Subject:
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Re: Mindstorms vs. Cybermaster
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.robotics
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Date:
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Fri, 19 Mar 1999 18:26:57 GMT
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Original-From:
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Laurentino Martins <lau@SPAMCAKEmail.telepac.pt>
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Viewed:
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1170 times
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At 17:22 19-03-1999 Friday , Lewis, James C. wrote:
> What are the pros and cons of the Cybermaster kit vs. Mindstorms? In
> particular, how do they differ in these respects:
>
> 1. programming environment/power
The programming environment of the RCX is more powerful, starting by the fact that you can replace the original firmware.
Using the standard firmware, the RCX have about 10 times more memory than the CyberMaster. With the RCX you can also manage several programs. It also supports a larger number of tasks.
You can also log data for sending it to the PC while the CyberMaster can't.
> 2. standard gear that you get (motors, sensors, etc.)
With the CyberMaster you get 3 motors (1 external + 2 internal) and 3 touch sensors. With the RCX you get 2 external motors, 2 touch sensors and 1 light sensor.
I don't have a MindStorms, but I have think that MindStorms have a little better assortment of parts and gears than CyberMaster... but that also depends on what do you think is a better assortment of parts.
The CyberMaster brings two exclusive huge tracks that integrate nicely with the main unit and that can run over almost anything.
> Is the RCX unit identical?
No. The CyberMaster is a bigger and heavier brick, mainly because of the two internal motors. It also lacks the LCD, 2 buttons and two outputs.
The inputs of the CyberMaster cannot give power to non passive sensors like a temperature sensor.
The pluses of CyberMaster are:
- Is cheaper
- The CyberMaster makes use of a radio link to communicate with the PC (the RCX uses infra-red). Is is a _must_ if you want to create a vehicle that can run free in most of the house, but that needs the PC to have a bigger degree of intelligence.
- The two internal high torque motors are integrated with tachometers with high resolution. This feature is a _MUST_ if you want to create a vehicle that knows where it stands in the space, that needs to know it's current speed, to map the contour of a room, etc. As long as I know, you cannot duplicate this with the RCX without building your own sensors (and then you would loose two inputs).
- You can ask the external motor it's power consumption. This is good to know when a the motors is stalled, freeing yet another input.
- If your dream is to create vehicles, this is your LEGO set.
The main minus of the CyberMaster is the lack of memory to do anything a bit more complex than the most common stuff.
You want to harness the full potential of the CyberMaster you have to jump to Visual Basic (or other environment that supports the SPIRIT.OCX) and do the heavy programming there.
But don't worry, remember the CyberMaster have a radio link? It's almost like the unit is connected to the PC by a cable! :-)
Software:
The original software of the CyberMaster was built for having fun. The RCX was built to program robots.
Using the free available tools in the net, the differences blend a lot and most of the programs are even compatible between units.
To finish:
The RCX is more flexible and easier to get you started.
The CyberMaster is a bit more difficult, but once you get started, it's a very nice set.
IMHO both are worth the money. :-)
Laurentino Martins
[mailto:lau@mail.telepac.pt]
[http://www.terravista.pt/Enseada/2808/]
--
Did you check the web site first?: http://www.crynwr.com/lego-robotics
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