Oregon FIRST LEGO League Frequently Asked
Questions
(http://ortop.org/Oregon-FLL-FAQ2005.html)
February 24, 2005
By Bruce Schafer
Q: There seem to be three different 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 in motors and sensors.
| Component | FLL Robot Kit | LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System | LEGO Team Challenge Set |
| Motors | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Touch Sensors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Light Sensors | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Rotation Sensors | 1 | 0 | 0 |
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 from the LEGO Education website: Light Sensor (P/N W779758, $16), Rotation/Angle Sensor (P/N W979891, $18), and Gear Motor (P/N W775225, $17). 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 2005 Field Setup Kit at $50.00, but this kit can be shared by several teams practicing at a single location. The FLL 2005 Field Setup Kit is only available from FLL and should begin shipping in August or September. The instructions for assembling the challenge will be available for downloading approximately September 15, 2005.
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, I recommend you start with the LEGO Team Challenge Set with Software, (P/N W990977, $226). This product includes Robolab software, which I prefer over the Mindstorms software. It 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), Rotation/Angle Sensor (P/N W979891 – about $18), 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 2005 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.. These kits can often be purchased at toy stores and other retail stores but they are currently 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: Which software environment do you recommend my team use to prepare their solution for the 2004 Tournament?
A: I recommend they use 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, $33.00) 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. I 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. I usually can avoid the interference problem by using newspaper to make a tent to cover the transmitter and the robot during the download.
I usually buy my batteries at Costco. I’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.