Mini bot Brain
 

Is the brain for the mini bot really a Nxt brain or is it something else, and also what is the programming language we can use to program the mini robot?

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

The Lego NXT is the brain, and you can use what the FTC team's use which is RobotC to program the robot.

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

Depends on whether you opt to use the NXT. Yes, it is optional. I'm sure you can come up with something using a pair of light switches and/or some limit switches if you wanted to. If you do use the NXT controller, don't forget to disable Bluetooth.

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

As others have mentioned the NXT is the brain, and you can either program in RobotC or in LabView. To program the motors with the NXT and RobotC / Labview, you will need a HiTechnic Motor Controller for TETRIX which cost $80 ($55 if you're in FTC team).

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

Can the NXT handle the shock of hitting the top?

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

Although one of my team members once dropped a NXT to the floor and it still works, I doubt it because the NXT would have to withstand the shock multiple times. Most FTC teams cover their NXT so it that it is visible and protected by metal rather than leaving it exposed.

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

I've been thinking about this lately and have come to the conclusion that you could just wire up the mini bot to always be turning the motors, if that's how you're doing it, and completely get rid of the brain. It would save weight and space. Also being someone who is loaning out mini bots it saves me the worry of what would happen if a NXT brick were to fall from over 10 feet. I don't know about you guys, but I don't think it will be a good result. And to stop what is going to be the immediate next question if I don't answer it now. Yes, you could shield the brain to survive that fall, but again you add weight and space, as well as extra design time that could be used instead for practice.

The only problem I see with this is it would drain the battery during a match, but then again we have light switches we can use so why not turn it on when it hits the pole.

Hitting the top should be fine, but not hitting the bottom from the top

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

I run FIRST FTC 35. It's not the exposure that worries me. It's the acceleration/forces that the brain will be regularly subjected to while riding on the backs of FRC bots. We have had several occurrences of our NXT freezing after a hit during FTC season. I am hesitant to rely on them at this moment.

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

I suspect many mini-bot brains will have 1 bit memory, and the processor will only understand 1 instruction....

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

I see no reason whatsoever to add an NXT.

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

Here's one: Weight = more work needed to reach the top. If power is constant among the minibots, then the one that is lightest will win.

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

so do we need to have a "brain" in the mini bot or can it be simple switch electronics?

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

Brain optional. IIRC, Q&A clarified this already.

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

Adding an NXT would not remove weight.

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

Yeah, funny what you think when you don't see the negative in a statement, hmm? My Bad.

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

You could use some of the rubber tubing and make shock mounts for the NXT.

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

So we dont need a brain to run the minibot?

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

You need a brain to design and build the robot but not to run it...no, you don't need the NXT if you make use of the 2 allowed standard light switches.

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

You are exactly right. All you need is a light switch facing upward on the top of the mini bot to stop it once it hits the top of the pole and one that is pushed when the minibot is "attached" to the pole and ready to go up. Simple circuitry

Re: Mini bot Brain
 

You could use RobotC or LabVIEW depending on your preference. What I can tell you is programming in LabVIEW isn't hard at all. You can download the NXT toolkit here (and you need this!)