12/31/06

The LEGO NXT

The LEGO Mindstorms NXT is awesome!!!! The Embedded Programmable Brick is 10x as powerful as its predecessor the RCX and provides a maximum knock punch based on its internal and external peripheral programming capabilities.  Here’s a list of its Technical Specifications and capabilities taken from the LEGO Mindstorms NXT User Guide.

·        32 bit ARM7 microcontroller

·        256 Kbytes FLASH, 64 Kbytes RAM

·        8-bit AVR microcontroller

·        4 Kbytes FLASH, 512 Byte RAM

·        Bluetooth wireless communication [Bluetooth Class II V2.0 compliant]

·        USB full speed port [12 Mbit/s]

·        4 input ports, 6-wire cable digital platform

·        3 output ports, 6-wire capable digital platform

·        100 x 64 pixel LCD graphical display

·        Loudspeaker – 8KHz sound quality

·        Power source: 6AA Batteries

12/21/06

A LEGO RCX " ReMix" Controls Application

Although the LEGO NXT has become the main robotics tool for LEGO Enthusiasts, the RCX unit can easily be "ReMix" by using the Yellow Programmable Brick in an Electronic Controls Application. With 3 I/O (Inputs/Outputs) and a external tower for IR (Infrared) communications, the LEGO RCX can be used as wireless interface between the Desktop PC or Notebook and the target Embedded Controller. Think of the LEGO RCX as a hardwired interface box allowing the target embedded controller to receive switching signals as well as provide input status of sensors or electrical switches attached to the microcontroller development board of choice. With the software code downloaded into the microcontroller, interaction control to the smart device can occur through a VBA (Visual Basic for Application) GUI (Graphical User Interface). The GUI based control panel can be changed quite easily via rearranging command buttons or editing text within the Excel VBA environment. The two books I wrote on LEGO Mindstorms robotics applications, I explained how to setup the Excel VBA IDE (Integrated Development Environment) and build GUIs for wireless/IR control of robots and smart machines. In terms of the Controller Architecture the LEGO RCX can work with the Handy Cricket, Basic Stamp (1& 2 versions) as well as other programmable devices on the market.

                                               Jarnal Sketches for LEGO RCX ReMix

12/14/06

Interesting Electronics Links

As most of you know who read this blog I'm always on the prowl for unique websites that can benefit the sci-tech enthusiast or robo gadgeteers. Also, as an Adjunct Instructor I like to found websites to help my students to understand Computer and Electronics Engineering Technology. Well, here's such a link with tons of Electronics Information.  Some of the categories of interest in Electronics Topics include:

There are also technical articles, tutorials, and references to assist those sci-tech enthusiast in understanding the basic concepts in the field of electronics technology. There's even a web site on Telephone projects where the circuit are ASCII based!  I noticed that some of the URL's might be suspended or the webpage doesn't exist (i.e. under Circuits and Projects sub heading " ElectronicProjects.org"). So have patience and don't get frustrated when stumbling upon Inop URLs. Happy Researching!!!

12/12/06

Machine Science-Teaching Kids about Engineering & Science

In October I found an interesting website devoted to helping kids get involve in engineering & science by learning microcontrollers, electronics, and the "C" programming language. The website I'm referring to is Machine Science. Their Mission is :

                         Addressing the urgent need to get young people engaged in learning about science, technology,   engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and attracting them to educational and career pathways in these fields.

To make this Mission a reality Machine Science has developed a series of educational kits that helps students from public schools to college learn science, technology, engineering, and mathematics using microcontroller based kits. The kits include a Memory Tester, Mobile Robot, Music Synthesizer, and a Text Messenger. There are additional accessories like Sensor and Remote Expansion packs. A Starter kit has all of the necessary electronic components to learn about microcontrollers and "C" programming language. The core microcontroller used in the Starter kit as well as the other educational products is a Microchip PIC 16F877. The Big Idea behind Machine Science is having a secure site where the "C" programming language tools and experiments are online. Also, for special build instructions like how to "Setup the Breadboard" there are short videos. I think Machine Science has the right idea by providing these products to help kids learn how embedded devices are impacting our society in a major big way. Also, sci-tech families can enjoy building the projects while learning valuable programming skills as and electronics.  What a cool sci-tech way to spend quality family time!

12/04/06

Building Digital Electronics Teaching Aids:

Well, I've started the 2nd Qtr add ITT Tech teaching 2 classes this go around, Digital Electronics II and Networking Concepts. In looking at my involvement in public educational schools and institutions for over the last 14 years it has occurred to me that a wonderful area to get sci-tech families involved in is the developing of Electronic Teaching Aids. The circuits and tools discussed in this Blog provide a good framework in allowing such Personal Fabrication to occur as well as blending electronics, mechanics, and software to create personalized Electronic Teaching aids. To illustrate this concept, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) are wonderful little ICs that allow Electronics Hardware Developers and experimenter to create specialized Combinational and Sequential Logic circuits. The programming language used to accomplish this Application Specific development is Advanced Boolean Expression Language (ABEL). The introduction of ABEL and PLDs to can be explained through the building and programming exercise of a Digital Electronics Counter. For the Teaching Aid Developer the following skills will be obtained:

For the Student:

For the Sci-Tech Family

At the end of the BCD Counter document there are additional design improvement ideas that can change the operation and application of the project. I encourage you all to try one of them. If you need some assistance, drop me an email.