The NXT Brick
This is the brain of the NXT. This is where all of your programs are stored, commands are sent from, information comes into, and all processing action occur. The brain works similarly to your own mind. It has wires, like nerves, that transmit the signals and commands. It connects to the motors and sensors, like muscles and your senses, which trade information back and forth.
This part is also where you as the user will interact with your robot. It has four buttons where you can input commands. There is also feedback given through the LCD screen and speaker for the user. Together these can be used to browse through your programs and run them. They can also be used during a program to give the user feedback.
The NXT comes equip with USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Your kit should have come with a wire for direct connection to your computer. This makes the downloading of your programs quicker but requires you to bring the robot back to the computer every time you want to download something. The Bluetooth option come available on the NXT but some kits may not include the Bluetooth dongle required to connect. you computer may have Bluetooth built into it, others not. This will be different for everyone. The NXT will be able to connect to any computer broadcasting Bluetooth. Upon connecting it will ask for a key. This can be anything it doesn't matter as long as the key you input on the computer matches the one you input on the NXT. This connection is slower to download but means you won't have to walk you robot back to the computer every time you want to download. The range of connection is dependent on your Bluetooth device.
Finally, on the back of the brick is where you'll find the battery to your robot. This is the only power source for the entire robot, keep it well charged. The NXT takes six AA batteries but can also be switched out with rechargeable battery packs. I would recommend getting a battery pack for your NXT because it will drain regular batteries very quickly and cost you money in buying new ones.
This part is also where you as the user will interact with your robot. It has four buttons where you can input commands. There is also feedback given through the LCD screen and speaker for the user. Together these can be used to browse through your programs and run them. They can also be used during a program to give the user feedback.
The NXT comes equip with USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Your kit should have come with a wire for direct connection to your computer. This makes the downloading of your programs quicker but requires you to bring the robot back to the computer every time you want to download something. The Bluetooth option come available on the NXT but some kits may not include the Bluetooth dongle required to connect. you computer may have Bluetooth built into it, others not. This will be different for everyone. The NXT will be able to connect to any computer broadcasting Bluetooth. Upon connecting it will ask for a key. This can be anything it doesn't matter as long as the key you input on the computer matches the one you input on the NXT. This connection is slower to download but means you won't have to walk you robot back to the computer every time you want to download. The range of connection is dependent on your Bluetooth device.
Finally, on the back of the brick is where you'll find the battery to your robot. This is the only power source for the entire robot, keep it well charged. The NXT takes six AA batteries but can also be switched out with rechargeable battery packs. I would recommend getting a battery pack for your NXT because it will drain regular batteries very quickly and cost you money in buying new ones.
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