Subject:
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Re: I need RIS building ideas...
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.robotics
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Date:
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Wed, 11 Sep 2002 04:47:44 GMT
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Viewed:
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715 times
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> I got a RIS 2.0 for my birthday (after wanting one for ages) but so far all
> I have built with it is a smallish tank. (plus I built the small tracked
> vechicle from the RIS 2.0 instruction book)
> Where can I find something (a book, website or whatever) that showcases
> cool stuff you can do with a RIS 2.0 and a bunch of general technic parts
> (I got an 8466, an 8448, an 8444, an 8002, an 8001 plus a bunch more sets
> and parts including one of the old non geared rectangular motors)
Welcome to one of the few modern "toys" that will truly challenge your
mind.
There are several books available on Mindstorms that highlight
building techniques and a few "cool" robots. I can't remember most of
them by name, but check this newsgroup's history for announcements and
reviews.
If you are just seeking to copy other people's designs, there are many
posted on www.brickshelf.com. They might give you an idea for what
looks good (or not) but they generally won't include building
instructions.
Another good idea is to check out the newsgroups and web pages of the
various LUGs (Lego User Groups) including any that might be in your
area that you can attend in person. A few of these groups hold robot
competitions that can turn out some stunning designs. For starters,
check out our group, RTLToronto, at:
http://peach.mie.utoronto.ca/events/lego/
The fundamental idea behind all of these competitions is very simple:
the group sets a challenge, a time frame is given, and on game day, we
see what people created.
There's really no reason why you can't do this yourself too. Simply
give yourself a challenge. Form will usually follow function. A couple
of years ago, LEGO's web site had a series of challenges created by
some outside group (I can't remember who) that were all based on a
single RIS set, including the box. Here are a few of them that I can
recall:
- place the RIS box on the floor and build a robot that will
find it's way around it, clockwise or counterclockwise
- place the upper and lower halves of the RIS box on the floor
20cm apart and build a robot that will circle one half clockwise, then
the other half counterclockwise (ie. a figure "8")
- place the upper and lower halves of the RIS box on the floor
10cm apart and build a robot that will cross from one box top to the
other without touching the floor. When you succeed, increase the gap.
- place the RIS box on the floor and build a robot that can
climb it
etc. etc. etc.
Your initial attempts will likely be rather boxy and simple, but as
you gain experience, you'll find increasingly elegant ways of solving
various problems. That's generally what makes a robot "cool" in most
people's eyes (aside from aesthetics). You can learn this to some
extent by looking at other people's designs, but mostly by trying it
yourself.
Matthias Jetleb
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | I need RIS building ideas...
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| I got a RIS 2.0 for my birthday (after wanting one for ages) but so far all I have built with it is a smallish tank. (plus I built the small tracked vechicle from the RIS 2.0 instruction book) Where can I find something (a book, website or whatever) (...) (22 years ago, 3-Sep-02, to lugnet.robotics)
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