Old School Touch Sensor Multiplexing on the NXT
I find that I am often using this approach for getting more touch sensors on my NXT without using multiple ports. So, for the sake of prosperity, I wanted to keep a record of the setup. If you are have a set of Cybermaster Touch Sensors hanging around, you can multiplex them for use on the NXT. Years ago, these sensors were quite rare, but now they can be readily found on Bricklink for…
Review – Dexter Industries – DI Thermal Series Sensor Roundup (Updated)
I recently had the chance to test out a set of Dexter Industries Thermal Sensors produced for the NXT. For those that are not aware, Dexter Industries has entered the market of producing LEGO Mindstorms NXT-compatible sensors and has come up with some pretty cool ideas such as the dSwitch (allows you to switch in-home devices on/off using the NXT) and some cool new ideas such as solar charging for the NXT as well as…
dSwitch Aquasaurs Temp Monitor
We recently picked up one of those Aquasaurs kits for the kids - which lets you hatch and care for some neat little aquatic fish (or shrimp) that date back to pre-historic times. After reading the instructions we got everything set-up and all was good, until we read the part about the temp of the water needing to remain between 72 - 80F. Problem is, we tend to keep our house around 70ish, and…
DualGrip-NXT Rover
Sometimes I build robots that attempt to solve real world challenges. Other times, robots are built based on random ideas. This robot is a case of solving a LEGO challenge - specifically, with their Technic tracks/treads #575518. At no fault of theirs, these plastic tracks are slippery on many surfaces. Great for carpets, flat areas, dirt (if you dare) - and great for turning as well. However, when you try to climb with them, they…
Fun with PHP, MySQL on Windows 2000 Advanced Server
I recently decided that it is about time to replace my old P4 server in the interest of speed, space and power reductions. Even with a P4, this sever is heavily underused. My choice was a mini-ITX form factor system running the Intel Atom N330 Dual Core processor. Although there is little improvement over CPU speed, I also migrated to an OCZ Indilinx SSD. That's a little background for you. Now, my existing machine is…
Sumovore Sumo Bot & Accessories – For Sale
A very slightly used, never competed Solarbotics Mini Sumovore Kit. When I bought this, I purchased the sumovore kit, the stamp stack microcontroller as well as the brainboard as I thought I needed all of them. I assembled the Sumovore, programmed and tested it and it works fine, but it has been sitting on a shelf for months not getting any use. So, it's time for it to go. I am selling all three items…
Solar Charger Project
At some point I would like to use solar energy to supplement our home power usage. Of course I was not going to jump into a full-out solar power array on my roof and out myself thousands of dollars without fully knowing the risks and potentials of photovoltaic solar power in my area. Instead, I decided on a proof-of-concept project - a small 10Watt 12V solar charger. (more…)
Cleaning Microsoft Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000
So, since I find myself constantly taking things apart because they are broken, needing repair and cleaning, I figured why not post about them on my blog! Surely someone out there will take on the same task at some point in time. That said, here is a DIY cleaning for the Microsoft wireless notebook laser mouse 6000. (more…)
Welcome to my place…
Welcome to my new blog. I was beginning to tire of my old site and found that I needed a better way to manage the content of my projects as I diversify my portfolio of LEGO robotics, electronics work, mods, instructables and other hacks. Over the years I have had many great comments and questions primarily related to my LEGO robots. When I did my Apple MightyMouse mod to my Asus EEE 901 (which I…
BrickSorter
What better way to test a colour sensor then to create a brick sorting robot! After getting my hands on a HiTechnic colour sensor, I first took a stab at creating a robot that could navigate a room and detect colour. There was only one problem, it could not really do what I was hoping for. I was nieve in thinking that I could build this robot and it could detect colours from a distance.…