The Heart of the Hub

16 July 20206 December 2020
SPIKE Prime
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Nathaniel

When you power up the SPIKE Prime hub, the first thing you see on the display is a pixelated heart. It might look a little cute and quirky, but it’s quite likely that you don’t […]

Continue reading "The Heart of the Hub" →

The Heart of the Hub

Yellow Diamond Error in EV3 Software

7 May 20197 May 2019
EV3
How To

Posted by Jim

One of my robotics teams recently ran across an error message and problem that I had never seen before. While they were rehearsing for a local robotics competition, their robot began to act “wacky”. I suggested […]

Continue reading "Yellow Diamond Error in EV3 Software" →

Yellow Diamond Error in EV3 Software

Harvey Mk II: Improved Quick EV3 Robot Build

27 September 20182 April 2019
EV3
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by John Burfoot

Harvey Mk II is an improved version of the ever-popular Harvester quick EV3 robot build that was published in 2013. This version features improved stability and has more LEGO connection holes for external attachments. Building instructions: […]

Continue reading "Harvey Mk II: Improved Quick EV3 Robot Build" →

Harvey Mk II: Improved Quick EV3 Robot Build

How to Toggle a Motor On/Off With a Touch Sensor

16 November 20172 April 2019
EV3
How To

Posted by Josep Fargas

Starting with a simple challenge involving a touch sensor and a motor, this learning sequence shows how to turn a motor on and off with a touch sensor using flow control structures that include: waits […]

Continue reading "How to Toggle a Motor On/Off With a Touch Sensor" →

How to Toggle a Motor On/Off With a Touch Sensor

How to Wait for More than One Sensor Condition

19 October 20172 April 2019
EV3
How To

Posted by Josep Fargas

The Wait block is one of the simplest blocks in the EV3 Software, and provides one of the simplest flow control structures. Its basic function is to pause the execution of a program until a […]

Continue reading "How to Wait for More than One Sensor Condition" →

How to Wait for More than One Sensor Condition

Why Doesn’t My Robot Drive Straight?

21 September 20171 May 2020
Cross-Platform, EV3
Featured
How To
Pedagogy

Posted by Rob Torok

It seems reasonable to expect that when you program a robot to drive straight, it should just work. And, of course, this is what the Move Steering block in the EV3 Software is designed to do. The Move Steering block makes use of […]

Continue reading "Why Doesn’t My Robot Drive Straight?" →

Why Doesn’t My Robot Drive Straight?

How to export an EV3 data file (*.rdf) to Excel

27 July 20177 September 2017
EV3
How To

Posted by Rob Torok

To open an EV3 data file (*.rdf) in Excel (or equivalent application), the trick is to convert it to a (*.csv) file using the the Tools > Export Datasets menu option in the EV3 Software. […]

Continue reading "How to export an EV3 data file (*.rdf) to Excel" →

How to export an EV3 data file (*.rdf) to Excel

Tilt-to-Drive Android App for WeDo 2.0

22 February 201721 December 2017
WeDo
How To

Posted by Rex

I’ve created an Android app for controlling a LEGO WeDo 2.0 skid-steer car. It was made using the MIT App Inventor. I’ve posted the build instructions and app programming here in my blog.

Continue reading "Tilt-to-Drive Android App for WeDo 2.0" →

Tilt-to-Drive Android App for WeDo 2.0

Light and Gryo Sensor Calibration

25 January 20171 June 2017
EV3
How To

Posted by Benjamin

Some sensors need to be calibrated to make sure they work correctly. I’ve made an EV3 project to help my FIRST LEGO League teams calibrate their sensors and would like to make it available to […]

Continue reading "Light and Gryo Sensor Calibration" →

Light and Gryo Sensor Calibration

Rookie EV3 tip: Motor “On” mode

10 August 20167 September 2017
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by Seshan Brothers

One of the common misunderstandings when programming the EV3 is that if you turn the motor “On”, the robot will just start moving. This mini-challenge is to make beginners aware of what the “On” mode […]

Continue reading "Rookie EV3 tip: Motor “On” mode" →

Rookie EV3 tip: Motor “On” mode

To light or not to light

7 July 201621 December 2017
EV3
How To

Posted by Josep Fargas

This article highlights one of the difficulties in using the legacy RCX lamp with MINDSTORMS EV3 platform and presents an approach for overcoming this difficulty. It also presents a strategy for synchronizing mutliple lamps with […]

Continue reading "To light or not to light" →

To light or not to light

How to reconnect a task split

6 August 201521 December 2017
EV3
How To

Posted by Rob Torok

This article describes a method for “reconnecting” the separate paths of an EV3 program after a task split. It’s usually best to avoid task splits where possible, especially because of the risk of them leading […]

Continue reading "How to reconnect a task split" →

How to reconnect a task split

From Sequential Programming to State Machines

14 April 201527 June 2019
EV3
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by Josep Fargas

In this unit, we will explore some common algorithms for line following in a very systematic way, starting with well known “sequential” approaches, and then contrasting these with a “state machine” approach. We will see […]

Continue reading "From Sequential Programming to State Machines" →

From Sequential Programming to State Machines

Programming Bluetooth on EV3

13 April 20151 August 2022
EV3
How To
Reflections

Posted by John Burfoot

On 27 February 2015, a small group of EDGErs went to LEGOLAND in California for an EV3 Hackathon. This post documents one of the projects that came out of the event. Wireless projects using Bluetooth […]

Continue reading "Programming Bluetooth on EV3" →

Programming Bluetooth on EV3

Building with RCX/NXT lamps and EV3 pieces

5 April 201521 December 2017
EV3, NXT, RCX
How To
Reflections

Posted by John Burfoot

On 27 February 2015, a small group of EDGErs went to LEGOLAND for an EV3 Hackathon. This post documents one of the projects that came out of the event. At the EV3 Hackathon, I was […]

Continue reading "Building with RCX/NXT lamps and EV3 pieces" →

Building with RCX/NXT lamps and EV3 pieces

RCX USB tower support

31 March 201521 December 2017
RCX, ROBOLAB
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Rob Torok

This article provides instructions for installing the necessary drivers to use the RCX USB tower with ROBOLAB for LabVIEW. These instructions have been tested on Mac OS X 10.9 and 10.10 as well as 32-bit and […]

Continue reading "RCX USB tower support" →

RCX USB tower support

Darkness or darker?

31 March 201526 March 2019
EV3, LabVIEW
Big Ideas
How To

Posted by andiPi

In this article, we look at the difference between fixed and relative thresholds in LabVIEW, that is the “darkness” and the “darker” settings in the Wait for Light Sensor block. Note: This article builds on […]

Continue reading "Darkness or darker?" →

Darkness or darker?

Optimal Prime: Another quick EV3 robot build

9 December 20141 August 2022
EV3
How To

Posted by Benjamin-Popp

Some time ago, John Burfoot posted an EV3 build called The Harvester, a quick robot designed using just 49 pieces. I really liked the concept, so I played around with it a bit. The result was a […]

Continue reading "Optimal Prime: Another quick EV3 robot build" →

Optimal Prime: Another quick EV3 robot build

EV3 gone wrong: What to do when your EV3 stops working

25 November 20143 May 2018
EV3
How To

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

The EV3 brick is a wonderful piece of technology, but like all technology, it sometimes has glitches. Here are some possible problems starting, stopping, and connecting the EV3 brick, with suggested solutions. Starting/stopping issues: The […]

Continue reading "EV3 gone wrong: What to do when your EV3 stops working" →

EV3 gone wrong: What to do when your EV3 stops working

EV3 Software compatibility with NXT

4 March 20141 July 2016
EV3, NXT
How To
Reference

Posted by Rob Torok

This is a summary of the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Software with the NXT brick and associated hardware. Remember: The NXT firmware cannot be updated using Firmware Update in the EV3 software. If you want […]

Continue reading "EV3 Software compatibility with NXT" →

EV3 Software compatibility with NXT

EV3 tutorials: By students, for students

18 December 201314 December 2017
EV3
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Rob Torok

Check out this awesome collection of tutorials that Sarah Lichtenberger’s fifth graders have produced. Topics include… MyBlocks Multi-tasking Follow an object Displaying the speed Displaying distance Using the Gyro Sensor For example, here’s one showing […]

Continue reading "EV3 tutorials: By students, for students" →

EV3 tutorials: By students, for students

NXT-G examples: Motors

17 December 201321 December 2017
NXT
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (ZIP) demonstrate a range of techniques for working with motors in NXT-G. Drive for time This code turns on Motor A for two seconds, and then turns it off. Similar code can be made […]

Continue reading "NXT-G examples: Motors" →

NXT-G examples: Motors

NXT-G examples: Sounds, displays, and delays

17 December 201321 December 2017
NXT
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (ZIP) demonstrate some ways of working with sounds, displays, and delays in NXT-G. Controlling the Display This program uses two touch sensors combined with two Switches – all in an infinite loop – […]

Continue reading "NXT-G examples: Sounds, displays, and delays" →

NXT-G examples: Sounds, displays, and delays

The Harvester: A quick EV3 robot build

10 December 201327 September 2018
EV3
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by John Burfoot

NOTE: See the updated version of this quick build here. Like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours trying to come up with a quick robot design for your students. I recently decided to spend a […]

Continue reading "The Harvester: A quick EV3 robot build" →

The Harvester: A quick EV3 robot build

Using EV3 software to run the NXT

1 November 201321 December 2017
EV3, NXT
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

The new EV3 software is backwards compatible with the NXT. But what exactly does this mean? What works? What doesn’t work? What sort of works? Here is a quick rundown: Programming: The NXT can be […]

Continue reading "Using EV3 software to run the NXT" →

Using EV3 software to run the NXT

RicEditor tutorial: Create a cannon game

28 October 201314 December 2017
LabVIEW
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by Svein-Tore Narvestad

Before you start This post is a tutorial on how to work with “RIC” image files to create a simple game using the NXT display. For an example of what the finished game will look […]

Continue reading "RicEditor tutorial: Create a cannon game" →

RicEditor tutorial: Create a cannon game

LabView examples: Projects

18 October 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW, NXT
How To

Posted by CEEO

Here are some example projects using LabView. Hand Puppet code LabVIEW for MINDSTORMS code for the LEGO hand puppet. Morse Code This example shows how to turn a user input into a corresponding sequence of […]

Continue reading "LabView examples: Projects" →

LabView examples: Projects

LabVIEW, NXT
How To

LabView examples: Programming structures

11 October 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (PDF) demonstrate the use of programming structures in LabVIEW. Acceleration and Case Structure This example shows how to use shift registers and case structures to produce an effect similar to acceleration. If the sensor […]

Continue reading "LabView examples: Programming structures" →

LabView examples: Programming structures

LabView examples: Sound

4 October 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples demonstrate the use of sound in LabVIEW. Play Song This example demonstrates how to play a song in the NXT code. Sound as Response This program emits a beeping sound as an NXT […]

Continue reading "LabView examples: Sound" →

LabView examples: Sound

LabView examples: Display

27 September 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (PDF) demonstrate display control in LabVIEW. Create Points This example shows how to make points on the NXT screen given coordinates on the front panel. Displaying Sensor Values This examples shows how to display […]

Continue reading "LabView examples: Display" →

LabView examples: Display

ROBOLAB examples

27 September 201321 December 2017
ROBOLAB
Downloads
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (PDF) demonstrate the use of various features in ROBOLAB. NXT multiple events Multiple events can be setup in the same code to track different variables. All event structures must have the same event landing. […]

Continue reading "ROBOLAB examples" →

ROBOLAB examples

LabView examples: Sensors

20 September 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW
Downloads
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (PDF) demonstrate the use of sensors in LabVIEW. Graphing sensor values This program takes sensor values and graphs them on the front panel. Line follower This program is provided in the “Behaviors” section of […]

Continue reading "LabView examples: Sensors" →

LabView examples: Sensors

RCX constructopedia

20 September 201321 December 2017
RCX
Downloads
Getting Started
How To
Reference

Posted by CEEO

The RCX constructopedia (PDF, 55Mb) includes an extensive set of instructions designed to introduce beginners and advanced builders alike to new concepts in building with the RCX. 418 pages. Contents include: Stationary builds Sturdy structures Bracing […]

Continue reading "RCX constructopedia" →

RCX constructopedia

EV3 rechargeable battery issue

16 September 20132 September 2014
EV3
Getting Started
How To
News

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

Some of the new EV3 rechargeable batteries have a circuit error and do not work properly. After you recharge one of these defective batteries, install it in the EV3, and turn on the EV3, you […]

Continue reading "EV3 rechargeable battery issue" →

EV3 rechargeable battery issue

LabView Examples: Motors

11 September 201316 May 2019
LabVIEW
Downloads
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (ZIP) demonstrate motor control in LabVIEW. Front Panel Steering Control This example shows how to control the steering icon using the front panel. Position Control This example shows how to keep an object […]

Continue reading "LabView Examples: Motors" →

LabView Examples: Motors

NXT Constructopedia

7 September 201321 December 2017
NXT
Downloads
Getting Started
How To

Posted by CEEO

The NXT Constructopedia Beta 2.1 (PDF) is a set of building hints for the NXT Education Base Set (9797). It contains smaller hints and a few larger models. Its aim is to provide users with inspiration […]

Continue reading "NXT Constructopedia" →

NXT Constructopedia

NXT-G power programming tips

7 September 20136 September 2013
NXT
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Srikanth M

What to do, what not do, and where it pays to be cautious! This posts throws light on some very important aspects of programming robots in NXT-G. Any program that we write for NXT-G should […]

Continue reading "NXT-G power programming tips" →

NXT-G power programming tips

Create your own games with “RIC” files

27 August 201310 March 2022
LabVIEW, NXT
How To

Posted by Svein-Tore Narvestad

One way to display information on the NXT screen is by using a “RIC” image file. Most of the default graphics that you see on the NXT use this file type. For example, the the […]

Continue reading "Create your own games with “RIC” files" →

Create your own games with “RIC” files

LabVIEW, NXT
How To

Image processing in LabVIEW

21 August 201320 May 2020
LabVIEW
Downloads
How To

Posted by CEEO

The Image Processing VIs are a rudimentary set of image capture and analysis VIs that allow the user to grab images from a USB camera (using Chris Salzmann’s QuickTime VIs) and analyze them. These VIs […]

Continue reading "Image processing in LabVIEW" →

Image processing in LabVIEW

How to update the EV3 firmware

19 August 201319 February 2016
EV3
How To

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

How to update the firmware on the EV3 using the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 software: First, make sure that the EV3 is on and connected to the computer. Under Tools on the menu at the […]

Continue reading "How to update the EV3 firmware" →

How to update the EV3 firmware

How to update the NXT firmware in LabVIEW

19 August 201319 August 2013
LabVIEW
How To

Posted by Svein-Tore Narvestad

This is how to update the firmware on the NXT using LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS (LVLM) or LabVIEW for Education (LV4E). 1. First go to tools and select NXT Terminal: This window will pop up: […]

Continue reading "How to update the NXT firmware in LabVIEW" →

How to update the NXT firmware in LabVIEW

How to update the NXT firmware in NXT-G

18 August 201318 July 2022
NXT
How To

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

How to update the firmware on the NXT using NXT-G: First, make sure that the NXT is on and connected to the computer. Under Tools on the menu at the top of the screen, choose […]

Continue reading "How to update the NXT firmware in NXT-G" →

How to update the NXT firmware in NXT-G

How to write efficient NXT-G programs

17 August 20131 August 2022
NXT
Downloads
How To

Posted by CEEO

Writing Efficient NXT-G Programs (PDF) describes how to make your NXT-G programs as efficient as possible to create complex behaviours with a minimum of memory. These techniques are particularly relevant for competitions such as FIRST […]

Continue reading "How to write efficient NXT-G programs" →

How to write efficient NXT-G programs

General building tips and tricks

19 July 201321 December 2017
Cross-Platform
Getting Started
How To

Posted by CEEO

Here are some tips for building with basic LEGO bricks, beams, and axles. Building a sturdy structure 1. Use interconnecting bricks. When you interconnect your bricks, the structure will not fall apart when you move […]

Continue reading "General building tips and tricks" →

General building tips and tricks

Light theremin

10 July 201321 December 2017
Cross-Platform, NXT
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by CEEO

In this activity, use an NXT brick equipped with two light sensors to emulate a theremin. One sensor will change pitch as the amount of light sensed changes, and the other sensor will change volume as […]

Continue reading "Light theremin" →

Light theremin

LabVIEW examples: Advanced

20 June 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW
Downloads
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples demonstrate some advanced features in LabVIEW. Using a Sub VI This example shows a possible implementation of a sub VI. Sub VI’s are essentially consolidations of other code into one icon. Multiple NXTs […]

Continue reading "LabVIEW examples: Advanced" →

LabVIEW examples: Advanced

NXT-A-Sketch

14 June 201330 March 2020
LabVIEW
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by CEEO

Just like its little red counterpart, the Etch-A-Sketch®, the NXT-A-Sketch lets you turn two knobs to draw your picture. However, rather than using a stylus and aluminum powder, the LEGO NXT model is entirely digital, […]

Continue reading "NXT-A-Sketch" →

NXT-A-Sketch

Motor vs Move – Part II: Action

11 June 201321 December 2017
NXT
How To

Posted by CEEO

In Part I of Motor vs. Move, we looked at how the Move block incorporates a control algorithm to help robots move more accurately. What else is different between the Motor and Move block in […]

Continue reading "Motor vs Move – Part II: Action" →

Motor vs Move – Part II: Action

A simple TETRIX robot

11 June 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW
Getting Started
How To

Posted by CEEO

TETRIX is a robotics building system that was created by Pitsco. The system consists of aluminium elements for construction and powerful drive motors, controlled by an NXT brick. This article provides building instructions and programming […]

Continue reading "A simple TETRIX robot" →

A simple TETRIX robot

NXT car with NXT bluetooth remote

10 June 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW, NXT
How To

Posted by CEEO

The NXT’s Bluetooth feature enables NXTs to send messages to each other wirelessly. What’s that good for? Well, lots of things – including making your own remote control car (where you make the car and […]

Continue reading "NXT car with NXT bluetooth remote" →

NXT car with NXT bluetooth remote

LabVIEW, NXT
How To

MIDI and the NXT

3 June 20136 April 2020
Cross-Platform, LabVIEW, NXT
How To

Posted by CEEO

In this article, we talk about how you can make your own digital musical instrument with the LEGO NXT and connect it to an iPad using MIDI. The idea You can design and build your […]

Continue reading "MIDI and the NXT" →

MIDI and the NXT

Datalogging in LabVIEW: Timed datalogging

2 June 201318 July 2022
LabVIEW
How To

Posted by Svein-Tore Narvestad

A simple way to log data in LabView involves specifying a time interval between each measurement and the time interval over which the recording takes place. For example, we could measure the sound level for […]

Continue reading "Datalogging in LabVIEW: Timed datalogging" →

Datalogging in LabVIEW: Timed datalogging

LEGO WeDo Mac OSX 10.7 issues

31 May 201318 July 2022
WeDo
How To

Posted by John Burfoot

With thanks to Esther Lee and John Heffernan, here are a couple of solutions if the LEGO WeDo themed activities do not appear (yellow LEGO face is greyed out) while operating LEGO WeDo software (v1.2) on […]

Continue reading "LEGO WeDo Mac OSX 10.7 issues" →

LEGO WeDo Mac OSX 10.7 issues

LabVIEW basics

28 May 201318 July 2022
LabVIEW
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

Automatic Tool Selection: When the tool selection window at the top of the tool palette is lit green, LabVIEW will select whichever tool appears to be the correct one. When the tool selection window is […]

Continue reading "LabVIEW basics" →

LabVIEW basics

Third Wheel

28 May 20134 April 2019
Cross-Platform, EV3, NXT
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

A simple two-motor NXT car needs a non-powered slider, wheel, or wheels of some type. A single wheel is often a good choice, since it is simple to build and makes turning the car easier […]

Continue reading "Third Wheel" →

Third Wheel

Clicking brick syndrome

25 May 201323 November 2017
NXT
How To

Posted by Srikanth M

Do you have a problem that your LEGO NXT brick won’t start? It won’t show up in the software… but it gives a strange sound. Put your ear right up to the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT […]

Continue reading "Clicking brick syndrome" →

Clicking brick syndrome

Three troubleshooting tips for NXT-G

13 May 201317 June 2013
NXT
How To

Posted by Bill Shaw

Troubleshooting NXT-G programs can be a little challenging. There aren’t any traditional debugging tools built into the environment. Here are three ways you can emulate common troubleshooting techniques when your program isn’t working the way […]

Continue reading "Three troubleshooting tips for NXT-G" →

Three troubleshooting tips for NXT-G

Introduction to LabVIEW

7 May 201318 July 2022
LabVIEW
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Svein-Tore Narvestad

When we start LabVIEW we get a screen that consists of three windows: Understanding the three windows Front panel: This is where we can insert charts, buttons and switches that we can use to […]

Continue reading "Introduction to LabVIEW" →

Introduction to LabVIEW

NXT-G quick programming guide

12 April 201321 December 2017
NXT
Getting Started
How To

Posted by CEEO

The following are examples of programming challenges for LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Software (NXT-G). Move Forward, Wait, Move Reverse You will need an NXT car with two motors. Attach one motor to Port A and the […]

Continue reading "NXT-G quick programming guide" →

Categories

Platforms