NXT FAQ - Suggestions/Discussions

[linearactuator]

If you think something belongs in the NXT FAQ, please feel free to post the information you would like to add here!

[muntoo]

Don't forget to include a link* to Ford Prefect doc-helmut's excellent installation guide for Bricxcc, NXC, and firmware.

*Because, he may update it in the future.

[tcwan]

If the NXT brick does not respond when switched on by pressing the orange button, don't panic! Here's a quick checklist to get you up and running again.

• First check that the batteries have sufficient charge.
• Rule out the possibility that the display is not working (but the rest of the brick is). Try to connect to the using the NXT-G or NeXT Tools /Bricxcc tools and check if you're able to control the brick in some way (e.g., play a sound). Alternatively, you can use the NeXTScreen Viewer to check the virtual screen output on your PC.
• If you are using USB connection, try connecting directly from the NXT to the PC USB port instead of going through a hub
• If Step #2 does not work (i.e., you can't connect to the NXT brick whereas it was working previously), then it is time to do some detective work following the steps below.
• If you notice a faint 'clicking' sound, it means that the firmware on the NXT is either corrupted, or that the NXT has entered 'firmware update' (otherwise known as SAM-BA) mode. It is NOT possible to determine which situation it is in by just the 'clicking' sound.
• Try to download firmware using either the NXT-G or NeXT Tools / Bricxcc tools.

  The NeXT Tools program on Mac OSX would probably complain that it can't find the NXT brick, but then proceed to display the Control Panel Window after dismissing the dialog box. 'The Firmware Download' Icon should be enabled and allow you to try and download firmware files. When downloading the firmware file, the Progress Bar should jump quickly to about 50% completion if the NXT is in 'firmware update' mode. If it shows slow increments from 0% completion, it is attempting to locate the NXT brick and will eventually time out.

• Alternatively, you can check that the NXT brick is showing up as a connected USB device first.

  On Windows, look in the "Device Manager" panel and see if the NXT shows up as an "Atmel device" (or something similar)
  
  On Linux, you should use the 'lsusb' command to list the USB devices, and see if the device appears:
  Bus XXX Device YYY: ID 03eb:6124 Atmel Corp. at91sam SAMBA bootloader
  
  On Mac OSX, you should open a Terminal window, and type in: 'system_profiler SPUSBDataType' and press <ENTER>.
  The display should list the NXT brick as follows if it is in 'firmware update' mode.
  [...]
  Communication Device:
  
  Product ID: 0x6124
  Vendor ID: 0x03eb (Atmel Corporation)
  Version: 1.10
  Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
  Location ID: 0x3d100000
  Current Available (mA): 500
  Current Required (mA): 0
  [...]

• If the NXT brick does not show up in the USB device list, it means that it is not in 'firmware update' or SAM-BA mode. Use a LEGO antenna rod (a paper clip might work as well), to reset the NXT. The reset button is located immediately under the USB port, accessible through the leftmost Technics connector hole.
• Make sure that the NXT is on ('clicking' sound is heard), then press AND HOLD the reset button for at least 10 seconds (longer?). The NXT may click one or twice during this time. Note: If you don't do this correctly (e.g., the paper clip slips off the button), the NXT won't enter 'firmware update' mode.
• Once it enters 'firmware update' (SAM-BA) mode, and the device shows up in the USB device list with the
  0x6124:0x03eb ID, it is ready to be reprogrammed with a new firmware image.

  Code: Select all

  Note: The NXT will automatically shut off if more than 5 minutes passes between power on and completion of the firmware download.
  Note2: Some users have observed that the NXT brick in 'firmware update'  mode does not show up in Windows 7 (need confirmation).
  

• If all else fails, then you should look for help from more experienced NXT users

[timpattinson]

1 thing to add

Apparently, it is unwise to reload the NXT's firmware through an unpowered USB hub (don't know why)

-Tim

[mightor]

I am guessing that is hub-dependant because that's something I do very frequently. I am using a really cheap and cheesy unpowered hub from Trust. I have not had any issues.

- Xander

[muntoo]

I think this thread and NXT FAQ should be turned into an "Announcement" like the ones in the NXT Software sub-forum. That way, it's easier to distinguish them from other threads.

[mightor]

Good suggestion, Muntoo. Consider it announced!

- Xander

[zemata]

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 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

I have used the nxt->RCX cable in conjunction with a PF->PF cable to power the PF LEDs with a Motor port on the NXT using the Legacy light block. Pretty sure it works with the PF motors as well. Maybe add this as an option 3? Or maybe this falls under category 2, in which case I think a little clarification may be in order.

Thanks.

[dimasterooo]

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

Add DI wifi sensor?