Mind.lab is the Lego Mindstorms branch of Computer.lab. In this microsite we'll be writing about our experiences in creating small robots and programming their behaviours. Sometimes we will be using laptops to write the programs, but more often than not we'll be using Raspberry Pi computers as the programming source.
We'll be mainly using the original Lego Mindstorms sets which were released in the mid 90's. Despite their age, these kits still have a lot to offer when learning about programming and robotics. However, we won't be using the graphical programming language which was supplied with these sets - instead we'll be using NQC (Not Quite C) which was developed independently of Lego by Dave Baum and which is much closer to being a traditional text-based programming language.
When programming on a Raspberry Pi, the NQC compiler will be compiled and downloaded by commands typed into a Linux terminal window and the programs will be developed using the simple Nano text editor. On a laptop the Bricxcc IDE (Integrated Development Environment) will be used to both develop, compile and download NQC programs to the RCX brick.
The Lego Mindstorms sets we'll be using are no longer available as retail products but they are still readily available on eBay, although they can sometimes command quite high prices. Care should be taken in making sure that the sets are more or less complete with the yellow RCX brick, sensors, wheels and most importantly the IR Tower which is used to download programs from the computer.
