Subject:
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Re: Please suggest which RIS version is good
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.robotics
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Date:
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Thu, 31 Oct 2002 04:17:24 GMT
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Original-From:
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Rob Limbaugh <{rlimbaugh@greenfieldgroup}ihatespam{.com}>
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Viewed:
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816 times
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One should also consider their current/future computer system configuration.
Windows 95:
Older versions of Win95 do not support USB. Check
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q253756 for more
details and how to determine if your version of Win95 and USB limitations.
If your version won't support USB, then you can buy whatever RIS set you
wish but you'll need to buy a serial (COM) IR tower if you buy RIS 2.0
(which comes with a USB tower). Also be aware that the LEGO Cam in Vision
Command is USB. My suggestion would be to upgrade your operating system.
Windows 98 and Me:
You can buy any version of RIS and any of the expansion sets. If using a
laptop, check to see what type of ports you have available and how many of
each. Some laptops have a USB but not COM, or vice-versa. Be aware that a
PCMCIA serial card is much more expensive than a small USB hub. In the case
of a desktop, as long as you have a free expansion slot in the machine,
extra USB and/or COM ports can be added with a card or USB hub.
Windows 2000/XP:
Without Vision Command, any version of RIS can be used. However, if you
wish to use Vision Command, you'll want to have RIS 2.0 because VC will not
run without the update contained on the RIS 2.0 CD. If you buy RIS 1.0 or
1.5, the "RIS 2.0 Upgrade" kit (with CD) is about $30 and sold separately.
LEGO does not support Vision Command on Windows 2000 or XP, so you'll need
my installation instructions from
http://www.abs-robotics.com/tips/installs/win2k/vc.htm (Windows 2000) or
http://www.abs-robotics.com/tips/installs/winxp/vc.htm (Windows XP).
Mac OS:
The RIS software doesn't run on Mac OS, but RoboLab (around $60) does. It
is available from Pitsco (http://www.pitsco.com). I believe version RL2.5
will support either tower, but the serial tower will require an adapter, but
don't quote me on that.
Linux/Unix systems:
Neither RIS nor RoboLab run on Linux/Unix. 3rd party programs can be used
instead. There is much more power under the hood if you take the Linux/Unix
approach, but you're sort of "on your own" and must rely on the support of
others for help. Three geeks (two at Apple and 1 at Microsoft) had the
common sense to use "setup.exe" installation concepts... a million geeks
creating Linux, and none of them have had that brainstorm yet.
If I had to do it all over again with current product availability, prices,
and operating systems choices, I'd buy the bundle (RIS 2.0, Ultimate
Builders, and Vision Command). Next, I'd buy "Ultimate Accessory", which
comes with some nice goodies, including the remote control (handy for
debugging bots). Meanwhile, I'd keep my eyes open for a good deal on RIS
1.0 because it has the RCX with a power adapter and a serial tower. (I've
yet to see an RCX with power plug, two motors, touch sensors, and serial
tower cost less individually than a complete RIS set on eBay, regardless of
the part sources.)
Check out the inventories http://www.peeron.com/inv to find out what is in
each set.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Payson" <mpayson@dawgdayz.com>
To: "Arja, Veerababu" <VArja@softek.fujitsu.com>; <lego-robotics@crynwr.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2002 9:33 PM
Subject: Re: Please suggest which RIS version is good
Generall, I think they are all good. 2.0 software is somewhat improved (I
haven't used the older versions, so I can't say precisely how much), and
each
kit includes slightly different pieces, but I think the differences are
fairly minor. The one important exception is that 2.0 uses USB, while 1.0 &
1.5 use a serial connection (and therefore requires an extra battery for the
IR tower). If this is an issue, buy appropriately.
Basically, if you can get an excellent deal on 1.0 or 1.5, grab it.
Otherwise,
2.0 is the way to go.
On Tuesday 29 October 2002 11:55 am, Arja, Veerababu wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I am new to RIS, but want to catch along as soon as possible, can you
> suggest which RIS version (1.0, 1.5, or 2.0) is good to start with. I • tried
> to find RIS 1.0 at some place but couldnt get it.
>
> If anybody can help me out, I will appreciate it.
>
> Thanks
> Veera
--
Mike Payson | DawgDayz Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
(206) 280-7295 | www.dawgdayz.com | mpayson@dawgdayz.com
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: Please suggest which RIS version is good
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| Generall, I think they are all good. 2.0 software is somewhat improved (I haven't used the older versions, so I can't say precisely how much), and each kit includes slightly different pieces, but I think the differences are fairly minor. The one (...) (22 years ago, 31-Oct-02, to lugnet.robotics)
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