Manual NXT

LEGO Mindstorms NXT
Robotics Workshops
Play: Robotics In Education video (4:40)
Hands-On Robotics Play: ZOOM FLL Promo video (6:24)
Programming Workshop
Programming Resource Book
July 2011
Paul R Keeney
paul.keeney@anoka.k12.mn.us
(763) 506-5692
www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ovms.mr.keeney
© Copyright 2011 Paul R Keeney rev 5.2 1
Introduction
 This training guide was designed to help classroom
teachers, F.I.R.S.T LEGO League coaches, and students
with the new LEGO Mindstorms NXT Robotics System.
 Materials also include suggestions to help keep your
LEGO pieces organized and inventoried.
 The packet will go over the process of developing good
robotic programming skills from the concept stage
through computer programming and file maintenance.
 There are numerous people developing other good
training materials and videos being posted on-line, so
there is no shortage to the amount of training available.
NXT Robotics Programming Resource rev 5.2
© Copyright 2011 Paul R Keeney No reproduction of this material is allowed without written permission from the author
2
Table of Contents
ORGANIZATION COMMON PALLET NXT Buttons Block ----------------------- 66
Keeping parts organized --------------------- 4 Move Block forward & reverse----------- 34 Sensor Feedback Box ---------------------- 67
Tray diagrams ---------------------------------- 5 Modifying Move commands -------------- 35 Using multiple sensors (cascading) ------ 68
LEGO PARTS Comments ----------------------------------- 36 Data Hubs & Data Wiring ---------------- 69
Parts diagram ----------------------------------- 6 *Hands-On Activity Challenge #1 ------------37 Number To Text Block ------------------- 70
NXT Brick -------------------------------------- 7 Point Turn ----------------------------------- 38 Variables --------------- ------------------ 71-72
Motors ------------------------------------------- 8 Swing Turn ---------------------------------- 39 Math Block ---------------------------------- 73
Sensors --------------------------------------- 9-12 Curve Turn ---------------------------------- 40 Logic Commands -------------------------- 74
SOFTWARE & CURRICULUM *Hands-On Activity Challenge #2 ---------- 41 Reset Motor Block ------------------------- 75
LEGO Mindstorms Edu NXT (NXT-G)- 13 COMPLETE PALLET Calibrate Sensors ----------------------- 76-77
Robot Educator ------------------------------- 14 Motor Block -------------------------------- 42
Data Logging ---------------------------- 78-81
Data Logging -----------------------------------15 Configuration Panel ----------------------- 43
*Hands-On Activity Challenge #6 ---------- 82
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Engineering -- 16 Forward & Reverse ------------------------ 44
CUSTOM PALLET
Carnegie Mellon NXT Video Trainer ---– 17 Swing Turn ---------------------------------- 45
Creating a My Block (subroutine) -------83
Green City Challenge--------------------------18 Point Turn ----------------------------------- 46
Adding a My Block to a program ------- 84
Carnegie Mellon Robots In Motion-- ---– 19 Curve Turn ---------------------------------- 47
My Block with variables ------------------ 85
Using Profiles --------------------------------- 20 Selecting & moving blocks --------------- 48
*Hands-On Activity Challenge #7 ---------- 86
PROGRAMMING Rewiring with sequence beam ----------- 49
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS
Brainstorming & Pseudocode -------------- 21 Wait For Blocks ------------------------ 50-51
Sensor Blocks (reset) ---------------------- 52 NXT Window information -------------- 87
Simple Text ------------------------------------ 22
*Hands-On Activity Challenge #3 ---------- 53 BlueTooth Communications ------------ 88
Creating a new program --------------------- 23
Sound Block -------------------------------- 54 FILE MAINTANENCE
Saving a program ----------------------------- 24
Loop Block --------------------------------- 55 Deleting files from NXT ------------- 89-92
Opening an existing program -------------- 25
*Hands-On Activity Challenge #4 ---------- 56 Deleting files from the computer ------- 93
Downloading a program to the NXT ---- 26
Running a program on the NXT ---------- 27 Switch Block -------------------------------- 57 Updating Firmware (operating system)--94
Common Pallet ------------------------------- 28 Sensor Threshold ---------------------- 58-59 Backing up & transferring files ---------- 95
Complete Pallet ------------------------------- 29 View Mode on NXT ---------------------- 60 Downloading to multiple NXTs -------- 96
Custom Pallet --------------------------------- 30 Line Tracking using Light Sensor ------- 61 Technical Support & Problems --------- 97
Sequence Beam ------------------------------- 31 *Hands-On Activity Challenge #5 ---------- 62 Bibliography / Resources ---------------- 99
Adding commands --------------------------- 32 Parallel Sequence Beams(multitasking)-- 63
Display Block ---------------------------- 64-65 3
Configuration Panel -------------------------- 33
Organization suggestions
 Tray organizer diagrams are provided by LEGO in each kit to help
the students keep their parts organized and they list the quantities
of each part to help with inventory.
 Fishing tackle box with multiple bins and/or removable trays to
sort the LEGO pieces individually are sometimes very helpful for
organizing the many pieces for FLL teams.
 Create teacher lab rules and procedures: hold students to them so
the classroom runs smoothly.
 Build student responsibilities: develop procedures to help keep the
students on-task and all of the equipment taken care of properly.
 Develop a plan for where you will store the parts and make sure
students understand your expectations for them at clean-up time.
4
LEGO NXT robotics kits
 The basic #9797 NXT kit contains 431 LEGO pieces
stored in orange and white trays that fit inside the white
storage bin to keep everything organized.
 FIRST LEGO LEAGUE (FLL) team kits also include a
blue resource bin (#9648) with 672 additional LEGO
building elements for more advanced building projects.
 You can download the pdf file from my website and then
print copies of these tray diagrams onto sticky-back
paper. Cut them into individual pictures and stick them
on the bottom of the tray compartments to help sorting.
View the images of Storage Trays pdf

5
view interactive parts illustration
Get To Know the LEGO Pieces
6
LEGO Mindstorms NXT brick
 Rechargeable Lithium battery with
charger is included with the LEGO
Educational version of the NXT and
also with the FLL sets. Otherwise, the
“brick” will run on 6- AA batteries
(not 1.2 volt NiCad batteries)
 3 Output Ports for actuators View the interactive NXT image
(ports A, B, C on top edge of brick)
 4 Input Ports for sensors
(ports 1, 2, 3, 4 on bottom edge of brick)
●
USB data port for communication between computer & robot
(downloading)
●
Wireless Bluetooth compatible communications are possible if
you have a Bluetooth dongle or transmitter for your computer
(Bluetooth is not allowed at most FLL tournaments). 7
NXT Motors
 The NXT servo motors have built-in rotation sensors that
can very accurately measure how the motor spins in number
of rotations or degrees of travel. They will always be
connected to output ports (A, B, C).
●
When you set a Move or Motor block’s
direction, you are specifying the direction the
motor will spin. This may be different than the
direction your robot actually moves. View the interactive Motor images
●
Depending on how you build your robotic invention, setting the
motors to go forwards may actually cause your creation to move
backwards. The image here shows a motor spinning in the
default, forwards direction.
●
The motors spin at approximately 150 RPM at full power.
8
NXT Sensors
 Sound sensor
Measures sound level in decibals (dB)
or modified frequencies (dBA)
 Ultrasonic sensor
Distances in inches or centimeters
 Light sensor
Measures ambient or reflected light levels
 Touch sensor
Can be pressed, released, or bumped
 Rotation sensor (built into motors)
Measures motors in degrees or rotations
 RCX sensors View the interactive Sensors images
You can connect old RCX style sensors or lights

using the RCX to NXT converter cables.
9
Additional NXT Sensors
 LEGO Color sensor
Acts as a color sensor, distinguishing among six colors; it works as a light sensor,
detecting light intensities (both reflected light and ambient light); and it works as a
color lamp, emitting red, green, or blue light.
 LEGO temperature sensor

Digital temperature sensor that can be calibrated to measure both Celsius
and Fahrenheit.
 HiTechnic acceleration sensor

Measures acceleration in three axes – x, y, and z. It also measures tilt along each axis.
 HiTechnic compass sensor

This digital compass measures Earth’s magnetic field.
 HiTechnic color sensor

Detects an extended range of more than 15 target colors.
Sensor blocks for HiTechnic sensors are available for free download at www.LEGOeducation.us/hitechnic 10
 HiTechnic Gyro sensor
Contains a single-axis gyroscopic sensor that detects rotation and returns a
value that represents the number of degrees per second of rotation.
 HiTechnic IR seeker sensor

Will detect IR beacons using a specially designed curved lens and five internal detectors.
The IRSeeker V2 has a 240-degree view.
 HiTechnic IRLink sensor

The IRLink enables the NXT programming system to read values from the
RCX sensors and control motors connected to the RCX.
 Codatex RFID sensor

Can read five-byte transponder numbers into the NXT Intelligent Brick.
 HiTechnic IRReceiver sensor

Decodes commands from a LEGO® Power Functions IR Remote Control.
Sensor blocks for HiTechnic sensors are available for free download at www.LEGOeducation.us/hitechnic 11
 HiTechnic EOPD sensor
Electro Optical Proximity Detector, uses an internal light source to detect the
presence of a target or determine changes in distance to a target
 HiTechnic NXT angle sensor

Provides a method to determine the angular position and rotation speed of an axle
 HiTechnic magnetic sensor

Detects magnetic fields present around the front of the sensor in a vertical orientation.
 Vernier sensor adapter for NXT

With this sensor adapter, any of the 40+ Vernier analog (BTA) sensors can be
incorporated into NXT creations. Venier programming block can be
downloaded for free at www.LEGOeducation.us/vernier
 LogIT NXT sensor adapter

Compatible with more than 50 LogIT Microsense® sensors and adapters. Free projects,
software sensor block downloads, and resources are available at www.LogITNXT.com
12
LEGO Mindstorms Education
NXT v2.1 Software
Unlike the previous RCX robotics
kit, teachers must purchase software
separately to do programming for
the NXT robot set.
 The software is available as an individual CD set, or
site license that allows you to install it on multiple
computers for classroom use.
 FLL teams who order an NXT kit through the FLL
registration process will receive the NXT software
with an individual software license with their FLL kit.
13
LME Robot Educator
(basic training software)
The LEGO Education & FLL versions of the
“Mindstorms Edu-NXT 1.0 thru 2.1” programming
software includes a built-in set of 39 or 46 simple
teaching activities that can help students learn
about how their robot can do several types of
tasks using many different sensors and actuators.
(not available on LME Edu NXT retail programming disc #8527)
• Challenge Brief
• Video or multi-step series of images to visually
demonstrate what robot should do.
• Building Guide
• Step by step diagrams detailing how the
robot and attachments should be built.
• Programming Guide
• Step by step instructions to teach the
students how to create the program that Launch LME Edu NXT software
will make their robot work correctly.

14
Data Logging
New feature of LME 2.0 & 2.1 software
To switch between the “NXT Programming” and
the “NXT Data Logging” portion of the software,
click on the adjoining orange symbols in the top left
corner of the menu bar. The NXT Programming
portion opens with an orange background and the
Data Logging portion opens with a blue background.
• Advanced users of the NXT (especially science and engineering
teachers), may find the Data Logging portion of the software quite
interesting. More information is found on pages 78-81 of this booklet.
• The basic idea of data logging is to run an experiment, but
have the NXT and a computer do the data recording for you.
• Data logging functionalities embedded in the software,
including graph viewer, make it easy to collect and analyze
data from any of the NXT sensors using special Data blocks.
• Data can easily be uploaded to a computer where it can be used by a variety
15
of third-party software such as spreadsheets and graphs.
Carnegie Mellon
Mobile Robotics curriculum
If you plan to use the NXT system in a classroom
setting, I used this curriculum succcesfully for 2 years
with my 8th grade students using a CD set of activities
developed by Carnegie Mellon University. It is called:
Robotics Engineering: Introduction to Mobile Robotics
 Disc 1 covers basic robotic programming and engineering and
has up to 6 weeks of activities.
 Disc 2 guides students through more independently structured
challenges for up to 12 additional weeks.
 The current cost of the curriculum is $274.95 each. The sets do
include a Teacher Resource CD with curriculum guides,
worksheets, tests, and answer keys that can be printed.
Much of the training material in this packet came from that curriculum.
16
Carnegie Mellon
NXT Video Trainer
I have used this classroom curriculum set for
teaching my 8th grade students programming
and testing with the NXT robots since 2010.
It is called: NXT Video Trainer
•This software is designed with elementary and middle school-
aged student in mind. The self-directed video delivery system
allows it to be used as either a whole-class or individually
student-paced instruction.
•The current cost of the curriculum is $270. The sets include
integrated video-delivered instruction and several robotic
“challenges” that can be printed out for reference.
Many of the live demonstrations I use for my teacher and
student trainings come from this software. 17
Green City Combo Pack
This combination of Green City Challenge Set
& Activity Pack combo is ideal as a step-by-step
introduction to robotics in the classroom or
as preparation for robotics competitions.
They were released in 2011 and called: Green City Combo Pack
The Green City Challenge Set contains three training mats, a challenge mat, and
more than 1,300 elements for building the challenge models, such as a power
plant, wind turbine, and dam.
The training mats provide a field where students can test and practice their
programming skills.
The challenge mat offers a real-life setting for solving different missions so
students can apply the skills acquired through the training.
The Green City Challenge Activity Pack includes seven easy-to-follow training
activities, each supported by student worksheets, which guide the students
from simple to more advanced programming. Comprehensive teacher notes
provide everything needed for easy implementation.
•The current cost of the Combo Pack is $319.95
The”challenges” are very similar in structure to the ones done during FIRST LEGO League.
18
Carnegie Mellon
Robots In Motion
This interactive “smart tutor”
This web-based instruction is currently undergoing beta testing

and is scheduled for public release in 2011-2012
The
19
Working with “Profiles”
Mindstorms NXT Education software
Setting up “Profiles” for each team/group of students will
allow you to use one computer for more than one group of
students. It will automatically keep their software programming
files in separate folders on that computer.
• To Create a new Profile: (set up only once)
• Click “Edit” in top menu bar
• Select “Manage Profiles”
• Click on the “Create” button
• Type in the new group name
• Click on the “Close” button
• Make sure students select their profile
every time they log onto their computer.
Launch LME Edu NXT software
20
Turning Your Ideas into Robotics Code
(How do I suggest getting started with writing a program?)
• Begin by brainstorming ideas of what you want your robot to do.
• Select your best idea.
• Convert your written robot actions
into pseudocode (not quite sentences
& not quite computer code).
• Describe all of the steps your robot will need to do
(go forward, turn left, lift an arm, etc).
• Create a pictorial representation (flow chart) of your
solution. This linear set of actions is called an algorithm.
• Define what computer code will make your robot perform the
actions you have described.
• Start to write your program on the computer & test your ideas
one step at a time. 21
Using “Simple Text”
For File Names & Robot Commands
 The supported characters for the NXT display are the capital and
lower letters A-Z, the numerals 0-9, and the punctuation and
symbols shown below.
!”#$%&’()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?
@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_
º abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz{|}~√
 Simple Text is used for the brick name, My Blocks, file names,
and displaying text on the NXT device using the Display Block.
If simple text fields contain other than simple characters or
symbols, they will display a blank instead. To avoid confusion
caused by lots of blanks, you should always use simple characters
for the marked text fields.
 All places mentioned above require that you use “Simple Text”.
They won’t let you type in other characters. The exceptions are
the program filename and the text in the Display Block.
22
Creating a new program
• If you have decided to use “Profiles”,
have students click on their profile.
• Click in the “Start New Program”
window and type in the name you
want students to call their program.
• Click the “Go” button.
• Close the “Robot Educator” window
if you want more space on the screen
to write the program.
• The NXT software will automatically
create a set of folders on the hard drive
where the programs will be saved., so
file maintenance is very easy.
23
Saving a program
• “File – Save”
• Can be used if the program has been correctly
named already and you want to save it.
• You can also click on the icon on the top
menu bar to save a program.
• “File – Save As…”
●
Should be used when a program needs to
be renamed before it is saved. Type the
new name and follow the prompts in the
window that appears. (you can also use
this command if the student
has created their program within the wrong
“Profile” by clicking the “Browse” button and
navigating to the correct “Profile” folder) 24
Opening an existing program
• If you are using “Profiles”, click on your
team’s profile to get to the correct folders.
• Open existing files by clicking on “File”
and then “Open”. Select the file that
you want to open and then click on “OK”.
• You can also click on the triangle in the
“Open Recent Program” window
to select a recently used program.
Select the file that you want to open
and then click on “GO”.
• Close the “Robot Educator window if you want more space on
the screen to view or modify your program. The LME Edu NXT
software will automatically remember your preferences & keep
the Robot Educator window closed unless you open it again.
25
Downloading programs to the NXT
• Hook up the USB cable that is provided in each kit to connect the
computer to the NXT brick.
• Open the program that you want to download.
• Make sure the NXT power is on.
• Click the “Download” button from the window in the bottom
right corner ( down arrow=download).
• After the download is complete, the NXT will beep and the screen
will briefly say “Download Complete”.
• Bluetooth communications are possible if the NXT settings for
Bluetooth is turned on. You must click on the “NXT window”
button to connect using the Bluetooth. You
will be asked to go through a process of
setting up a passkey to make sure you are
communicating with the correct NXT unit.
(Bluetooth setup covered on page #88)
26
Running a program on your NXT
• Turn on your NXT by pressing the large orange
button. Tones will sound when you turn on the NXT.
• If it is already on, press the dark grey button repeatedly
until the words “My Files” appear.
• Press the orange button to select “My Files”. View the NXT movie (1:24 )
• Press the orange button again to select “Software files”.

• Use the light grey arrow buttons to navigate from side to side until
you see the name of the file you want to run.
(hint: the last program file you download will always show up first).
• Press the orange button to select that program.
• To run the program, press the orange button again and your
program will immediately start. The file name will appear in the LCD
• To stop a running program, press the dark grey button once. 27
Common Pallet
• Move
• To make one or more motors move forward, backward or stop
• Record/Play
• To record and later playback actions for the robot
• Sound
• To play audio sound file or tone
• Display
• To view image or text on the NXT display screen
• Wait For
• Time, Touch, Light, Sound, or Distance variable controls
• Loop
• To repeat sequences of code
• Switch
• “If/Then” command to choose between 2 sequences of code
28
Complete Pallet
• Common
• Move – Record/Play – Sound – Display – Wait For – Loop - Switch
• Action
• Motor – Sound – Display – Send Message – RCX Motor – RCX Lamp
• Sensor
• Touch Sensor – Sound Sensor – Light Sensor – Ultrasonic Sensor –
NXT Buttons – Rotation Sensor – Timer – Receive Message –
Temperature sensor – Color Sensor- Emeter In – Emeter Out
RCX Touch Sensor – RCX Rotation Sensor – RCX Light Sensor – RCX
Temperature Sensor
• Flow
• Wait – Loop – Switch - Stop
• Data
• Logic – Math – Compare – Range – Random – Variable - Constant
• Advanced
• Number To Text - Text – Keep Alive – File Access – Calibrate –
Reset Motor – Start Datalog – Stop Datalog
29
Custom Pallet
• My Block (subroutine)
Lets you take a number of blocks you select in the
work area and group them together into your own
“My Block” with a customized icon. Over time you
may develop a library of “My Blocks” that you can
use over again in other programs.
(discussed on pages # 77-79)
• Web Downloads
To use programs you have downloaded from the
Internet. These are not allowed in FLL tournaments.
30
Sequence Beam
 The sequence beam controls the flow of your program.
 Generally, one block represents one
command given to the robot. Blocks
perform their operations in order
along the Sequence Beam.
 Blocks connected to the sequence beam can be
downloaded to the NXT to perform tasks on the robot.
 Other blocks in the work area that are
not connected to the sequence beam will
appear grayed out and will not function
as any part of the working program.
 The “Start Block” will appear automatically for new
programs and will always indicate the starting point. 31
Adding commands to
the Sequence Beam
• Hold the curser over the task palette.
• Click and drag on the command that you want
added to the sequence beam.
• Move the command to the right side of the existing
commands and drop it in place to add it to the end
of the existing sequence.
• You can also drop a new command into the middle
of an existing sequence by holding it in place until a
space opens up and then dropping it there.
• If an icon becomes grey/opaque, that means that it
is not connected to the sequence beam any more.
Reconnect it by dragging it to a different place on
the screen and then dropping it back into place
where it should be connected. 32
Configuration Panel
(for modifying attributes of commands
on the sequence beams)
• Click on an icon in the sequence beam to view the
attributes for that command.
• A teal colored outline around the icon indicates that it
is the command that is selected and has its attributes
displayed in the configuration panel at the bottom of
the screen.
• Change any of the attributes of that block within the
configuration panel and that block will be modified.
33
Forward using “Move” Block
The “Move” block can be configured to make
your robot go forwards or backwards in a straight
line or to turn in a curved path. You must define
how far your robot will go by using the Duration
property in the Configuration Panel.
●
The letters at the top right corner of the block show which of the
ports on the NXT will be controlled through this block.
●
This icon shows which direction your motor is programmed.
●
This icon shows the power level. The default level is 75%. Your
robot’s speed may also be affected by other conditions, such as
wheel size, the friction of the surface it is moving over, or whether
it is moving up or down a slope.
●
This icon shows whether you have set the Duration property to
unlimited, degrees, rotations, seconds, or stop.
Note: Setting the motors’ duration to anything other than “Unlimited” will cause the program to wait until the
robot completes the set duration; only then will the program continue to the next command. 34
Modifying Move Commands
With The Configuration Panel
 Select the motors you would like to control. If you
choose to control motors B & C, the motors will be
synchronized; going forward or backwards at exactly
the same power. If you select all three motors, then
A, B & C will all work at the same time.
 Choose whether the motors will go “forward”, “backwards”, or “stop”.
 Selecting “Stop” will also reset the motor rotations to zero.
 The slider or the editable input box will let you set the power level (speed)
[0-100%]. Either slide the marker on the bar or type in your power level.
 Using the Duration pull-down menu, you can set the motors to run for an
unlimited interval or for a set number of seconds, rotations [default] or degrees.
By choosing Time, Rotation or Degrees you can control how far your robot will
travel.
 Choose whether the motors will brake or coast after they’ve finished their action.
If you want your robot to stop precisely at an exact location, set the motors to
brake. Setting your motors to brake will also keep your robot from slowly rolling
backwards on a slope but the setting will wear out the NXT’s batteries quicker
because the motors are doing work to keep the robot in place.
35
Comments
Comments are typewritten notes or directions left by the
programmer but they do not change the way the robot
behaves in any way. Comments are very important to the
programmer’s ability to remember what a certain piece of
code does, or so other programmers can understand
what is being attempted in the program.
 To use the Pointer Tool, double click
anywhere on the grey programming workspace
where you want the comment added.
 To use the Comment Tool,
single click on the workspace.
 Type the important information
you want noted for that area. 36
View Robot Educator Activities #3 & #4
HANDS-ON ACTIVITY SET #1

Program your robot to drive forward
 Use the “Move Block” and “Configuration Panel skills you just learned about to
make your robot drive forward exactly 25cm/10” and then stop. Record the number
of rotation/degrees needed.
 Shake a single dice to find out how many spaces your robot must move (lines are
spaced every 25cm/10”).
 Using your previous testing of distance traveled, accurately calculate the number of
degrees/rotations the motors must spin in order to travel the required distance.
 Modify your program for the required amount of travel and save it with a new name.
 Download the new program onto your robot in order to test your calculations.
 Set your robot just behind the starting line and place the LEGO minifig onto the
appropriate line based on the roll of your dice.
 Run the program on your robot and watch to see if you were successful. If your
robot stops more than 12mm (1/2”) from the minifig character or of the robot
touches any part of the minifig, you must evaluate what you must change, modify
your program as necessary, and retest the robot until you are successful.
 After the instructor verifies a successful test run, repeat steps 2 through 7
until you have successfully completed all 6 distances.
37
Point Turns Using “Move” Block
A “Point Turn” (sometimes also called a skid or spin turn)
is very useful for making the robot turn quickly in a small
amount of space. It sits in one location and spins as it turns.
 If you’re using two motors to drive a
vehicle (with one on each side), and you
want to use a Move Block, the Steering
slider will appear with the chosen port
letters indicated at each side.
 Move the slider to set a curved
path for your robot. With the
slider all the way to either side,
your vehicle will spin in place. View Robot Educator Activity #7
38
Swing Turns Using “Move” Block
A “Swing Turn” is very useful for making the robot
turn around an object without bumping it with only
one wheel moving and the other wheel stopped.
 If you’re using two motors to drive a vehicle
(with one on each side), and you want to use
a Move Block, move the slider 1 notch from
either end of the Steering slider bar. Your
vehicle will spin with one wheel stopped and
the other going forward or backwards.
 To slow down your robot so it
does not skid, slow down the
wheel by adjusting the Power
setting to a lower number. View Move & Turn video
39
Curve Turns Using “Move” Block
A “Curve Turn” is very useful for making the robot turn
at the same time it continues to drive forward or
backwards using both wheels going the same direction.
 If you’re using two motors to drive a
vehicle (with one on each side), and you
want to use a Move Block, move the slider
to any location except the last 2 notches.
 The closer the slider is to the
ends, the sharper the robot will
turn to the left or right. Exactly
in the center will make the robot
drive perfectly straight again. View Robot Educator Activity #6
Caution: It is very difficult to fine-tune your robot’s turns using the slider bar! 40
Program your robot to make 3
different turns using the “Move” block
 Use the Move Block and Configuration Panel to make your robot
make a “Point Turn” to the right exactly 3 wheel rotations
(1080 degrees) and then stop. Make sure you include “comments”
in your program. Save your program with the name “pointRx3”.
Download it onto your robot and test it.
 Modify that program to make the robot do a “Swing Turn” to the
left for 3 wheel rotations and then stop. Save that program as
“swingLx3”. Download it onto your robot and test it.
 Make another program so the robot will make a “Curve Turn” to
the right for 3 wheel rotations, then stop. Save that program as
“curveRx3”. Download to your robot & test it. Compare the turns.
 Create a new program that uses one style of turn to drive in a
“Figure Eight” around two obstacles.
 BONUS ACTIVITY: Navigate the course using all 3 styles of turns
View Robot Educator Activities #6 & #7 41
“Motor” Block
The Motor block allows for precise control
of one motor’s speed. You can “ramp up” to a
set speed or “ramp down” to a stop. By
deselecting “Wait for Completion,” your
program can move on to the next block once
the Motor block has started a motor.
1. The letter at the top right corner of the block shows which
NXT port is set to control this particular motor.
2. This icon shows which direction the motor will go.
3. This icon shows the power level.
4. This icon shows whether you have set the Duration property
to unlimited, degrees, rotations, seconds, or stopped.
5. You can change many of the values dynamically by connecting
data wires to this block’s data hub. This will de discussed later
in the booklet.
42
Configuring the “Motor” Block
1) Select the motor to control.
2) Choose whether the motor
should go “forwards”, .
“backwards”, or “stop”.
1) You can precisely control the acceleration of the motor by selecting “Ramp
Up” or “Ramp Down.” A motor set to “Constant” will reach full power
immediately and will stop quickly.
2) The slider and the editable input box will let you set the power level (speed)
[0-100%]. Either slide the marker on the bar or type in your desired power.
3) Select this checkbox if you’d like to turn on power control to attempt to
compensate for any resistance or slippage that the motor encounters to
maintain the same rotation amount per second.
4) Using the Duration pull-down menu, set the motor to run for an unlimited
interval or for a set number of rotations, degrees, or seconds.
5) With “Wait for completion” selected, the motor will finish its action
completely before allowing the program to move on. If you de-select “Wait
for completion,” other blocks in the program can proceed while your motor
completes its action.
6) Choose whether the motor will brake or coast after finishing its action.
43
Forward & Reverse using “Motor” Block
If you use Motor blocks in your programming instead of
Move blocks, you will often have many more options on
how to control the behavior of the motors.
 A motor block will only control
one output port, so you will
need a Motor block for each
motor that will be moving
(2 wheel drive= 2 motor blocks)
 You can start 2 or 3 motors simultaneously, if they are wired in
sequence along the beam and the Duration time is set to Infinite.
 Use a Wait For block to control how long you want the motor(s)
to do the desired action.
 Use more Motor blocks with other commands (stop, change
direction, etc) to begin the next set of actions. 44
Swing Turn using “Motor” Blocks
Swing turns are very easy to create and fine-tune the
robot performance if they are created using a series of
Motor blocks and Wait For blocks.
 Because a swing turn only has
one motor running at a time, it is
very easy to program it with a
Motor block.
 To make the robot turn to the
left, turn on the motor on the
right side of the robot.
 Use a Wait For block to control how long you want the motor(s)
to do the desired action.
Point Turn using “Motor” Blocks
Point turns will allow your robot to spin quickly in either
direction. Because the robot moves so quickly, I suggest that
you slow down the motors to keep wheels from slipping.
 Point turns are sometimes called
spin turns because the wheels are
running at the same speed but in
opposite directions.
 To make the robot spin to the left, set the motor on the right side
of the robot to run forward and the left side motor to run in
reverse.
 Use a Wait For block to control how long you want the motors
to do the desired action. (you will only need to wait for one
motor if using rotations or degrees)
direction, etc) to begin the next set of actions.
46
Curve Turn using “Motor” Blocks
Curve turns will allow your robot to drive forward or
backwards while turning at the same time. Using Motor Blocks
is the most accurate way to create curve turns that you can
accurately adjust later.
 Curve turns are usually the fastest
method of allowing the robot to
move a new spot if it cannot
drive in a straight line.
 To make the robot spin to the left, set the motor on the right side
of the robot to run forward at a higher power level. The larger
the difference in power levels are, the sharper the robot will turn.
 Use a Wait For block to control how long you want the motors
to do the desired action. (you will only need to wait for one
motor if using rotations or degrees)
Selecting & Moving Blocks Around
Sometimes it is very helpful to move blocks around on the
workspace. If a block was created correctly, it can easily be
moved to a different part of the sequence beam.
 Click on the block that you want moved so a blue
border appears around it.
 You can also select multiple blocks
together by clicking and dragging a box
around all of them together.
 While the block(s) are still outlined with blue, drag them
to the location where you want them. The other blocks
will automatically move to open up space to add them.
 Click to drop the blocks in the new location.
 If they become greyed out, reselect them, wiggle them around a bit
and then place them back to reconnect to the sequence beam. 48
Rewiring Long Sequence Beams
Sequence beams sometimes need to be routed into odd
paths, especially when the programs get very long with
many blocks strung together.
 Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate left, right, up, or down to
determine which blocks you want to move.
 Click & drag to create a window of blocks
you want to move.
 Drag the selected blocks to the location you
would like them, then click to drop them in
the new spot.
 To reconnect the moved blocks to the
sequence beam, hold the “shift” key while
clicking from the end sequence beam hub to
the beginning hub of the moved blocks.
 Re-select any greyed out blocks, wiggle them around the screen a bit, and
when they are placed back in the correct location, they will be connected. 49
“Wait For” Block
 The Wait For block lets your robot sense its
environment for a certain condition before it
continues. Use the slider or type in a value to set a
trigger point (threshold) so that the program continues
when sensor values are below or above that level.
 The number or letter at the top right
corner of the Wait block shows the
port the block is monitoring. The
configuration panel will let you
change ports if necessary.
 If you have chosen to wait for a light, sound, or ultrasonic sensor,
this icon indicates at what level the trigger point (threshold) is set;
the more colored bars displayed, the higher the trigger point. If you
have chosen to wait for a touch sensor, the icon will display the
touch sensor condition (bumped, pressed, or released) that will
trigger the block and allow the program to move on.
50
“Wait For” Block Options View the Wait For movie (2:29)
There are many options for how to turn

on and off motors in your program:
Wait For Light Sensor (Waits for light reading to get above or below the #)
Wait For Rotation Sensor (Waits for motor to rotate)
Wait For Touch Sensor (Waits for sensor to be pressed, released, bumped)
Wait For Sound Sensor (Waits for sound to get above or below the #
Wait For Ultrasonic Sensor (Waits for distance to get above or below)
Wait For NXT Buttons (Waits for orange or grey NXT buttons)
Wait For Receive Message (Used with Bluetooth messages)
Wait For *RCX sensors (Light*, Rotation*, Temperature*, Touch*)
Wait For Time/Timer (Waits for time in seconds)
51
Sensor Blocks (yellow)
Using a Sensor block is most commonly
used to read or reset rotations for the motors.
 Choose which port you would like the block to monitor (A, B, or C).
 Choose either to read a rotation sensor's current value or to reset a sensor's
value back to zero (resetting is required for multi-step programming chains using Motor Blocks).
 Set the direction you want to monitor using the radio buttons: forwards or
backwards.
 It is important to make sure that you choose the right direction or the block
may never be able to count to your set trigger value.
 Use the pull-down menu to set whether the block should count the number of
rotations or degrees (using degrees is more accurate for detailed measurements)
 Type the trigger value into the input box and use the pull-down menu to
specify whether you want the “true” region to be greater than or less than the
trigger value.
 The feedback box will show the current count in full rotations or degrees. Push
the reset button to clear the count and start from zero.
 The feedback value will be displayed in black-colored text for rotations or
degrees in the forward (positive) direction; it will be in red-colored text
rotations or degrees in the backward (negative) direction. 52
Program your robot to drive using the
“Motor” & “Wait For” blocks
 Use Motor blocks and Wait For blocks to make your robot drive
forward exactly 2 rotations (720 degrees) and then stop. Make sure
you include “comments” in your program. Save your program with
the name “forwardX2”. Download it onto your robot and test it.
 Modify that program to make the robot do a “Point Turn” to the
left and then stop. Save that program as “pointL”. Download it
onto your robot and test it to see if the robot turns exactly 90
degrees. Continue to modify & save the program until it makes a
perfect right turn. (hint: four 90 degree turns equals 360 degrees)
 BONUS ACTIVITY: combine the programs to make the robot
drive in a clockwise square and then drive backwards in a square.
Hint: use the “copy” and “paste” commands to speed up the process
53
Sound Block
 You can use the Sound block to play a pre-recorded sound file
or a single tone using one Sound block.
 To compose a melody of tones, arrange several sound blocks in
a row with each set to play different tones.
 If you select “Wait for completion” in the configuration panel,
the sound file or tone will finish playing before the program
moves on to the next block. With this item unchecked, the
sound file or tone will continue to play while the next block on
the sequence beam of your program proceeds.
 Choosing “Repeat” will cause a sound file to play again & again.
1. This icon shows whether the block will
play a sound file or a tone.
2. This icon shows whether the block will
start or stop playing a sound.
3. This icon shows the block’s volume. An
icon with four orange bars is set to the
loudest volume.
Caution: using sound blocks, especially sound files, will quickly use up NXT memory space 54
Loop Block
 Use this block to repeat sequences of code. Set the condition
that will end the loop: elapsed time, the number of repetitions, a
logic signal or a sensor. You can also set a loop to go on forever.
 If a Loop block is placed
on the sequence beam, a
short section of the beam
will appear inside the Loop block;
programming blocks dragged on top
of this portion of the sequence beam
will snap to it. View the Loops video (2:41)
 Any new blocks dragged inside a loop that already contains

programming blocks will cause the frame to expand sideways so
the new blocks will fit inside the loop. This will make room for
the new blocks to snap to the sequence beam automatically. 55
Program your robot to avoid obstacles
using the touch sensor View movie describing the activity
 Add the touch sensor bumper attachment to the front of your
robot. (Robot Educator Activity 18 has one suggested bumper
design that you may want to build if you don’t have one made).
 Create a program called “BumpDetect” using the Motor, Loop,
and Switch blocks.
 Program your robot to travel forward until it runs into an
obstacle and then immediately stop and make a sound.
 BONUS ACTIVITY: Add motor blocks to have the robot make
a small reverse swing turn, and then continue with the first
driving action again. Make the entire program loop for 30
seconds and then stop.
Hint: most of your program will need to be within the loop block, but you should configure the
loop to wait for 30 seconds, then make the wheel motors stop when the 30 seconds is done,
otherwise your robot will continue to loop forever. View Robot Educator Activities #17
56
Switch Block
 Use the Switch block to choose between two sequences of code. For example,
when configured with a touch sensor, the switch block might run one series of
blocks when the sensor is pressed and another when the touch sensor is not.
 Add blocks by dragging them over the empty spaces within the Switch block’s
surrounding frame. The Switch block’s interior will expand so the block can fit
and snap into place. If there are already blocks within the frame, drag any
additional blocks over the desired connection point on the sequence beam and the
adjacent blocks will shift sideways allowing the new blocks to snap into place.
 The example indicates the status of
the touch sensor will cause the block
to choose between the two rows of programming blocks.
●
The upper blocks will run if the touch sensor is pressed, so the
motor will run forward.
●
The lower block will run if the touch sensor is not being
pressed, so the motor will run backwards. View Switch Block video (4:30)
 By de-selecting the “Display Flat View” checkbox, the Switch block will use a
tabbed interface to show the alternative sequences of programming blocks. By
clicking on a tab, you will be able to view and edit the blocks and see which
condition will cause those particular blocks to run. 57
Sensor Threshold
A threshold is a “cutoff” or dividing line between two regions.
 One common use for thresholds is to divide the hundreds of
possible sensor readings from a sensor (a Light Sensor can give a
value anywhere from 0-100, for example) into two manageable
categories.
 For the Light Sensor, this would mean setting a threshold value
somewhere between 0 and 100, then declaring that all values
above the threshold are now “light” while all values below the
threshold are now “dark.”
 A light sensor reading can then be easily categorized and handled
appropriately.
 The threshold value can be chosen in any
way desired, but it is conventional to
choose a value exactly halfway between
two known extremes (e.g. halfway between
a very dark surface and a very light one). View Thresholds explanation movie
58
Calculating & Setting Thresholds
A threshold number must be set in the
configuration panel for the following sensors:
●
Light Sensor
●
Ultrasonic Sensor
●
Sound Sensor
1. Record the maximum reading from the sensor on your robot
(sound, light, distance, etc).
2. Record the minimum reading from the sensor.
3. Threshold numbers are usually placed around midway between
the maximum and minimum readings of the sensor, so
calculating the average (mean) is the typical method.
4. Enter that calculated threshold number into the configuration
panel as needed for the sensor. (the software will only accept whole numbers)
59
View Mode on NXT
If you want to see exactly what a sensor is reading on your
NXT, you may use the “View” mode on the NXT brick
and the sensor you want information from. View movie about Light sensor View Mode
 Make sure the sensor is hooked up to your NXT

and navigate to the main menu on your robot.
 Press the light grey buttons to get to “View”.
 Press the orange button to select the “View” mode.
 Use the light grey arrows to navigate to the type of sensor you
want to get a reading from (rotation, degrees, reflected light, etc).
 Press the orange button to select that sensor type.
 Check the wiring of your robot & sensor, then use the light grey
arrows to select the correct port number.
 When you press the orange button to select that port, the NXT
screen will immediately start to display the sensor reading.
 Press the dark grey button to return to the main menu when you
are done. 60
Line Tracking using Light Sensor
The robot can use a light sensor to follow View Line Tracking explanation
the edge of a dark/light line. The must be

programmed to continuously turn
towards the edge of the line.
1. Use the “View” mode on the NXT to calculate the threshold
level between the light & dark sensor readings.
2. Add a “Switch Block” to the program and set the configuration
panel to your calculated threshold number.
3. Add programming blocks to the “dark” side of the Switch Block
so the robot will turn towards the light colored surface.
4. Add programming blocks to the “light” side of the Switch Block
so the robot will turn towards the dark colored surface.
5. Place all of these programming blocks inside a “Loop Block”.
61
Program your robot to follow the edge of
a black line using Loop & Switch Blocks
 Use the View mode to test the sensor readings for a black and
white table surface. (approximately 1/4” above table is usually the
best height for mounting a light sensor).
 Calculate the threshold level you will need to use for your robot
 Create a program called “LineTracker” using Motor, Loop, and
Switch blocks to travel exactly 10 rotations, then stop the motors.
 BONUS ACTIVITY: make modifications to your turns to find out
how quickly your robot can follow the line without getting lost.
There are several different ways to make the robot quicker and
more accurate by modifying how it makes its turns using swing or
curve turns of varying power levels of the motors.
Hint: you may need to start out making slow & tight forward turns until you find
out how your robot reacts to the curves and thickness of the black line.
View Robot Educator Activities #17
62
Parallel Sequence Beams View Yocum Tasks video
You can use the starting point to create additional sequence beams
that will allow your program to run simultaneous tasks. For example,
you might have the main sequence beam in
your program controlling a robot’s forward
motion but have a second sequence beam
controlling a robotic arm on the robot.
 To create a parallel sequence beam, move the mouse pointer
over the starting point (or over the wire stub), then press and
hold your mouse button while you move the mouse upwards or
downwards. This will draw out a sequence beam that can be
connected to programming blocks. When you download and run
the program, the blocks on both sequence beams will run in
parallel. You can use data wires to have the blocks on both
sequence beams communicate with each other.
 You can also start a new sequence beam later in your program
(i.e., not from the starting point). Do this by holding down the
Shift key and moving your mouse pointer straight up or down
from a position on the main sequence beam. 63
Display Block
 Use this block to display an image, display text, or draw
a shape on the NXT’s display screen.
 The screen measures 100 pixels wide by 64 pixels high.
1. This icon shows whether the block is set to
display an image, some text, or a drawing; or
whether it will just reset the display to the
default icon.
2. You can control the Display block dynamically
by connecting data wires (from other blocks’
data hubs) to the Display block’s data hub.
3. Information can be displayed on various
sections of the LCD screen by using settings
located in the configuration panel.
Caution: using display blocks can quickly use up NXT memory space 64
Display Block Settings
Configuring the Display Block:
1. Use the pull-down menu to choose whether you want to display an image, some text, or your
own drawing. You can also select that you just want to reset the display.
2. To erase the contents of the NXT’s screen, check the “Clear” checkbox.
If you choose to display an image, you’ll be able to set the following
additional properties:
3. The File property will you let select the image to display.
Click on each name to see a preview.
4. Use your mouse to move an image, some text, or a
drawing around the preview screen to position it. The X and
Y input boxes let you precisely position the image.
If you choose to display some text, you’ll be able to set the following
additional properties:
5. The Text property will allow you to enter the text to be
displayed on screen.
6. Use the pull-down menu to choose the line number that
you would like your text displayed on or use the X and Y
input boxes to set a precise starting location for the text.
Typing zeros into both boxes will start the text at the bottom
edge of the screen against the left edge.
7. For Drawing Actions: the Type property will allow you
to select between drawing a dot, a line or a circle.
View the Display Blocks video (2:49) 65
NXT Buttons Block
If you choose “NXT” Buttons within a “Wait For block,” the
program will wait for a chosen NXT buttons to be bumped,
pressed, or released before moving on.
If you select “NXT Buttons” within the “Sensor” block, you
can select which NXT button will send out a “true” signal when
activated. The block’s data hub will automatically open when the
block is placed on the sequence beam. You will need to drag a
data wire from the NXT Buttons block to another block that can
accept a logic (true/false) signal.
The configuration panel must be set using these options:
 Select which NXT button will send out a “true” signal when activated and
cause the program to move on.
 Choose “Pressed” if you want the chosen button to be activated at the
instant the button is pressed in.
 Choose “Released” if you want the chosen button to be activated at the
instant the button is released.
 Choose “Bumped” if you want the chosen button to be activated after
66
the button is both pressed then released.
Sensor Feedback Box from NXT
The feedback boxes on the bottom left View the Viewing Sensors video (7:39)
corner of the software window will count

how many degrees or full rotations your motors
turn as you manually move them if your robot is
communicating with your computer
 To receive feedback, make sure that the motors are connected to
the chosen ports and that communication has been established
with the NXT either with USB cable or Bluetooth.
 Click on a Move, Motor, or rotation Sensor block in the program
 Click the reset button to return the values to zero.
 Manually move the motor and the computer will display real-time
count on the number of degrees the motor rotates.
 Black numbers indicate forward rotations. Red numbers indicate
reverse rotations. 67
Using Multiple Sensors
(Cascading Switch Blocks)
View the Cascading Switches video (3:19)
By placing Switch blocks inside other SwitchCan you predict the robot behaviors?
blocks, the program can be written with
multiple “If-Then” choices.
 Place a Switch block into the program to
determine the first sensor decision.
 Place a new switch block inside the first Switch
block to make the second decision.
Flat View
 By de-selecting the “Display Flat View”
checkbox, the Switch block will use a series of
tabs on the interface to show the alternative
sequences of programming blocks. Click on a
tab to view and edit the blocks and see what
blocks will run under that sensor condition.
Tab View
68
Opening Data Hubs
& Creating Data Wires
 Open a block’s data hub by clicking the tab at the lower left edge of the block
after it has been placed on the work area.
 Note: Sometimes data hubs will not open completely, leaving some plugs
hidden. Reveal all of a data hub’s plugs by clicking again on the tab area. You
can also close a data hub (or hide any unused plugs not connected to data wires)
by clicking the tab area.
 The cursor will change shape when it hovers over or is near a data plug. If you
then press the mouse button and drag to the right, a data wire will “unroll” that
can then be connected to a plug on another block’s data hub
 Data wires carrying input information to a block are
connected to the plugs on the left side of its data hub. Data
wires carrying output information away from a block to
another block are connected to the plugs on the right side.
 Each data wire carries a specific type of data between
blocks. For example, if a data wire is dragged from a logic
plug on a block’s data hub, it can only be connected to a
logic plug on another block’s data hub. Data wires are View Data Hubs video (4:46)
69
identified with specific colors as shown in this diagram:
Number To Text Block
This block will take a number (like a reading from
a sensor) and turn it into text that can be displayed on
the NXT’s screen. The input number can be typed in
or supplied dynamically by a data wire.
 Text is a group of characters of any length that you type in using your
keyboard. Text is important because it can be displayed on the NXT’s screen.
 The numbers (data) generated by the NXT as it runs your program are not
text; they can’t be displayed directly on the NXT’s screen. You must first
convert them to text using a Number To Text block from the “Advanced”
commands in the “Complete” pallet.
 The Number To Text block’s input number can be typed in or supplied
dynamically by a data wire. The output text can only be sent out using a data
wire. See the Data Hub section on page 64 for more information.
 When you convert a number into text, you can add it to a sentence that will
be displayed on your NXT’s screen. By using a different block called a Text
block, you can create sentences such as: “The motor turned 6 times” or “The
light sensor reading is 35%” that can be displayed on the NXT’s screen. In
these sentences, the numbers 6 and 35 were generated by the NXT (and not
typed in). Those numbers (data from the NXT) had to be processed by a
Number To Text block before being added to the other pieces of text. 70
Variables Block
View the Variables movie (7:02)
Think of a variable as a place to store a

value in the NXT’s built-in memory. Other
programming blocks can read the variable’s
current value (and even change it) by
connecting to the block with data wires.
Creating a Variable
 To create a variable, you must first choose the Define Variable command in
the Edit menu of the software. In the dialog window, give your new variable a
short, easy-to-understand name and set the type of data that the variable will
hold (i.e., text, number, or logic).
 Then drag a Variable block into your program and select the variable’s name
from the list.
 Choose to either “read” from or “write” to the variable. Choosing to write to
a variable will let you change the variable’s value over time by overwriting its
current value with new information. To do this, you must wire an input data
wire to the block’s data hub that will deliver the new information.
 You can give the variable a starting constant value by typing in the input box
(or by using the radio buttons if your variable’s data type is set to logic). 71
Types of Variables
 Variable (programming): A “container” for a value. The
programmer may choose to store a value (perhaps a sensor
reading) in the variable, and use it in a later operation (display it
to the screen at the end of the program, for instance). The
programmer may also choose to perform mathematical
operations on the stored value, such as adding 1 to it by adding a
Math Block.
 Variable (experimental): A factor that is either manipulated or

measured during the course of an experiment. Also called
Independent Variable or Dependent Variable.
 Variable (mathematics): A stand-in for a not-yet-known value

in a mathematical equation. Once a variable’s value has been
found, the value can be substituted anywhere in place of the
variable.
72
Math Block
A Math block performs simple arithmetic operations like addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division.
 A Math block dropped into the work area will have an open data hub with
two input plugs (on the left) and three output plugs (on the right). The input
numbers for the arithmetic equation can be typed in or supplied dynamically
by data wires.
 Output from the equation will be delivered from the bottom output plug on
the right side; connect this plug using a data wire to another block’s data hub.
The two output plugs opposite the input plugs allow you to pass the input
numbers on to other blocks if this is necessary.
 Input values can be typed in or supplied dynamically by data wires. The input
boxes will be grayed out when data wires are connected.
 The pull-down menu will let you choose from four arithmetic operations you
can perform:
●
Addition (+) [default]
●
Subtraction (-)
●
Multiplication (x)
●
Division (/)
73
Logic Commands
 This block performs a logical operation on its inputs and sends out the true/false
answer by a data wire. The inputs (which must also be “true” or “false”) can be
set using the radio buttons or supplied dynamically from data wires.
 The Logic block uses only two possible values: “true” or “false,” for both input
and output. These values are often written as the numbers “1” or “0” where any
true statement is written as a 1; any false statement is written as a 0.
 The four logical operations that this block can perform allow you to perform a
series of comparisons. The details of these operations (And, Or, Xor, and Not)
are described below.
 With the “And” operation, if your two input values are both “true,” then the
output is also equal to “true”; in all other cases the output will be “false.”
 With the “And” operation, if your two input values are both “true,” then the
output is also equal to “true”; in all other cases the output will be “false.”
 With the “Xor” operation, if either one of your two input values is “true,”
but not both, then the output is equal to “true.”
 The “Not” operation is sometimes called an “inverter.” This operation has
only one input value. If this input value is “true,” the output is equal to
“false”; if the input value is “false,” the output is equal to “true.” It just flips
the input value.
74
Reset Motors Block
 The interactive servo motors have an
automatic error correction mechanism
that helps your robot move very precisely.
However, there may be times when you
want to turn this feature off. The Reset
Motor block will let you do this.
 If you set the Next Action parameter to Brake between
Move blocks, your robot will move more precisely over
each step. However, your robot will not drive
continuously unless you set the motors to “coast”.
 Errors build up when you use Coast as the Next Action
because of the momentum of the robot.
Tip: When you use the “Stop” command for the Motor or
Move blocks, the rotations are reset automatically.
75
Calibrate Sensors Function
View Yocum Light Sensor video
 First make sure that your NXT is connected to your computer and that it is
turned on. Also, make sure that the sensors you want to calibrate are connected
to the NXT. Pay particular attention to the ports they are connected to.
 When you are ready, select the Calibrate Sensors function from the Tools menu.
The Calibrate Sensors dialog box will appear. If no NXT is connected to your
computer, the dialog box will appear grayed out.
 Select the light sensor and the port the sensor is connected to. Then click the
Calibrate button. This will download a small program to the NXT and run it
automatically.
 On the NXT’s screen you will see text that reads “Min Value:”. Point the light
sensor towards a material or spot that represents what the light sensor should
measure as dark. Press the orange Enter button on the NXT.
 Next you will see text that reads “Max Value:”. Point the light sensor towards a
material or spot that represents the brightest location the sensor will encounter
during the program. Press the orange Enter button again. Calibration is
complete.
Note: The calibration will work for the specific sensor no matter which port you
connect it to after completing the calibration process. If you calibrate the light
sensor on port 3, the calibration will still remain in effect if you later connect the
light sensor to port 4.
76
Calibrate Sensor Blocks
 Use this block to calibrate the minimum (0%)
and maximum (100%) values detected by a
sound or light sensor.
 You will need two Calibration blocks to fully
calibrate a sound or light sensor: one to set the
minimum value for the sensor and another to
set the maximum value.
 One way to fully calibrate a sound or light sensor is to set up two
Calibration blocks at the beginning of your program with a Wait
block (set to wait for a Touch sensor) positioned after each one.
If your are calibrating a light sensor, for example, and you set the
first Calibration block to calibrate the minimum value and the
second Calibration block to calibrate the maximum value, the
calibration procedure would happen like this:
1. Place your robot in the darkest/quietest place it will encounter during its
program and press the touch sensor. This will calibrate the minimum value.
2. Then place your robot in the lightest/noisiest place it will encounter during its
program and press the touch sensor. This will calibrate the sensor’s maximum
value and your robot will continue on with its program. 77
Data Logging
Configuring a Start Data Hub or Experiment
You can use this block to let your NXT collect data from sensors
and save it to a file on the NXT. The Experiment Configuration
panel is configured in the same manner and is used to create
a new experiment or modify an existing one.
1) Use the input box to name a log. The default
name is myData
2) Select the duration of the experiment in
Seconds or Minutes and enter the value
in the text field to the left. Select Unlimited
to run the experiment indefinitely until it is stopped by a Stop Data Logging Block, or
choose Single Measurement to take only one measurement.
3) Select the rate at which samples will be taken in Samples per Second or Seconds between
Samples and use the editable input box to the left to set the number.
4) With "Wait for Completion" selected (default), the Start Datalog block will finish its
action completely before allowing the program to move on. If you de-select "Wait for
Completion," other blocks in the program can proceed while your Start Datalog block
completes its action.
5) Using the sensor pull-down menu, select the sensor(s) that you want to use.
6) Using the Port drop-down menu, select the port on the NXT the sensor is connected to.
7) Choose the measurement unit by clicking on the icon and toggling between the options
for each sensor. 78
Data Logging
Configuring a Stop Data Hub
This block stops a Start Data Logging block
that had been previously set to unlimited.
●
Use the drop-down menu to choose
the name on the Start Data Logging
block you would like to stop.
●
You can control the Stop Data Logging Block
dynamically by connecting data wires (from other
block’s data hubs) to the Stop Data Logging block’s
data hub.
●
You can open a block's data hub by clicking the tab
at the lower left edge of the block after it has been
placed on the work area.
79
Data Controller
The Data Logging Controller is the interface between the
Data Logging program and the NXT. The Controller allows
you to open the NXT Window, download and transfer log
files from the NXT, download and run experiments and stop
active experiments.
The Controller is inactive until you move or “hover” your mouse cursor over it, changing it
from a small grey form to a larger, fully interactive version. You can do five things with the
Data Logging Controller:
●
NXT Window: Opens the NXT Window, allowing you to connect your computer to the NXT, view
important information about your NXT, and manage NXT files. If your NXT memory becomes full while
data logging, you can delete log files in the Memory tab.
●
Download to NXT: Downloads a program to the NXT, allowing you to use the NXT remotely to run
experiments and log data for Upload to the Data Logging program.
●
Download and run: Downloads and runs the selected experiment.
●
Stop: Allows you to stop an experiment that is currently being run on the NXT.
●
Upload: This allows you to move data logging files from your NXT to your computer. The log files on the
NXT can originate from data logging experiments and from any data logging programs on the NXT. You
can run experiments and log data remotely, and then connect the NXT to the computer when you are
finished. 80
Data Logging
Accessing log files on the NXT
A Start Data Logging block creates a log file on the NXT.
●
To access the log file, open the NXT Window, click on the file category “Other”
on the list to the left, select the log file you would like to upload from the list, then
click on Upload. Then select the location on your computer where you would like
to copy your log files to.
●
Once your log files are copied to your
computer, they can be opened using a
text editor or spreadsheet program.
●
You can have multiple Start Data
Logging blocks create different log files.
The Name on the block
identifies a specific log file on the NXT. If the same name is used in more than .
. one block, the data will be written to the same log file. If different names are used
. for the Start Data Logging blocks, different log files will be created.
81
Data Logging with Color Sensor
Devise a method to use Data Logging to evaluate the
effectiveness of using a LEGO color sensor to differentiate
different colors (this can also be done with a light sensor).
 Use a separate piece of paper to formulate a Data Logging experiment that will
test whether 2 specific colors will have enough contrast for your robot to
differentiate between them using the LEGO light sensor.
 Have your experiment approved by your instructor.
 Use the chart below to predict whether 2 particular colors will have
“High”, “Moderate”, or “Low” contrast with each other.
 Write your experiment into a working program and test it with your robot.
 BONUS ACTIVITY: Program your robot to utilize your collected data to
navigate through an obstacle course using your color sensor data.
Hint: you may need to slow the driving speed of your robot for it to collect quality data points for your
specific color samples.
82
Creating a “My Block” (subroutine)
A “My Block” (often called a subroutine) is used to help
save NXT memory space by putting commonly repeated
robot actions into a custom file that
can be reused multiple times.
• Click and drag to highlight the
code sections that you want to
change into a My Block.
• Click the “Create My Block” button
on the toolbar at top of the page.

• Type a name for your new My Block.
• You can enter a description of the actions.
• Click “Next” if you want to assemble icons
into a custom design for your new program.
• Click “Finish” to save your my Block.
View Yocum My Blocks video
83
Adding My Blocks to your program
After you have created a My Block, it is saved in the
Custom Pallet where it can be used multiple times in
different programs.
• To add you’re my Block to a program,
begin by opening the “Custom Pallet”
by clicking on the icon with 2 teal
colored bars in bottom left corner.
• The top block in the Custom Pallet is where
your My Block programs can be located.
• Click & drag the My Block that you want
added from the pallet area into your
program.
• NOTE: You can modifying that My Block at
any time by double clicking on it and making
the new changes. However, doing so will
change it in every program that you use it in. 84
My Block with Variables
• My Blocks can be created so they have variables that
can be edited for specific purposes after the My
Block is created.
• Create or open an existing program with a set of
commands that you want to reuse often.
• Change the “Wait For” in the program to be a “Logic”
command and wie it to a new Sensor block.
• Add a Variable block to the program and wire it to the
Logic block trigger point.
• Click and drag to highlight the code sections that you
want to change into a My Block (excluding the variable).
• Click the “Create My Block” button on the toolbar at top
of the page.
• Finish creating the My Block as described on page #77.
• You can access your new program through the “My
Block” menu and reuse it for any of your programs.
• When you place the new My Block into any other
program, it will automatically include the Variable block
that you can edit without making permanent changes to View the My Blocks Advanced video (4:49)
the other My Block commands. 85

Create & Use a My Block for your robot
Open an existing program, or write a new program that will
make your robot perform a perfect 90 degree turn and then
create a new “My Block” of that behavior.
 Create a “My Block” for your turn.
 Create another “My Block” for turning the other direction 90
degrees.
 Create a new program to navigate an obstacle course that uses each
of your new “My Block” behaviors at least twice each.
 Test and refine it until it is 100% successful.
 BONUS ACTIVITY: Create additional “My Blocks” from new or
existing programs.
Hint: If you modify a “My Block”, you must resave the “My Block” and then
redownload any program that uses that “My Block”. Any time you need to modify a
“My Block”, those changes will occur on every program that uses that “My Block”.86
NXT Window
(Getting Information from Your Robot)
 “Memory” tab contains a graphical overview of used and available memory.
 The different file categories (programs, sounds, graphics) that take up the NXT’s
memory. Clicking on a category name will display these types of files in the list.
●
A list of files in the currently selected category.
●
Delete. This button deletes any selected files from the NXT.
●
Download. This button will download files from your PC to the
NXT.
●
Upload. This button will copy any selected files from the NXT to
your PC.
●
Delete all User Files. This button deletes all user files and cleans up
the NXT’s memory.
●
Show System Files. Checking this box will reveal all factory-
installed files on the NXT.
 Each NXT has an available memory of about 130.7 kilobytes. Some of this
memory is used to store example programs, graphics and sound files that are pre-
loaded on the NXT device when you first get it. This leaves about 100 kilobytes
for the files you create and download. 87
Bluetooth Communication
The robot and computer can communicate wirelessly with the use of
Bluetooth technology. If the computer does not have built-in
Bluetooth capabilities, a plug-in USB dongle can be purchased
 The Bluetooth option on the NXT must be turned on before it can
send or receive data wirelessly. Follow these directions on the NXT
●
Turn on the NXT or navigate to the “My Files” menu.
●
Use the light grey arrows to navigate to the Bluetooth icon.
●
Press the orange button to select Bluetooth.
●
Use the light grey arrows to navigate to the “On/Off” icon.
●
Press the orange button & then select “On”.
●
Use the dark grey button to return to the main menu screen.
●
A “B” Bluetooth icon will appear in the top left corner of LCD
 The computer must be set up to recognize the NXT
●
Power up the NXT and open any program file on the computer.
●
Connect the NXT to the computer with the USB cable.
●
Click the “NXT Window” button, and then click the “Memory” tab.
●
Rename the NXT if you are using Bluetooth on more than one NXT.
●
Click the “Scan” button to search for all NXT’s in the Bluetooth range
●
Select the Bluetooth NXT you want and click “Connect”.
●
You will be guided through a series of password steps to finish connection
88
Using NXT Interface to Delete 1 File
Deleting one program file at a time from the NXT
 Turn NXT on by pressing orange button.
 Open the program that you want to delete
(My Files – Software Files – Program Name).
 Press the gray buttons to scroll to the
“Delete” command (trash can) for that program.
 Press the orange button to select that program for deleting.
 The screen will prompt you to make sure you want to
delete that program file. Scroll to the checkmark if you are
sure and then press the orange button.
 If you DO NOT want to delete that file, scroll to the “X”
and press the orange button, and then back out of the
process by pressing the dark gray button several times.
89
Using NXT Interface to Delete files
Deleting all program files from NXT at the same time
 Turn NXT on by pressing orange button.
 Use grey arrow buttons to scroll to the
“Settings” command.
 Press the orange button to enter the
Settings folder.
 Scroll to “Delete Files” command (trash can)
and press the orange button.
 Scroll to “Software Files” and press orange button.
 The screen will prompt you to make sure you want to delete the
Software Files. Scroll to the checkmark if you are sure and then
press the orange button.
 If you DO NOT want to delete those files, scroll to the “X” and
press the orange button, and then back out of the process by
pressing the dark gray button several times.
90
Using NXT Window
Deleting one file at a time
A program must be open on the computer and the robot
must be connected for this method to work.
 Click the “NXT Window” button in the bottom right corner of
the screen.
 Click on the “Memory” tab to view the currently
loaded programs on the NXT.
 Click on the word “Program” under the section
labeled “NXT Memory Usage”.
 Click on the program that you want to delete.
 Click the “Delete” button to immediately remove that
program from the NXT.
 After several seconds, the memory window will update
and show the remaining programs and current memory.
 The files you selected will be deleted from the NXT
(it will remain on your computer if it was saved properly
and can be downloaded again in the future if needed). 91
Using NXT Window
Deleting all files from the robot
A program must be open on the computer and the
robot must be connected for this method to work.
 Click the “NXT Window” button in the bottom right
corner of the screen.
 Click on the “Memory” tab to view the
currently loaded programs on the NXT.
 Click the “Delete All” button.
 A window will pop up to confirm that you do
want to delete all of the program files from
the NXT. Click “OK” to continue.
 After several seconds, the memory window
will update and show no programs
 The files from the NXT will be deleted
(they will remain on your computer and
can be downloaded again if needed). 92
Deleting Profiles from the computer
Old “Profiles” can be removed from each
computer after they are not needed any more
to help conserve hard drive space and help
with file maintenance & organization.
 In the “Edit” menu, select “Manage Profiles”.
 Click on the Profile that you want
to delete (it will also delete all of the
programs within that profile).
 Click “Delete” to immediately
remove that profile. Once you
delete it, it is gone forever!
 Click the “Close” button to finish
the process. 93
Updating Firmware
(Also resets default NXT settings and files)
Occasionally updated Firmware versions (robot communication
language) should be downloaded to each of the NXT bricks.
This will also delete all student created files from the NXT unit
Firmware v1.05 is the most current release for LM-NXT v1.1
 Click on “Tools” and then select “Update NXT Firmware”.
 Click “Check” on Online Updates to see if there is a
newer version of Firmware that you should download
to the computer.
 After the download from the Internet is complete,
select the Firmware version that you want to download
to your NXT and select “Download”.
 During the updating process, the NXT will make
noises, including quiet clicking sounds, until it is
done and makes they typical chime tones. The
screen will say “Download Complete”.
 After the screen reads “Successfully Loaded Firmware”,
94
click the “Close” button to finish the process.
Backing Up & Transferring All Programs
Within a “Profile” From The Computer
It is a good idea to copy all program files (including “My Blocks”) from a
particular profile if you are concerned about keeping a back-up. This same
procedure can be used to transfer all programs from one computer to another.
 Navigate to the location on the hard drive where the NXT software is saving
your programs.
(typically: My Computer > Local Disc C > My Documents> LEGO Creations > MINDSTORMS Projects > Profiles > YOUR PROFILE )
 Create a copy of the profile and then put the copy into the location you want to
save your back-up (flash drive, ext hard drive, CD, etc).
 Those files can then be transferred to a different computer by copying that entire
folder into the same location on the other computer (see file path specifics from
above).
 The files on the new computer can be opened just like they were done on the
original computer.
 Use caution when working on more than 1 computer at a time using the same
profile!
Note: transfers between Windows & Mac computers may require more work to open correctly.
95
Downloading To
Multiple NXTs Simultaneously
 This function allows you to download one or more programs to multiple NXTs. This is
especially useful if you need to load a number of NXTs with the same program(s).
 Before using this function, make sure that all of the programs you would like to
download are open in the software. When you open more than one program at the same
time, the program names appear as tabs along the top of the work area. Also, make sure
your bricks are "available" by pressing Scan in the NXT window. Otherwise they will not
appear in the Download to Multiple NXTs window.
 When the programs that you would like to download are open,
launch the function by choosing “Download to Multiple
NXTs” in the Tools menu. This will open the Download to
Multiple NXTs dialog box.
Downloading to Multiple NXTs
 Choose the NXTs to which you would like to download by clicking in the boxes to the
left of the NXT names. You can select all available NXTs by clicking the Select All
button below the list. Clicking the Deselect All button deselects all of the NXTs.
 Then choose the programs you would like to download by
clicking the boxes to the left of the program names.
 When your selection is complete, click the Download button
below the program list. This begins the download process. 96
Technical Support Help
What to do if problems occur
Soft Reset of NXT (simple unlock)
●
Press the reset button on the backside of the Use a paperclip to
NXT brick for 1-2 seconds. press & hold the
Reset button at the
Hard Reset of NXT (major problems) bottom of this hole
for 15-20 seconds.
●
Press and hold the reset button for 15-20
seconds. The NXT brick will begin to “click”
quietly to indicate that the Firmware has been
removed from the NXT.
●
Download Firmware back onto NXT
LEGO Education Technical Support

 1-866-349-5346 (1-866 FIX LEGO) 97
Open Discussion Time
and
Hands-On Programming
& Problem-Solving
98
Bibliography / Resources
 LEGO Mindstorms Edu NXT (LEGO Education)
http://www.legoeducation.us
 Robotics Engineering v1 (Carnegie Mellon University)
http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/content/lego/curriculum/rev1_index.htm
 NXT Video Trainer (Carnegie Mellon University)

http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/content/lego/curriculum/nvt2_index.htm
 FLL Programming 101 NXT-G (Doug Frevert)

http://www.hightechkids.org/coach-library
 Caitlin Gabel NXT Tutorial v1.16 (Dale Yokum)
http://www.ortop.org/NXT_Tutorial/html/about.html
NXT Robotics Programming Resource rev 5.2
© Copyright 2011 Paul R Keeney No reproduction of this material is allowed without written permission from the author
99
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LEGO Mindstorms NXT

Hands-On Robotics Play: ZOOM FLL Promo video (6:24)

View the images of Storage Trays pdf

Get To Know the LEGO Pieces

You can connect old RCX style sensors or lights

 LEGO temperature sensor

 HiTechnic acceleration sensor

 HiTechnic compass sensor

 HiTechnic color sensor

 HiTechnic IR seeker sensor

 HiTechnic IRLink sensor

 Codatex RFID sensor

 HiTechnic IRReceiver sensor

 HiTechnic NXT angle sensor

 HiTechnic magnetic sensor

 Vernier sensor adapter for NXT

 LogIT NXT sensor adapter

will make their robot work correctly.

This web-based instruction is currently undergoing beta testing

• Press the orange button again to select “Software files”.

HANDS-ON ACTIVITY SET #1

There are many options for how to turn

 Any new blocks dragged inside a loop that already contains

 Make sure the sensor is hooked up to your NXT

the edge of a dark/light line. The must be

corner of the software window will count

Think of a variable as a place to store a

 Variable (experimental): A factor that is either manipulated or

 Variable (mathematics): A stand-in for a not-yet-known value

on the toolbar at top of the page.

the other My Block commands. 85

LEGO Education Technical Support

 NXT Video Trainer (Carnegie Mellon University)

 FLL Programming 101 NXT-G (Doug Frevert)

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