Brick Labs

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Well, I’m dabbling with the Netduino.  If you want to know where to buy one, or a bit about them, check out my prior post.

Today LED’s, tomorrow, the world!!!

Well, maybe servos.

Now, since the Netduino is compatible with many (or should I say… most) Arduino shields and kits… I also bought this kit to go with my Netduino.

 Arduino Compatible Electronic Brick Starter Kit

The shield plugs right into the Netduino, so now I have a large collection of “ready to go” sensors and inputs.

• Arduino/Seeeduino sensor Chassis V1.1
• LCD 16*2 Characters
• Rotary Angle Sensor (Analog)
• Big Button Switch
• Buzzer
• Tilt Switch
• Light Emitting Diode (2 of these)
• Light Sensor
• Temperature Sensor
• 2pin Plugable Terminal Module
• Fully Buckled 3 Wire Cable (5 of these)
• 10pin Colorful Ribbon Cable with 2*5 IDC Connector

Ok… so I’m a .NET junkie.  I’ve always been a big fan of Microsoft programming languages (hey, it’s how I make my living… and they work).

When I heard about the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework… I thought “Great… I can now program my NXT in .NET”.

All the specs looked good… except for one.  Not enough ram.  The NXT has the right processor, speed, etc.  Just not enough memory.  So… I put that idea away for awhile.

Then, I heard about the Arduino’s.  They sounded cool… but I wasn’t quite ready to tackle another programming language.  I mean… I already for VB.Net, C#, and then RobotC for my NXT.  I tried learning some C for the XMOS XK-1 (not that bad).  I didn’t want to dabble with something else for the Arduino (yeah, I was lazy).

I just found out about a new project from Secret Labs.  It’s called the Netduino.  It’s a platform that is very close to the Arduino… except it uses the .NET Micro Framework.  HURRAH!  I bought one.

You can get them from MakerShed (where I bought mine) or from Amazon.  If you live in the UK, you can get them from Cool Components.

Amazon – Netduino

Cool Components – Netduino

This robot demonstrates iPhone to Lego Robotics communication via the Safari web browser and the Lego NXT Light Sensor. Visit www.battlebricks.com for full building instructions.

This robot draws portraits, elaborating photos and images. The software on the PC is developed under MATLAB®, following the ideas of Claude Baumann and his students at www.restena.lu (Erik’s XY plotter). The hardware is LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT® and a soft tip pen. Made by Daniele Benedettelli in 2008. More details at robotics.benedettelli.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

This is a direct copy of Phillippe Hurbain’s NXTWay which imitates a Segway using the NXT. This is a very plucky version that always tries to move forward. Links and details at www.robotthoughts.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

RoboFlush has one purpose, to flush a toilet. Using the Lego Mindstorms NXT Kit, with a motor, touch sensor for manual flushing, and the ultrasonic sensor for flush detection, RoboFlush removes the need to flush your own toilet. Check out www.battlebricks.com for instructions and more!
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Build a robot that recognizes color, or an automatic toilet flusher, or an obstacle avoiding robot! Everything you need is here. thinkgeek.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Sponsored by: www.ineedhelpfast.com and http Lego Mindstorm NXT Creations Built, Filmed, and Edited by Brett Gale 1: Tribot ball Fetcher 2: Tribot Line Follower (0:40) 3: Time Lapse Disassemble and Build (1:07) 4: Color Sorting Claw (1:33) 5: Scorpion (3:17) 6: Video Ends (3:44) Room left for last robot built but not filmed.
Video Rating: 4 / 5