Oregon FIRST LEGO League Frequently Asked Questions
(http://ortop.org/Oregon-FLL-FAQ2006.html)

May 22, 2006

By Roger Swanson

Q: I understand that LEGO has introduced a new robotics kit that will be available for the 2006 FLL season. What information is available about it?

A: Yes, LEGO did introduce the new LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. For the 2006 Nano Quest season FLL teams will have the opportunity to choose between using the RCX-based robotics kits or the NXT-based robotics kits. The FLL RCX-based kits will begin shipping to registered teams in June, but the FLL NXT-based kits will not be available for shipping until August. The FLL website. the LEGO Education website, and the LEGO retail website all have more detailed information about this exciting new product.

Q: There seem to be different versions of the NXT-based kits available. Can you explain the differences between them?

A: The following table summarizes the differences between the kits that are available from FLL, LEGO Education, or LEGO retail.

Component
Rechargeable Battery
Yes
Yes
No
Motors with rotation sensors
3
3
3
Touch Sensors
2
2
1
Sound Sensor
1
1
1
Light Sensor
1
1
1
Ultrasonic sensor
1
1
1
Cables for sensors
7
7
7
Converter Cables
3
3
0
NXT Software
Yes
No
Yes
Number of parts
>1000
431
519
Ship date
August
August
July
Cost
$280
$250
$250

Q: What software is available for the NXT-based kits?

A: New software, the LEGO Mindstorms NXT Software, has been developed for the new NXT-based kits. This software is included in the FLL NXT-based kit and the LEGO Mindstorms NXT kit as indicated in the table above. You can also purchase the software separately (P/N W900077, $42).

One final version of RoboLab, RoboLab 2.9, has been announced. This version of RoboLab will allow you to program both the RCX and the NXT. It is not bundled in any kit but must be purchased separately (P/N W900069, $49)

Q: Will the RCX-based robotics kits still be available, and can they be used for the 2006 FLL Nano Quest season?

A: Yes, the RCX-based kits will be available, and the Nano Quest Challenge is being designed by FLL to support both RCX-based and NXT-based kits. Furthermore, FLL anticipates no game-related advantage or disadvantage to using either.

Q: There seem to be three different RCX-based robotics kits that I can use within the FLL program. Can you summarize the main content differences?

A: The main differences in these kits is with the electronic components. The following table summarizes the differences.

Component
 Motors 3 2 2
 Touch Sensors 2 2 2
 Light Sensors 2 1 2
Rotation Sensors 1 0 0
Software Both RIS 2.0 and RoboLab 2.5.4 RIS 2.0 None
Availability June Limited Now
 Cost $260 $200 $199

Q: I have a LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System (RIS) kit. What else do I need to equip a team for the FLL tournament?

A: When you register your team you should order several additional parts: Light Sensor (P/N W779758, $16.50), Rotation/Angle Sensor (P/N W979891, $18.50), and Gear Motor (P/N W775225, $17.50).   You can order these parts from the Lego Education website or when you register with FLL. You will not need the FLL Robot Kit because the parts just mentioned are the key parts from the Robot Kit that are not in the Mindstorms RIS kit.   In addition to these upgrade parts you will need an FLL 2006 Field Setup Kit at $65.00, but this kit can be shared by several teams practicing at a single location. The FLL 2006 Field Setup Kit is only available from FLL and should begin shipping in August.  The instructions for assembling the challenge are included on a CD as part of the kit.

Q: I want to equip a team for the FLL tournament and haven't purchased any robotics kits yet. We'd like to start right away rather than wait for the FLL Robot Kit to be shipped. What do you recommend?

A: FLL is saying that they will start shipping FLL Robot Kits to registered teams in June, but if you still want to get started early, we recommend you start with the LEGO Team Challenge Set, (P/N W979794, $199).  You will also need software, and we would recommend the RoboLab software (P/N W900076, $69). The Team Challenge Set also includes well designed sorting trays and sorting guides.   LEGO Education can also be reached by phone at 800-362-4308. You should consider ordering an additional Gear Motor (P/N W775225, $17.50),  Rotation/Angle Sensor (P/N W979891, $18.50), and a Gear Block (P/N W970646, $10)  at the same time.   These three additional parts will make your Team Challenge Set close to the FLL 2006 Robot Kit.

Q: What other alternatives do I have regarding LEGO robotics kits?

A: Another choice is the LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System (RIS) kit, which is currently on the LEGO website for $199.99, but they seem to be in limited supply. These kits might be found at toy stores and other retail stores, but again they are in short supply. You can phone LEGO at 800-453-4652. You should also order the additional parts described above.

Q: What is the difference between the LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System kit and the LEGO Team Challenge Set?

A: The main difference is the software. The RIS kit comes with Mindstorms software, developed at MIT. When you purchase the Team Challenge Set you will normally purchase Robolab software -- either a single user license or a site license. The Robolab software was developed at Tufts University based on National Instruments' LABView instrument control software package. Both the Mindstorms software and the Robolab software use a drag-and-drop flow charting approach. Your team will not need to learn a traditional programming language. There are many stylistic differences between the two packages but the big difference is that the Robolab software includes eight skill levels that allow your team members to start with the basics and gradually work up to a sophisticated, flexible environment. Another, more minor difference between the RIS and the Team Challenge kit is the latter comes with sorting trays and sorting guides to help your team keep the hundreds of parts organized.

Q: If my team is using an RCX-based robotics kit, which software environment do you recommend we use to prepare our robot for the 2006 Tournament?

A: We recommend the Robolab software. Its built-in skill levels will allow your team to learn the many programming features and concepts gradually, rather than all at once.

Q: If I want to go with Robolab software, is my only option to purchase a Lego Team Challenge Set while we're waiting for the special FLL kits to ship in August?

A: Not necessarily. You have several alternatives:

(1)  Buy a Mindstorms Robotics Invention System kit, set aside the software that comes with it and purchase a single-user copy of the Robolab Software. (P/N W900076, $69.00) and the Robolab Getting Started Teacher's Guide Parts I and II (P/N W900052 and W900053, about $25.00).

(2) Buy the LEGO Team Challenge Set with Software (P/N 990977, $226).  This approach will give you the sorting trays that come with the Team Challenge Set as well as the Robolab software.

(3) Order the 2005 FLL Robot Kit ($260.00) and wait for it to ship in June. This kit includes everything your team will need to design and program their solution to the tournament challenge including the latest version of both the Mindstorms RIS software and the Robolab software. While you're waiting for the your kit to arrive, you could use a simple kit like the Technic Gears Mini Set (P/N W779610, $19.00) and the Technic Gears Teacher Guide (P/N W779620, $7.00). While the Gears Mini Set does not include robotics or programming, it will get your team started thinking about construction techniques and the use of gears.

Q: If I decide to stick with the Mindstorms software, will I regret it later?

A: Probably not. The Mindstorms software has a lot going for it. Once your team learns it, they'll find it quite powerful and flexible. I'm told that in 2000 all FLL teams were restricted to using the Mindstorms software. They were able to develop some very sophisticated solutions with it.

Q: Besides the LEGO kits, what else will I need?

A: You'll need batteries -- see below for details. I also recommend that you consider purchasing an Activity Pack -- see below. You'll also need a special table and lighting to support the FLL Field Setup Kit and provide consistent results. See the field setup section of the FIRST LEGO League website for details.

Q: What are the Activity Packs?

A: Activity Packs are teacher's guides with copy masters that you can use to produce worksheets for your team members. There are several on the LEGO Education website. The Team Challenge Activity Pack (P/N W909790, $34.00) is particularly relevant to the FLL program. It contains a series of creative challenges that will help prepare your team for the tournament challenge.

Q: I'm putting together a budget to equip several teams for the FIRST LEGO League tournament in the fall. What should I budget for batteries?

A: You'll need AA batteries and perhaps 9 volt batteries.

The RCX programmable bricks take 6 AA batteries. They seem to last 6 to 20 hours of running time depending on the load, etc. The LEGO software has a feature that allows you to check the battery level of the RCX. The RCX also shows a low-battery icon when the batteries are almost dead. Some of the RCX bricks take an optional AC adapter, which could reduce or eliminate the need for AA batteries. We haven't purchased the adapter because stringing a cord to the robot would get in the way in most cases.

There are two versions of the intrared transmitter that is used to send the programs from a PC to the RCX: serial and USB.   The main difference between these two transmitters is how they are plugged into a PC.  The serial infrared transmitter takes a 9-volt battery while the USB version of the transmitter does not require a battery.   (Mindstorms Robotics Inventions System 2.0 comes with the USB version of the transmitter.)  The 9-volt batteries seem to last a month or more. They sometimes seem to fail early but it's usually a problem with extra infrared in the room rather than the batteries. The extra infrared is either from sunlight, a warm lamp nearby, or most likely other transmitters being used in the same room. You usually can avoid the interference problem by using newspaper or a magazine to make a tent to cover the transmitter and the robot during the download.

We have had good luck buying batteries at Costco. We've purchased an 8 pack of 9-volt batteries for $12.39 and a 24-pack of AA batteries for $11.99.

The Robolab and the Mindstorms software includes a feature that gives the charge remaining in the AA batteries in the RCX.  You may also want to pick up an inexpensive voltmeter so you easily check batteries that are in doubt -- particularly the 9-volt batteries.

Q: How do I print a program from the software program that comes with the Mindstorms Robotics Invention System?

A: The Mindstorms software does not have a built-in print feature. To print a Mindstorms program, follow the following steps:

(1) Load the Windows Paint program by using Start-Program-Accessories-Paint.
(2) Start the Mindstorms program and load your program.
(3) Make sure your program is on the screen.
(4) Hold down the shift key and press the "Prnt Scrn" key.
(5) Hit Alt-Tab until the Paint Program is displayed again.
(6) Hold down Ctrl and press V or click on Edit and then Paste.
(7) Click on Print and then Print.
(8) If you program was too big to fit completely on the screen in step 3,
(a) Hit Alt-Tab until the Mindstorms software is displayed again.
(b) Click on the down arrow or right arrow on the cursor pad in the lower left until the another section of your program is displayed.
(c) Repeat steps 4 through 8.