Subject:
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MindStorms/CM pros and cons. Was: Lego-animated building instructions
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.robotics
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Date:
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Sun, 20 Dec 1998 21:47:50 GMT
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Viewed:
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1621 times
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Graham/Laurentino,
> > Andy Bower (15th Dec) reckoned that this was actually better than • the
> > on-the-surface superior Mindstorm because the Mindstorm software was
> > basically good for not much. He also criticised the line-of-sight • infra-red
> > connection, but isn't that used just for downloading the program? It • doesn't
> > have to be in communication the whole time, does it?
>
> Nope. MindStorms works pretty well without any assistance from the • computer.
> CyberMaster also, but you better you not have very BIG programs for it.
Actually, what I was trying to imply is that both Cybermaster and Mindstorms
have their good points. On the surface the CM seems more of a (small) kids
toy than does MS. The building instructions are targetted towards a fixed
number of models and there is no real "programming" facility per se.
However, since you are reading this list/group I presume you are aware of
the other programming alternatives and these can be used both for CM and MS.
So this evens things out a bit and your choice of system should be governed
by knowledge of the capabilities of both systems.
> > I might as well come clean and say that I've already bought him
> > Mindstorm for Christmas, but am wondering if I did the right thing? Should • I
> > exchange it, or get Cybermaster as well? Now, or some time in the future?
> > Also, I thought that I would have some fun with Mindstorm as well, but
> > if it is as useless as A. Bower says....
I don't think MS is useless. I think the RCXCode software software could
have been much better even for kids to use. For adults programming the RCX
to do more complex stuff I do think the software is pretty hopeless but it
doesn't matter because of all the alternatives available.
> NO!!
> MindStorms is what EVERYBODY would have bought the first place, IF it was • sold at their countries!! You've done the right thing - trust us!
> MindStorms is the BEST! :-)
Well I agree that "I" would probably chose MS over CM if I could only afford
one. But I don't think everyone would. Once again here is my view of the
pros and cons of each (since I perhaps didn't explain it well before) from
the perspective of a real "programmer".
*****
MS PROS
Not directed to wheeled vehicles since motors are separate.
5 Program slots for downloaded programs
10 concurrent tasks
More onboard memory on the RCX brick
Can transmit IR messages to other robots
*****
MS CONS
Infrared link means that you can only really download programs to the robot.
If you wanted to control the robot directly from the PC (which you can do
with 3rd party software, giving you much more processing power) it might
prove difficult since a roving robot would have to remain in line of sight.
*****
CM PROS
Radio communication is better for robots that are to be controlled directly
from the PC. Currently I'm playing with downloading programs for autonomous
control and then sending the bot off into the world. The PC can still send
extra commands or download new control instructions no matter where the bot
wanders (within the 10m range). You can't really do this with the MS RCX.
Motors have built in tachometers for measuring speed and distance. This
makes it easier to produce more accurate movements without having to buy two
additional rotation sensors and build them in.
Third motor output has current monitoring so you can detect stall
conditions. This can save an input and a touch sensor when trying to detect
end-of-travel.
The CM touch sensors are coded with internal resistors. This makes it
possible to detect which sensors are attached or, possibly, to stack several
sensors on one input and still detect which is pressed. This can save inputs
if you want to use more than three touch sensors.
CM is cheaper.
*****
CM CONS
Motors built in to brick so more suitable for wheeled/tracked vehicles than
robot arms etc.
Only one program slot.
Only five tasks.
Less program memory in brick. Has anyone hit this limit yet?
The CM kit does not include a light sensor. You can purchase a light sensor
separately but it can only be used in passive mode (detecting light shone
into it) and not reflective mode (detecting reflected light from the
built-in LED). This is because the CM is incapable of driving powered
sensors.
Can't transmit messages to other robots.
*****
So consequently, I don't think you have made the wrong decision in
purchasing MS. But it's nice to have all the info to base your decision on.
Best regards,
Andy Bower
http://www.object-arts.com/Bower/Bot-Kit
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Message has 1 Reply:
Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: Lego-animated building instructions
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| (...) Looking at your description, I'm 100% sure it was a CyberMaster. (...) Nope. MindStorms works pretty well without any assistance from the computer. CyberMaster also, but you better you not have very BIG programs for it. (...) NO!! MindStorms (...) (26 years ago, 20-Dec-98, to lugnet.robotics)
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