Figure 2
Educator” exercises available on the right side of the screen.
With the basics down, let’s move on to programming
Eddie from the computer for the first time.
Eddie’s First [Real] Program:
• Open the NXT software on your computer.
• Name your program “Eddie’s First Program” in the
text field below “Start New Program” before clicking
“Go >>”.
• Our first program will be just one step long with a
programming “block” from the “Common Palette.”
• From the Common Palette, click and drag a “Move”
block as the first step of the program.
Quick Recap
We just did a quick first program in the NXT computer
software both to introduce the software and make sure that
our robot is configured correctly. Remember: Because our
gear train is reversing the direction of the motor output,
making a motor go forward means the robot will go
backwards, and vice versa. That’s why by programming the
motors to go backwards, the robot ultimately moves
forward.
Now that you understand the basics, let’s get right into
things by adding a touch sensor. First, you’ll need to build
the touch sensor attachment. Follow the instructions to get
it ready for action.
Figure 1
Touch Sensor Attachment Building Instructions
NOTE: This attachment snaps easily in and out of the front of Eddie — the robot we designed last month. You’ll have a choice between a
lower height so Eddie detects smaller objects, or a higher height — encouraging Eddie to drive right over small obstacles.
1.
Start with a 4 x 6
angular beam and a
friction peg.
2.
Add a five-hole
studless beam.
3.
Connect a long
friction peg and
slide in a five-stud
axle.
42 SERVO 09.2010