NXT FAQ

[linearactuator]

Contents:

• Communication
  Hardware
  Projects/Building Instructions/CAD
  Programming
  Other/Extra Reference
  About

[linearactuator]

NXT Commnication

Which Bluetooth dongles are supported for use with the MINDSTORMS NXT?

The bluetooth dongle from the official LEGO Shop@Home site and any bluetooth dongle comprised of a Cambridge Silicone Radio (CSR) chipset should work with minimal issues.

For a more specific list of NXT compatible Bluetooth dongles, check out this list compiled by the contributers and readers of the NXTStep (don't forget to contact them if you have any extra information to add!) :

http://thenxtstep.blogspot.com/2011/01/ ... ience.html

Can I control my NXT with my mobile phone?
Yes, using Bluetooth there are multiple options to achieve this depending on what type of mobile phone you have:

iPhone/iPod
- INXT
INXT: Andorid:
- Official MINDdroid
- NXTControl
Nokia (Symbian) (check to see if your phone supports JSR-82)
- (See Other)
Other (Java based) (check to see if your phone supports JSR-82)
- Official MINDSTORMS Phone App
- FunkNXT
PocketPC (Windows Mobile OS)
-NXT.NET

Can I control my NXT with my PC?
Yes, using either:
* NXT-G 2.0 Remote Control
* BrixCC Remote/Joystick

Can I control my PC with my NXT?
Yes, see NXTender

Can I control my NXT with my Wii Remote?
Yes, see this example

Can I control my NXT over a network?
Yes - See HERE for an example.

[linearactuator]

NXT Hardware

What kind of sensors exists?
Third Party sensors will always be developed as time goes on, so there is no point in trying to list them all. Instead, check out the webpages of third party MINDSTORMS hardware producers (see “Where can I buy other sensors?”) or search for the type of sensor you are looking for using your favorite search engine.

Where can I buy other sensors?
* HiTechnic
* Mindsensors
* Dexter Industries
* Codatex (RFID)
* Techno-Stuff
* Vernier

How can I expand the number of ports my NXT brick has?
Motor Port
–NXT Motor Multiplexor http://www.mindsensors.com/index.php?mo ... AGE_id=134
-RCX

Sensor Ports
– Touch Sensor Multiplexor: http://www.hitechnic.com/cgi-bin/commer ... ey=NTX1060
- Sensor Multiplexor: http://www.hitechnic.com/cgi-bin/commer ... ey=NSX2020
- MINDSENSORS Touch: http://www.mindsensors.com/index.php?mo ... AGE_id=135
- MINDSENSORS Digital:

Can I make my own custom sensors?
Yes, many people in NXT community have created their own sensors for use with the NXT.

If you are inexperienced at creating custom sensors you should have a look at the Hitechnic Experimenters Kit

If you are looking for schematics for homebrew sensors, check out:
http://www.extremenxt.com/lego.htm#sensors
http://www.philohome.com/sensors.htm

Does the NXT have GPS capabilities
Not out of the box, however you can purchase a dGPS Sensor from Dexter Industries

Does the NXT have IR capabilities?
Not out of the box, however you can purchase the HiTechinc IRLink to add this feature to the NXT. If you are looking for an IR Seeking sensor, check out the HiTechnic IR Seeker.

Does the NXT have WiFi?
No, however it is possible to create a WiFi sensor of sorts:

http://www.bartneck.de/wp-content/uploa ... _small.pdf
http://john.toebes.com/projects/first/46-samantha.html

Can I use PowerFunctions (PF) parts with my NXT?
Yes, there are two ways to do this:
1) Using the HiTechnic IRLink
2) By making your own cable

Can I control an RCX using my NXT?
...

Can I use other LEGO motors with my NXT?
Yes, see HERE

What is the difference between Sensor X and Sensor Y?
Color Sensors: LEGO versus HiTechnic
Temperature Sensors
Acceleration/Gyro/Compass sensors

What are the differences between a NXT motor and motor 'Y'?
See here for motor comparisons

[linearactuator]

NXT Projects/Building Instructions/CAD

Where can I find NXT building instructions?

There are loads of building instructions for the MINDSTORMS NXT to be found from both Official and MINDDSTORMS community member's webpages, and I have only listed a few (in no particular order - they are all great!):

Official MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Bonus Models
Official MINDSTORMS NXT 1.0 Models
Official MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Models
NXTLog
Damien Kee's Site
Tilted Twister
NXTPrograms (Dave Parker)
Laurens Valk's MINDSTORMS
Daniele Benedettelli's NXT robotics
Philippe E. Hurbain's MINDSTORMS Site
Matthias Paul Scholz's MINDSTORMS Site
Xander's MINDSTORMS Blog
TeamHassenplug (Steve Hassenplug)
Catalogue of NXTasy Projects Repository

Books:
http://mindstorms.lego.com/en-us/commun ... fault.aspx
http://www.booksnbots.com/home/

How do I create building instructions for my creation?
By using CAD (Computer Aided Design) software such as:
LDD (LEGO Digital Designer)
MLCAD
LeoCAD

MLCAD tutorial for NXT
http://nxtblog.davidjperdue.com/2008/01 ... xt-robots/
http://www.ldraw.org/Article58.html

MLCad versus LeoCAD
LeoCAD
- Each part is treated individually and not 'before' or 'after' another part.
- has its own native file format
- Animation support

LDD versus MLCAD?
MLCAD needs an external renderer (POVRay) and Building Instructions generator (LPub)
LDD's colors are identified with their official LEGO ID numbers
LDD has semi-automatic brick alignment (which also stops the illegal placement of bricks)
MLCAD has a lot more functionality, and is developed by the community so is constantly updated
LDD can import MLCAD files using Compatability Mode

More parts in LDD? (LEGO Universe Hack)
See http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.p ... opic=40794

Where can I find all of the CAD parts for the NXT kit?
Unofficial Ldraw NXT parts (Also explains how to use Stone Gray colors)
http://www.philohome.com/nxtldraw/nxtldraw.htm
Unofficial Leocad NXT parts
http://www.philohome.com/nxtleocad/nxtleocad.htm

[linearactuator]

NXT Programming

What is the difference between NXT-G 1.0, 1 .1 and NXT-G 2.0?

NXT-G 2.0 is the latest version of the programming software shipped with your MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 kit, and has the following extra features:

- LEGO Colour Sensor Block
- Initate Bluetooth Block
- Remote Control
- Sound Editor
- Image Editor
- Use of Floating Point Mathematics

NXT-G MyBlocks

Dave Parker has created a great MyBlocks Tutorial, found on his website nxtprograms.com
Change MyBlocks images: See HERE

What languages can I use to create NXT programs and what are the pros/cons of each?

See HERE

How do I install BricxCC/where can I learn more about BricxCC?

doc-helmut has created a great post covering how to install BricxCC and how where to find NXC tutorials here.

[linearactuator]

Extra Reference

What are the differences between the NXT 1.0, 2.0 and Education NXT sets?
See HERE

Where can I find a good tutorial for the NXT?
A great place to start with the NXT if you need help with the NXT-G programming language is this site:
http://www.ortop.org/NXT_Tutorial/

What kinds of gearing can I use in my NXT creations?
Gear ratios http://www.teamhassenplug.org/NXT/Gears/
Gearing Calculator: http://sariel.pl/tools/ratios/

[linearactuator]

About

Version 1.0 - 19/01/11

This FAQ thread is for the convenience of new and experienced MINDSTORMS NXT users alike, containing links and info that aims to inspire NXT’ers to create increasingly amazing NXT projects using resources outside of the box.

This thread will be locked and any discussion regarding an item in the FAQ can be made in the Discussion thread.

To Do: Fix a few links, and add information to the questions without answers

[mightor]

Please note that Linear Actuator is in charge of this FAQ. If you want to add new FAQs to this thread, you can contact him to have it added.

- Xander