NXT compass sensor

Demonstration of the new HiTechnic compass sensor for the NXT, implemented as a south-pointing chariot... on a turntable

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• LEGO
• NXT
• robot
• compass
• sensor
• HiTechnic

[TheOmeganator]

I don't get it.

[brdavis5]

@TheOmeganator The robot maintains a constant magnetic compass heading, using a compass sensor.

[ninja1dalbem]

is that really a "compass sensor"? I mean, had you use something that isn't in the default kit?

[brdavis5]

Yes, it's really a compass sensor; it is made by a company called "Hitechnic", and sold both by them and through LEGO's own website. It's not something in the stock kit... but it is fully compatible.

[brdavis5]

It's a line... an arbitrary line. You draw it one place, and I draw it at another. Those chips and electronic components you use are no less "premade" than the finished boards and ABS casework I prefer. Both are fun ways to enjoy accomplishing something... and both have strengths and weaknesses.

[Nadrealis]

@skierplaterandy No, it's not. Arduino is for lazy people and/or dumb people. It is in no way a real development environment. Use a BASIC Stamp kit, program something interesting, then get back to me about how the Arduino isn't "just a toy."

Sorry, but to any real hardware engineer or applications engineer, an Arduino is laughable.

[skierplaterandy]

@ForrunnerAlex

Lego Mindstorms NXT Intelligent Brick:

4 input ports, 3 output ports, + bluetooth. price: CAD 214.99

Arduino Duemilanove (development board for atmega 328):

6 analog inputs, 15 digital inputs/outputs, serial communication via usb. price: CAD $31.29

if you want wireless, xbee wifi sheild: $25 + xbee unit: $27.11

totaling 83 dollars.

if bluetooth is absolutely essential they have a $150 bluetooth board aswell, but usb is just fine to me.

and mine is more then just a toy. :)

[ForrunnerAlex]

Well you CAN use Java or even C if you have the knowledge to do so with the NXT brain.

[skierplaterandy]

true, but still, its more than using premade parts.

[brdavis5]

How many times can you resolder a SMD? Vacuum up traces off a protoboard? Reposition the wire leads of a resistor? Don't knock the time factor either - the fact that I can test and discard several designs in the time it takes to do one design using less forgiving hardware is significant.

As to ground up, I completely understand that... but *neither* of us is doing that. I suspect you buy finished parts from DigiKey or something similar, not wind your own motors or spec your own resistors.