Subject:
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Re: Future Mindstorm Releases?
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.robotics
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Date:
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Wed, 1 Sep 2004 13:53:59 GMT
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Viewed:
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3238 times
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In lugnet.robotics, Edwin Pilobello wrote:
> I just looked up PICAXE, if you're interested, here is an associated site.
>
> <http://www.junun.org/MarkIII/Store.jsp>
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> If the argument for the PICAXE (or the MARK III) is the price, then how about
> adaptability, multi-use, ease of programming, curriculum support, etc.
Yeah, but look at the options -- 2-axis accelerometer (capable of measuring 1
degree of tilt!) for $20. 8-channel, 12-bit analog input board for $22. A
zillion different distance sensors, some with simple digital outputs.
High-torque servomotors for ten bucks. Replacement (or supplemental?)
microprocessor for $8. Photoreflector sensor for a buck fifty. Ultrasonic
range finder. Digital compass. Voice synthesizer, fer crying out loud. The
list goes on.
It's not just that these components are dirt-cheap compared to LEGO; they can
also do way more than you can do with Mindstorms. Even if you manage to find
aftermarket sensors, you still have that 3 I/O limitation of the RCX in your
face whenever you try to do a more serious robot.
Consider, a reasonably sensitive robot that's intended to navigate around a room
might want the following:
- 2 Rotation sensors (tracking the floor for dead-reckoning)
- Magnetic compass
- 4 Distance sensors
- 2 Bumpers
- 2 Photosensors
That's eleven inputs already, and we haven't even gotten to touch sensors in the
gripper, buttons for interacting with users, etc.
I love LEGO and I think Mindstorms has some genuine advantages (which you
mention above), but the MARK III system has many advantages too quite apart from
price -- it blows past all the limitations that most frustrate me about MS.
Hopefully LEGO has noticed this, as we have, and is secretly doing something to
make this sort of capability available to us.
Best,
- Joe
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Message has 2 Replies:
 | | Re: Future Mindstorm Releases?
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| In lugnet.robotics, Joe Strout wrote: .. snip snip (...) .. snip snip I think this one comment hits the nail on the head. These parts are components, not ready to go sensors. If you'd be happy to pay $1.50 for an IRPD, you can buy them from most (...) (21 years ago, 1-Sep-04, to lugnet.robotics)
| | | Re: Future Mindstorm Releases?
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| (...) Well, looking at some of the more "serious" robots out there, it's amazing what you can do with "just" 3 sensor ports. I currently have robots that use 6 sensors (three light, three touch), and I can easily extend that to at least one more (...) (21 years ago, 1-Sep-04, to lugnet.robotics)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: Future Mindstorm Releases?
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| (...) I just looked up PICAXE, if you're interested, here is an associated site. (URL) If the argument for the PICAXE (or the MARK III) is the price, then how about adaptability, multi-use, ease of programming, curriculum support, etc. I've had a (...) (21 years ago, 1-Sep-04, to lugnet.robotics)
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