Subject:
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Re: LEGO robotics on a budget?
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.robotics
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Date:
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Sun, 8 Jun 2003 21:55:03 GMT
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Original-From:
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Rob Limbaugh <rlimbaugh@greenfieldgroup.comAVOIDSPAM>
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Viewed:
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1622 times
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This is an awesome description of options! Here are my thoughts:
If I was doing it all over again, I would get the first Team Challenge set
you
mentioned and the RIS 2.0 Upgrade (#3805, $19.99US). I can use Robolab
or NQC on Mac or Windows. With RIS, I could work with the kids on
projects if they don't quite have the grasp of Robolab or NQC.
Also, it is important to note port availability. IR Towers are available in
serial or USB. Vision Command (if purchased later) will require a USB
port. This could be important if using a laptop.
If I was a Linux user, I'd purchase the Team Challenge set without software.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Daniel" <ldaniel2@Prodigy.net>
To: <lego-robotics@crynwr.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2003 1:17 AM
Subject: Re: LEGO robotics on a budget?
> In lugnet.robotics, Mark Tarrabain wrote:
> > Here's a question I thought might be interesting to discuss. What, in
> > people's opinions, are good ways of getting immersed into the building
> > of interesting programmable contraptions for relative newcomers to LEGO
> > who may not have heaping amounts of cash?
> >
> > Obviously the Mindstorms RIS is a good start. But for more interesting
> > devices (like the ones in Mindstorms Masterpieces -- I am held in almost
> > speechless awe of the creative genius in people like Kevin and the other
> > authors), one eventually and invariably requires a far wider reaching
> > assortment of pieces. One can, of course, buy spare parts as one sees
> > they need them, but there are two problems I can see with that. One, I
> > am not sure that it is as fiscally efficient as buying larger numbers of
> > parts in prepackaged sets, and two, it's not particularly helpful for
> > people who need at least some amount of hands-on exerience with
> > something in order to visualize and invent a new and clever way of
> > adapting a mechanism into a device. Since a person on a budget cannot
> > realistically go out and buy "one of everything", they may end up
> > feeling constrained.
>
> Hi Mark,
>
> I'm sure Lego would be happy that they hooked a potential lifer • ;)
> I would recommend Team Challenge Set with Software W990977 apposed to • RIS2.0
> It can be found at Pitsco Lego Educational Division and retails for • $226.00
> dollars
http://www.pldstore.com/pld/catalog.cfm?dest=itempg&itemid=987&secid=9&linko
n=subsection&linkid=129
> It comes with a RCX Robotics Brick W979709
http://www.pldstore.com/pld/catalog.cfm?dest=itempg&itemid=497&secid=9&linko
n=subsection&linkid=45 that has an input for an ac adaptor (sold
separately) http://www.pldstore.com/pld/finditem.cfm?itemid=34 just like
RIS1.0 had. This can save you lots on batteries. I also remember reading
that people had used the Lego train regulator. I use one I bought from
Radio Shack. It also comes with better storage including two trays and a
green tub, http://www.pldstore.com/pld/finditem.cfm?itemid=399
> Which if used creatively with the numerous boxes it is shipped with can be • made
> into a frugal mini storage system. It also uses Robolab software
http://www.pldstore.com/pld/catalog.cfm?dest=itempg&itemid=1264&secid=9&link
on=subsection&linkid=45
> which is in my opinion much better then RIS and retails for $69.00 dollars • if
> bought separately. If you don't want software you can order just Team • Challenge
>
http://www.pldstore.com/pld/catalog.cfm?dest=itempg&itemid=1285&secid=9&link
on=subsection&linkid=129
> and save $27.00 dollars
> Also while you are at pitsco Lego you can order a catalog they recently • made
> dozens of additions to their spare part section which in my opinion was • already
> the best.
> In closing try to be patient, Sets often go on sale after they have been • out for
> a while and Legos last a long long time so an annual budget of a couple • hundred
> dollars would build a huge collection given enough time.
>
>
> Best Regards Chris
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Message has 2 Replies:
 | | Re: LEGO robotics on a budget?
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| (...) Not as much as you might think. I don't know who made it, but I found a 4-way USB splitter box with a 10" cord that does not require external power, and I think it only costs about $15. It's great for laptops, since half the purpose of having (...) (21 years ago, 9-Jun-03, to lugnet.robotics)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: LEGO robotics on a budget?
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| (...) Hi Mark, I'm sure Lego would be happy that they hooked a potential lifer ;) I would recommend Team Challenge Set with Software W990977 apposed to RIS2.0 It can be found at Pitsco Lego Educational Division and retails for $226.00 dollars (URL) (...) (21 years ago, 8-Jun-03, to lugnet.robotics)
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