Hey..

As you may have noticed, i havent posted in a while.... I havent had time to keep contributing, nor have any of my other contributors....But why I posted this was to see if anyone wanted to contribute to the blog and basically become the owner...Email me at bluetreemusic@yahoo.com if you are interested...

2H 2009 Sets!

They're Released! The B-Model Instructions are available at www.technic.lego.com . Though I must add, now the sets are not overpriced like the 1h sets. For example, the Front Loader (8265), has 1061 pieces and three linear actuators is only $79.99 USD. The Hauler (8264), which has 575 pieces, though it does have a battery box, motor, and linear actuator, is a bit pricey for that amt. of pieces at $69.99 USD.

Explorer Bot V1

This robot can navigate through rooms without crashing using the ultrasonic sensor. I have a NXTLog you can take a look at:

http://mindstorms.lego.com/nxtlog/ProjectDisplay.aspx?id=2181fe99-6e2e-42b7-99d7-c5171a692f53

A LDD file will be coming soon.

Here's a video and picture:

Two Minute Bot

Today, I decided that I'd design a robot I could build in two minutes and this is what I came up with:



Here is a video of me building it in 2:04:



Other pictures and .lxf file at BS: http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=373643

2H 2009 Sets!

Brickshelf user Chiabep recently uploaded images of all four 2h 2009 Technic sets! It looks to me that Lego has made up for all of the small 1h sets.

1. #8063 Tractor and Trailer

This 1st set is not noticeably different than the 8284 besides it's trailer, a new colour scheme, and some new panels. The trailer has one linear actuator and a trailer with 13 or 14 of the panels from the 8264! It looks like there was not much work put in to this model, although there may be some internal modifications to the tractor.

2. #8265 Front End Loader

Although this set looks completely awesome, it seems like a (mostly) studless remake of the 8459. Besides that, it is a great set. It features two linear actuators to lift and tilt the blade. There is also a v6 or v8 cylinder engine that you could remove to motorize the model with Power Functions motors. Lego is definitely keeping up with the "yellow construction set trend" too.

3. #8263 Snow Groomer

Obviously the smallest set for this release, the snow groomer is low on functions but sitll a great model. As a set Lego has never made before (to my knowledge), this is a good first try. On the flipside, it has 12 link tread sprockets, and almost a dozen technic panels, so it is a good set for MOC parts.

4. #8258 Crane Truck

As anticipated, the Crane Truck seems to be the Technic flagship for 2009. It may not be in the 1,800 piece+ category, but it has:

-PF M motor

-PF Switch

-2 Linear Actuators

-and a variety of new panels

Besides the parts, this set is very functional. It features working stabilizers (unlike the 8295), an arm that uses the 2 linear actuators to move it up and down that telescopes at the top with a hook at the end, and working front wheel steering.

NXT 2.0!

Now officially unveiled at the 'Canadian Toy & Hobby Fair', the NXT 2.0 has now gone public for all to see.

The new set features:
- NXT 2.0 Software
- 1 Hitechnic Color Sensor
- Contrary to the regular NXT, 2.0 has 612 pieces.

Looks like Lego Company fixed the Alpha Rex's walking mechanism.

Lego has definitely made some improvements in the new NXT.

Pneumatic Air Commpressor

As you all know I recently got the pneumatics add on kit. One of the projects in the instruction book is an air compressor but after building it I noticed how slow it compressed air. So I decided to get to work and build one of my own. After a short while It was complete. This is still one of the early versions but I plan to keep changing it until I get to the final version. It is heavily geared up with a speedy m-motor. It uses the micro pump so it would normally be really slow pumping but with this setup it can pump almost faster then me with a large pump. This might be handly to have along side you pumping your large pump when making pneumatic engines. here is a short video of what this can do.

Updates!

1.
As most of us know, the 1h Technic sets were released as of Dec. 25th.
Does anybody think that these sets are a bit pricey? The Hauler is $69.99 USD and has less pieces than the Cherry Picker.



2.
There is a BLACK limited edition NXT Brain on Lego.com for $169.99, a bit of a rip-off. There is no differences besides the color and it is $35.00 more.


I wonder if Lego is in a financial situation and needs to make more money.

2009 Technic Sets.

I believe the 1h '09 sets will be released January 1st, but the sets are listed in the Technic page here:

http://technic.lego.com/en-us/Products/New/8264New.aspx

When you click "check price", it goes to a error page.

The page also shows how each of the sets work with nice computer animations.

Happy Holidays to All!

It is the holidays! Happy/Merry: Christmas, Hanukkah, Posada, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Eid, or Chinese New Year! While you are sending your postcards to all your friends, don't forget to send a postcard to the international space station! Yup, that is right, send a postcard to those up 220 miles above. See: Here.

11 Days till New Years Eve! Wish you all a safe warm holiday season!

Pneumatic circuit.

I made a pneumatic circuit a couple days ago. I was trying to have fun and make the pneumatic cylinders go in and out without any help from me other then pumping. So I made a tiny version with no gauge or tank and it just constantly went in and out as I pumped air. I then changed it to make it have a tank so I put it all on a larger baseplate (the size of 4 of the ones I was previously using) and added a tank and gauge. But then I noticed that wont do anything beacsue it is still constantly using air as I pump. I then attached a switch which was placed in the middle. ANd I spread the pistons out a little more. The switch would stop air flow so that it will just stuff the tank with air. Then I can start it by pushing the switch the the left. After it is done though it is quite annoying when it starts to move soo slow. But you want the air out without having to be forced to either remove a pipe or wait while it slowly looses air. So the switch can also be switched to the right to make all the air be removed. It will just let it out one side.

Rally Truck out but is it good?

Well as we can see lego s @ h now has the Rally Truck here http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=8261&cn=57&d=70 . It looks ok but lets take a look at one of the reviews. Here states a reviewer "The set is good, but I see a lot of things could be better" Also the reviewer states in another sentence "The suspension in the front is good, but the rear sus. could be a bit more realistic." the review says the there is no need to buy two as some peopel do with other great sets. There is no cylinder engine as most other small sets include. Is this a bad sign or do they just want to surprize people with great sets. Of course Im sure some child will love to have a new rally truck for the holidays (whever your holiday is of course) but it just seems as if they have just gone downhill.

these are the views of me and nobody else at Tepnam was helping me write this.

WeDo Available

Lego Education's WeDo is now available for pre-order.

The prices for everything are:

-WeDo Construction Set: $129.95

-WeDo Software: $39.95

There are other accesories but these are the main products.

Strange Aurora Found on Saturn!

A bit OT, but it seems as if a strange glow has been discovered on Saturn. Here is the original article I found:

"We've never seen an aurora like this elsewhere," said Tom Stallard, an RCUK Academic Fellow working with Cassini data at the University of Leicester. "It's not just a ring of aurorae like those we've seen at Jupiter or Earth. This one covers an enormous area across the pole. Our current ideas on what forms Saturn's aurorae predict that this region should be empty, so finding such a bright one here is a fantastic surprise."
These colorful atmospheric light shows are caused when charged particles stream along the magnetic field of a planet and into its atmosphere. On Earth the charged particles come from the solar wind – a stream of particles that emanates from the sun. Skywatchers at high latitudes know the resulting displays as the Northern Lights.

Jupiter's main auroral ring, caused by interactions internal to Jupiter's magnetic environment, is constant in size. Saturn's main aurora, which is caused by the solar wind, changes size dramatically as the wind varies.
The newly observed aurora at Saturn, however, doesn't fit into either category.
"Saturn's unique auroral features are telling us there is something special and unforeseen about this planet's magnetosphere and the way it interacts with the solar wind and the planet's atmosphere," said Nick Achilleos, a scientist on the Cassini magnetometer team at the University College London. "Trying to explain its origin will no doubt lead us to physics which uniquely operates in the environment of Saturn."

2009 Technic Set Pictures (2)

I know a you've probably heard about the (first half of the year) 2009 Technic sets, but Brickshelf reminded me to post about it this morning. I also found out (thanks to TechnicBrick's), that there will be a mini bulldozer(8259). There isn't much to write on this topic; the pictures explain pretty much everything.ENJOY!!

Picture Source: http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=347790

American Sweedish Museum with Nathan Sawaya

Located is South Philadelphia, Pennsylvaina, A museum called the American Sweedish Historical Museum has an exhibit featuring Nathan Sawaya. Although non-Technic, these creations are:

1. HUGE!
2. Very Reaistic
3. Sold for $100,000+
4. Featured on many major news companies.
5. again, HUGE!


I don't have many pictures of the museum, but I have some of Nathan's creations.

I am still amazed about these beyond-expert-builder creations and I want to try to build the skateboard.

Visit their website at: http://www.americanswedish.org/frames.htm

Windows XP .RSO files!

Don't you just want that NXT startup tone to change? Do you just happen to like the Windows startup music? Well guess what? Now you can enjoy XP startup on the NXT. It also includes a ! Click.rso file and a ! Attention.rso file. For some reson, the computer can't play it properly but the NXT will make it sound normal. Download it here. You can install it on your NXT by using NXT-G, or you can use the NeXTExplorer. 

(Of course the orignal songs and tones were from Windows.)

EOPD Sensor From Hitechnic

Well the EOPD sensor has finnaly arrived and boy are we all happy. I just recently put up a post on Nxtasy asking if anyone has an EOPD(elictric optical proximity detector) and everyone said they were only out for a short period of time. Well that was 2 months ago. Now it is out. This EOPD sensor can work wonders. It looks similar to a normal light sensor but what it is a highly accurate sensor that can measure distances of up to 12 in. So now when you want to build a segway easy withought the complex programming of a gyroscopic sensor you can becasue the only other way was the US sensor and that was too slow, but with this sensor you don't have to worry about that becasue this is very accurate and fast.

Lego Stores Opening!

Three new LEGO Stores are opening in October!
King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia, PA
South Shore Plaza, Braintree, MA
Arden Fair Mall, Sacramento, CA

In October, we will celebrate our Grand Openings with a weekend-long celebration featuring exclusive LEGO sets, collectible, limited-edition LEGO t-shirts and lots of other great offers! Plus, you can participate in a LEGO Master Builder Event, get a commemorative certificate and enjoy great discounts, available Grand Opening Weekend only!


Read below for more details!
LEGO Store Grand Opening Celebration
at King of Prussia Mall, PA
October 3 - 5
Mark your calendar for the Grand Opening Celebration of the new LEGO Store at King of Prussia Mall!

The highlight of the weekend is our 3-day Master Builder Event, where LEGO fans of all ages are invited to help a real LEGO Master Builder construct an 8-ft tall LEGO Yoda™ model! This event is free and fun for the whole family, and everyone who participates will get a free LEGO Star Wars Certificate of Achievement, while supplies last, plus a LEGO Store coupon!

Event Hours:
Friday, October 3: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday, October 4: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, October 5: 11:00 am - 6:00pm
JC Penney Court, The Plaza

Plus, on Saturday October 4:
Be one of the first 300 customers to spend $35 in the LEGO Store and you'll recieve an exclusive, limited-edition LEGO Liberty Bell set! This set was created just for the opening of our King of Prussia Store, and is not available for sale! The Liberty Bell set features a real moving clapper and the famous crack!

And, on Sunday October 5:
Be one of the first 300 customers to spend $35 in the LEGO Store and you'll recieve an exclusive, limited-edition LEGO Minifigure T-Shirt! These shirts are available in child's sizes only, and were created exclusively to mark the Grand Opening of the King of Prussia LEGO Store!

King of Prussia Mall
160 N Gulph Rd
King of Prussia, PA 19406
LEGO Store Grand Opening Celebration
at South Shore Plaza, Braintree, MA

October 11 - 13
Mark your calendar for the Grand Opening Celebration of the new LEGO Store at South Shore Plaza!

The highlight of the weekend is our 3-day Master Builder Event, where LEGO fans of all ages are invited to help a real LEGO Master Builder construct an 8-ft tall LEGO Yoda™ model! This event is free and fun for the whole family, and everyone who participates will get a free LEGO Star Wars Certificate of Achievement, while supplies last, plus a LEGO Store coupon!

Event Hours:
Saturday, October 11: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, October 12: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Monday, October 13: 11:00 am - 7:00pm
Macy's Court

Plus, on Sunday October 12:
Be one of the first 300 customers to spend $35 in the LEGO Store and you'll receive an exclusive, limited-edition LEGO Baseball Player set! This set was created just for the opening of our South Shore Plaza Store, and is not available for sale! The baseball player features a red hat, red socks, white uniform and even includes home plate!

And, on Monday October 13:
Be one of the first 300 customers to spend $35 in the LEGO Store and you'll receive an exclusive, limited-edition LEGO Minifigure T-Shirt! These shirts are available in child's sizes only, and were created exclusively to mark the Grand Opening of the South Shore Plaza LEGO Store!

South Shore Plaza
250 Granite St
Braintree, MA 02184
LEGO Store Grand Opening Celebration
at Arden Fair Mall, Sacramento, CA

October 17 - 19
Mark your calendar for the Grand Opening Celebration of the new LEGO Store at Arden Fair Mall!


The highlight of the weekend is our 3-day Master Builder Event, where LEGO fans of all ages are invited to help a real LEGO Master Builder construct an 8-ft tall LEGO R2-D2™ model! This event is free and fun for the whole family, and everyone who participates will get a free LEGO Star Wars Certificate of Achievement, while supplies last, plus a LEGO Store coupon!

Event Hours:

Friday, October 17: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday, October 18: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, October 19: 11:00 am - 6:00pm
Center Court

Plus, on Saturday October 18:
Be one of the first 300 customers to spend $35 in the LEGO Store and you'll receive an exclusive, limited-edition LEGO Gov. Stanford Steam Locomotive set! This set was created just for the opening of our Arden Fair Store and is not available for sale! The train engine features realistic details and moving parts, modeled after the famous Transcontinental Railroad engine!

And, on Sunday October 19:
Be one of the first 300 customers to spend $35 in the LEGO Store and you'll receive an exclusive, limited-edition LEGO Minifigure T-Shirt! These shirts are available in child's sizes only, and were created exclusively to mark the Grand Opening of the Arden Fair LEGO Store!

Arden Fair Mall
1689 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95815
About the LEGO Stores
Visit the LEGO Store near you to see the newest, hard to find and exclusive LEGO sets and fill up on the bricks and elements you need at the Pick a Brick wall! Plus, each month, you can participate in free, hands-on building events – ask your local store for details! The LEGO Stores are also available to host your child’s birthday party!

Tips for Dragstor Robots*** (Based on past NXT experiences**)

OK, so you've probably built a NXT dragster before inspired by those fast racers right? Well now I will show you some tips on how to make a very fast and efficient dragster.

First is the gear ratio. This is very important. The 1:15 gear ratio is the start of the deficiency of your dragster. So you'll have to find a smaller ratio. I find that using the 1:8.333 ratio works the best with stock* parts. The bigger the gear for the drive and the smaller for the output is usually what you think but if you compare a perfect gear combination to a high gear combination the perfect gear would be crusing quickly while the high gear will be stalling every few seconds.

Next is wheel circumference. The phrase bigger is better fits here perfectly. You can use stock wheels and get 6 MPH out of it. (If you have enough track, 7 MPH is able to achieve.) Now find the largest wheel you have. The Green Exo-Force wheel is probably the largest. Why does this work? Because the larger the wheel, the bigger the circumference. The bigger the circumference, the more it travels in one rotation.

Now is the important part, you battery options. The Energizer E2 is probably you pick of choice. It is super light weight and can give a ton of boost. But the cost is not. If you are sticking with rechargeables but have a big fat wallet you might want to try the LEGO rechargeables, sure not exactly called fast charging or lots of power but it has a plug in charge that makes it easy for multiple runs. It is light to counter act the downsides. Now if you don't have a such big wallet and don't mind 120 grams (30 grams heavier than LEGO's rechargeable battery pack) then try the nice GP batteries. They are only sold in 3 stores in the US but they give 0.1 V more than the rechargeable (I pretty big difference). They also are not pricey but can withstand a huge load for a long time considering they are just normal batteries. My cheep 1300Mah batteries can withstand 3 amps for 20 min! That is more than 3 motors under complete stress. Though it is not recommended to stress all 3!

Now the weight comes to mind. The phrase bigger is better really doesn't fit here. You want to make your dragster as light but as strong as possible. Try only using essential elements and ignore the decorations. The decorations can produce drag and unstability of the NXT so just leave them behind. When your robot is traveling near 5 MPH and is only a few hundred grams, you want to try to keep it as aerodynamic as possible as the wind can effect it at this speed. But, don't ever keep strength out of your mind. Toque is lost due to the friction of the gears. The more friction the less energy is transferred to the wheels making it lose its speed dramatically. So strengthen the gear connections by placing beams on both sides and use 2 gears instead of one to increase torque to give it more power.

Also this last tip is to make the vehicle have only back and forth and have rubber front wheels. The swivel in the front makes it slippery and can make it slip and slide. The front swivel can also make it lose control when attempting to change directions. The swivel has to turn 180 and your robot is feeling that friction created by that 180 spin by that swivel and will make the dragstor do a uncontrolible spin. And if your robot is able to accelerate long enough it might crash!

That's about it for this time. I hope these tips helped you as I have been experimenting with my dragster traveling at a top speed of 6.7 MPH with only stock* wheels and mostly stock* elements (except for the front wheels and a extra 40 tooth to improve torque and allow steering).

* Stock means the stuff that comes with the set.

** See blog post a bit below on my dragstor

*** You probably seen this somewhere else but I thought I might as well post it here (yes it is my own work)