Updates, Updates...

Hey all, I'm back and I thought I'd update everyone (including myself!) on whats been happening over the last few weeks;

1) Updated MINDSTORMS Website

The MINDSTORMS website has been upgraded with a flashy new layout and a few new features; including a dedicated Bonus Models page, and a "funzone" segment. The new colour scheme matches that of the NXT 2.0 kit, but with the update comes a few buggy or slow menus which will hopefully be fixed in the near future. NXTLog has also been upgraded (although remaining as NXTLog 2.0).

2) LDD 3.0

LDD is closely intergrated with the MINDSTORMS line of products as a way of users to share their models with others, and with the upgrade from LEGO Factory to LEGO DesignBy Me comes the latest updates for this free CAD software. The new NXT 2.0 parts have been added amoungst a few new cool features, including an upgraded hinge tool and a compatability mode to help LDraw users convert their models for use in LDD.

3) Bonus Model #4: Stonehenge

The NXT 2.0 bonus models keep coming with the latest created by Philo. His model "Stonehenge" is now available on the MINDSTORMS website (See above picture for a peek at it)

4) The NXTStep

The NXTStep contributors have been on fire over the last few weeks with multiple posts nearly everyday. Have a look at a number of articles on converting between NXT kits here, and look through the archives if you missed anything else!

5) Philo's Color Sensor Comparison

Philo created an amazing but simple to understand comparison of the LEGO Color Sensor and HiTechnic Color Sensor, describing the strengths and weaknesses of both. This article can be found here

Updates...

I'm back after a few months of exam preparation and complettion, and while I have been inactive a few events have occured...

NXTLog

1) The NXTLog Climate Connections Challenge winners have been announced! Have a look here at some of the amazing creations that will inspire your FLL team. This is a great resource for inspiration - check out NatoNX's entry - he made his own challenge mat from scratch! All winners of this challenge can be found on this page

2) The NXTLog People's Choice Building Challenge is out! This challenge is unique - as you create it! The prize? The winning projects will be used as 'official' NXTLog challenges! All projects must be tagged with "peopleschoice", and all entries need to be submitted by the 20th June. Have a look at all the challenge details here

MINDTORMS NXT 2.0

As we all know (and anticipate!), the MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 kit is soon to be released. The NXTStep is probably the best source for new information on the kit, have a look here for past and present articles

HiTechnic

The HiTechnic IR Seeker V2 is out, but currently not available on the LEGO online. It includes a few new features that can be viewed here. This sensor will be required for the Robocup Soccer challenge... see below.

Robocup Junior New Zealand

The Robocup Junior New Zealand competition is open for registration! Hopefully, my to-be-created team will enter this year's challenge, and I will update our status on this blog before and after the competition (5th September for our region, Auckland). Find out more about the challenge here