LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 is probably the most interesting for papas package, which comes from the house of LEGO. This target group was established by the manufacturer may be intentionally and informally Sun A rating of 10 + I can comprehend only in moderation, because the programming and building the least likely to succeed only children at that age.

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With the help of a “playful” parent of this item is no longer a problem.

My son (7 years) and I (electronics hobbyists and software developers) have fun with the models and the opportunities that arise. Under the guidance of children’s play and learn quickly the relationship of mechanical processes. Especially children have always new ideas easy for them, which can grow to new challenges in building.

To Content:

NXT 1 block:
- 4 input ports (for sensors or light)
- 3 output ports (for 3 servo motors)
- USB 2.0 port
- Bluetooth (Class II)
- Speakers

3 (somewhat overblown) servo motors:
- Rotation sensor (accuracy at 1 ° intervals)
- Synchronous motors can run multiple

1 Ultrasonic sensor:
- Measuring distances between ~ ~ 3cm to 250cm to an object by ultrasonic
- Is measured in increments ~ 3cm

2 touch sensors:
- Responding to pressure and release

1 light sensor with 3Farb lamp function:
- Acts as a lamp with integrated RGB LED
- Color detection (red, green, blue, yellow, black, white)
- Brightness measurements of rooms (with LEDs switched off)
- Gray scale measurement of surfaces (with activated LED)

With the start-up package you can create within a very short time his first machine. On this basis already, the first logical processes are tested. This simple and gradual introduction guides the user very quickly into the user interface and functionality of the LabVIEW program. This software uses a graphical user interface that enables drag and drop the very easy addition of logic chains. The working window and the symbols of the individual process steps are slightly too large kept that one under a 1600 resolution screen will probably have little fun with the creation of more complex program sequences.

Pleasing for the “extended” hobbyist, the possibilities for expansion (other sensors) and programming (NBC / NXC – NeXT Byte Codes / Not eXactly C).

Where there is light, there is shadow:
LEGO itself seems to have no interest in compatibility with in-house systems. There are officially no way Technics elements or the old RCX combining with the NXT. Desirable adapter cable to the smaller engines or other elements of power would have been Functions. The use of remote controls is probably not desired. This could be understood if the technical implementation problems, or would not have been possible, BUT: with little soldering experience very quickly made appropriate adapters and even the remote control can be very simple tricks for connection to an IR receiver module to function as a sensor for the NXT integrate. LEGO why this banal offering solutions not officially part remains a mystery to me.

Another flaw is the completely unnecessary and their rigid cable connector system. Here is an RJ12 connector system has been modified sinnfrei (center seated interlocking device was attached to the sides) to keep the user from the manufacture of its own cable or any adapter. Bind if the expensive modifications to a standard connector system to customers on the purchase of extensions and cables to be LEGO, I doubt it. Resourceful as third parties have reacted long ago.
A not so tragic downside is the shockingly low memory capacity of the NXT (64Kbytes RAM + Flash 256KBytes). Only two major programs could not be loaded onto the device together. With today’s memory prices, it would still be allowed more. Solution through the Bluetooth interface can be evaluated sensor data and processes control what is possible on each x-belibigen system with this interface (mobile phone, PDA, PC) – the program does not therefore necessarily run on the NXT (provided programming skills).

Conclusion:
+ Great features
+ Simple operation
+ Many new parts
+ Easy to use software with a good introduction
+ Remote control possible via Bluetooth
+ Open documented firmware (open source)

- No official or the combination to the RCX Power Functions
- Inflexible cable system with modified RJ12 connectors
- Low memory capacity of the NXT
- Assembly instructions only in LabVIEW (only a basic model without sensors as a guide in paper form) => Children absolutely need to build a computer

Despite the negative points I would recommend 2.0 LEGO Mindstorms NXT anyone who deal with the matter and would like to have fun when tinkering
For the ambitious hobbyist / programmer, the “deficiencies” are all solvable.

Recommended: Best Lego chess sets are here.

For children alone, I can recommend it for the specified age but NOT because they are so overwhelmed safe. Even nicer is a common building and tinkering with the parents or the larger siblings.

Fun factor: 4 out of 5 stars => can be frustrating because the above-mentioned shortcomings
Educational: 5 Stars => Children playfully learn logical processes
Durability: 5 Stars => clear, the production quality of Lego is unbeatable (in spite of plastic)
Overall: 4 of 5 Stars => the downgrade primarily for compatibility issues to their own components