Lego Mindstorm Robots 9797 kit

 Students will learn how to identify how to detect a change in a condition.  Students will learn where and how to identify the Touch, Sound, Light, Ultra Sonic and Rotation Sensor Configuration Panel.  Students will learn how to configure each of the Sensors.  Students will learn how to calibrate sensors.

 Sensors can detect changes in conditions. Example: You program a robot to stop when it detects sound. Like clapping your hands. You do this in a silent room. It runs perfectly.  You run the same program with many people talking in the room.  When you run the program the second time it stops right away. Why ? Because the condition has changed. Answer

How to locate where you can configure Sensor Blocks 1. Open up the NXT-G Software 2. Click on File>New 3. Click on the Complete Palette Tab 4. Select the sensors Icon 5. Choose the sensor that you want to configure 3

Touch Sensor Block The default port for the Touch Sensor is Port 1 The Touch Sensor Block sends a signal of True or False through a wire displaying the present condition. You can switch ports on the configuration panel and you can change the action settings by choosing another option. Be sure that you have the cables plugged into the sensor and port. Additionally your USB cable should be plugged into your robot and computer when making changes.

Sound Sensor Block The default port for the Sound Sensor is port #2 In the Compare Section you can configure the sound value The sensor will additionally monitor sounds less than or greater than the configured value. Use the slider bar to increase or decrease the value. Change the greater than or less than drop down menu to configure more options. You can also change the ports by selecting a different option. Be sure that you have the cables plugged into the sensor and port. Additionally your USB cable should be plugged into your robot and computer when making changes.

Ultra Sonic Sensor Block The default port for the Ultra Sonic Sensor is port #4 The Ultra Sonic Sensor Block has a range of nearly 100 inches or 250 cm. You can specify a trigger point less then or greater then a certain number of inches or centimeters and the robot will react to a certain condition if it gets to close. Additionally you can change the ports to default to another port if desired. Be sure that you have the cables plugged into the sensor and port. Additionally your USB cable should be plugged into your robot and computer when making changes.

Reflective Light Sensor Block The default port for the Reflective Light Sensor is port #3 In the Compare section you can configure the light value You can choose to have the value less than or greater then by using the drop down menu. You can drag the slider bar to select the numerical value or simply write the number in the box provided. The sensor detects ambient light this means surrounding light. Be sure that you have the cables plugged into the sensor and port. Additionally your USB cable should be plugged into your robot and computer when making changes.

Rotation Sensor Block The default port is port A. The Rotation Sensors are built into the Motor Rotation. It has a full rotation of 360 degrees which can equal a full motor turn. In the Compare section you can choose to have the motor to go forward or backwards. You can select to have the robot move in degrees or rotations. Use the greater than or less than drop down menu to configure how you want to monitor the motors spinning direction and distance. Be sure that you have the cables plugged into the sensor and port. Additionally your USB cable should be plugged into your robot and computer when making changes.

How to calibrate a sensor Step 1 Open up the NXT-G Program and connect your robot with the USB cable. Make sure that your robot is turned on. Step2 Make sure that the sensors that you want to calibrate are connected with a wire and plugged into a port. Step 3 Click on tools>Calibrate sensors If your robot is connect a dialog box will appear.

Calibrating a Light Sensor Select the Light sensor from the menu and the port that it is connected to. The default port is 3 Next select calibrate A program will run Next you will see the text “min value” place the robot in the area where you want it to measure the area that is darkest. Click on the enter key (orange button on the brick) Now place the robot in an area where it will have the brightest amount of light. You should see the text “Max value” on the display. Click on the enter key again. Calibration is complete!

Calibrating a Sound Sensor Select the Sound Sensor from the menu and the port that it is connected to. The default port is 2 Next select calibrate A program will run Next you will see the text “min value” place the robot in the area where you want to run your program where it can measure everything including the background noise. Click on the enter key (orange button on the brick) You should see the text “Select Max ” on the display. Make the loudest sound you can. Click on the enter key again. Calibration is complete!

Create a task for your students to complete using each of the tools that they just learned.