information and support.
Our partners provide a strong network of information, technical advice, and
teacher support as well. Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy is our partner for
developing curriculum materials and activities. Tufts University Center for
Engineering Education Outreach (CEEO) is our partner for product
development, workshops and conferences. In addition, local support is
provided by our trade partners. If you are interested in a competitive challenge,
check our website to find out more about the FIRST LEGO LEAGUE.
Start here.
This User Guide provides an overview of the components and features in the
LEGO MINDSTORMS Education NXT materials.
Enjoy!
Introduction

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Introduction
Build. Program. Test. ................................... 4
Technology
Overview ......................................................... 5
Installing Batteries In The NXT................ 7
Connecting The NXT Technology ........... 9
About The NXT Brick................................... 11
NXT Main Menu ............................................. 14
Touch Sensor................................................. 23
Sound Sensor................................................ 25
Light Sensor................................................... 27
Ultrasonic Sensor......................................... 29
Interactive Servo Motor ............................. 31
Lamps .............................................................. 33
Using Bluetooth............................................. 34
Software
Installing The Software ..............................
44
Your First Program....................................... 46
Software User Interface............................. 48
The Robot Educator .................................... 50
Programming Palette.................................. 53
The Configuration Panel ............................ 57
The Controller................................................ 57
Parts List For Base Set #9797...................... 58
Useful Information
Download To Multiple NXTs ...................... 61
Troubleshooting ............................................ 63
Table of Contents
Introduction

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Build. Program. Test.
Build
Build your robot. Specific building
instructions for a robot are provided
with this User Guide. There are also
building instructions for the same robot
in the NXT Building Guide found in
the Base Set #9797 and in the Robot
Educator, which is part of the LEGO®
MINDSTORMS®Education NXT Software.
Program
Program your robot using the LEGO
MINDSTORMS Education NXT Software.
Many examples are included in the
Robot Educator part of the software.
Download your program to the NXT brick
with the wireless Bluetooth connection
or the USB cable.
Test
Run your program. What happens? Did
your robot perform as you expect? If not,
adjust your robot or your program and
try again!
Start Here
If you prefer to start by building and programming using the
NXT brick display without a computer, go to the NXT Building
Guide.
Introduction

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Attaching the sensors
Sensors can be plugged into any input port
numbered 1-4. Any wires except the converter wire
can be used to connect the sensors.
The default settings used for the test programs
on the NXT and for many sample programs in the
Robot Educator are as follows:
Port 1: Touch Sensor
Port 2: Sound Sensor
Port 3: Light Sensor
Port 4: Ultrasonic Sensor
Technology
NXT Brick
An intelligent, computer-controlled LEGO® brick, the NXT is
the brain of the LEGO MINDSTORMS®Education robot.
Touch Sensors
Enable the robot to respond to
obstacles in the environment.
Overview
Light Sensor
Enables the robot to respond to
variations in light level and color.
Sound Sensor
Enables the robot to respond to
sound levels.
Ultrasonic Sensor
Enables the robot to measure
distance to an object and to
respond to movement.

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Rechargeable battery
Provides power to the NXT so the robot can move
and respond.
Attaching the Motors and Lamps
Motors or Lamps can be plugged into any output
port A, B, or C.
The default settings used for the test programs
on the NXT and for many sample programs in the
Robot Educator are as follows:
Port A: Motor or a Lamp for an extra function
Port B: Motor for movement; for a two-Motor
chassis, often this is the left side.
Port C: Motor for movement; for a two-Motor robot,
often this is the right side.
Overview
Interactive Servo Motors
Ensure that robots move smoothly and precisely.
Technology
Lamps &
Converter Cables
Add lamps and then program flashing
lights, or use them to activate the light
sensor, or just for fun! Three Lamps
and three Converter cables are
included in the Base Set.

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1 2 Rechargeable battery
The rechargeable battery fits into the bottom of the
NXT. To install the rechargeable battery, move the
plastic tab on the side with your thumb to open the
back.
The NXT comes with an extra cover that is used when
6 AA batteries are used. (See details on the next
page.)
Holding the rechargeable battery, press in the plastic
tab and snap the battery into place.
Installing Batteries In The NXT
To recharge the battery, attach one end of the power adapter
cord (sold separately) into the charge plug just below the NXT
input ports. Attach the other end of the power adapter cord
into the wall socket. The battery may also be charged when
not inserted into the NXT.
• The green indicator light turns on when the power adapter
is connected to the NXT.
• The red light turns on when the battery is recharging. The
red light turns off when the battery is fully recharged.
• Fully recharging the battery requires approximately four
hours.
• The NXT can be used when the battery is recharging;
however, recharging then requires more time.
• This Li-Ion Polymer battery can be recharged up to 500
times.
When you first use the rechargeable battery in the NXT itself,
attach the transformer and let the battery and NXT charge
together for approximately 20 minutes before starting. You
may also need to do this if the rechargeable battery was
completely depleted before recharging.
Note: You will need to charge the battery first before
using it.
Technology

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Other battery types
The NXT also operates using six AA/LR6 batteries.
• Alkaline batteries are recommended.
• Rechargeable AA/LR6-type batteries can be used;
however, the power performance of the NXT may be
reduced.
Batteries low
When the battery power is low, this icon flashes on and
off in the NXT display.
Installing Batteries In The NXT
The NXT will Sleep to conserve power. To change the time or
set Sleep to Never, go to Settings/Sleep/Never. You can also
change the Settings to wait before going to Sleep from 2, 5,
10, 30, or 60 minutes.
Technology
Important!
• Never mix different types of batteries in the NXT.
• Always remove batteries prior to long-term
storage.
• Promptly remove depleted batteries from the NXT.
• Only recharge batteries under adult supervision.
• Never attempt to recharge non-rechargeable
batteries.

CB A
1234
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Connecting Motors
To connect a Motor to the NXT, plug one end of a black wire
to the Motor. Plug the other end into one of the output ports
(A, B, C).
Connecting sensors
To connect a Sensor to the NXT, plug one end of a black wire
into the Sensor. Plug the other end into one of the input ports
(1, 2, 3, 4).
Downloading and uploading
The USB port and wireless Bluetooth connection are used for downloading
and uploading data between your computer and the NXT.
If your computer has Bluetooth, you can download programs to the NXT
without using the USB cable.
If your computer does not have Bluetooth, you must use the USB cable or
buy a Bluetooth dongle for your computer. (Read more about the wireless
Bluetooth connection on pages 34-43).
Connecting the NXT Technology
Technology
Note that ALL of the black
6-wire cables can be used in
both input and output ports,
sensors and motors. Work
sensors MUST be attached
to the input ports (1-4) and
motors MUST be attached to
the output ports (A-C).

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Turn on the NXT.
Connect the PC and the NXT with the USB cable.
Connecting the NXT to a Macintosh with a USB cable
Make sure the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education NXT Software is installed before connecting your
NXT to your Macintosh. (See the installation instructions on page 45.)
Turn on your NXT.
Connect the USB cable to the NXT.
Connect the USB cable to the Macintosh and you’re ready to go.
Make sure the LEGO
MINDSTORMS Education NXT
Software is installed on your
computer before connecting
the NXT to the computer.
See page 44 for installation
instructions.
Connecting the NXT Technology
When the PC identifies the NXT it will automatically finalize
the installation of the LEGO®MINDSTORMS®Education NXT
Software.
Technology