LEGO Mindstorms and Robotics General Discussion

[Jim]

Moderator, please merge this with this topic:

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=77892

Maybe change the title to "Mindstorms EV3".

The last post is about compatibility of some sensors. Thanks.

[dproldan]

Another issue I'm haveing is the rechargable battery. We left it on the charger over night. But when we tried it this morning the EV3 wouldn't boot. And it booted fine with AA cells.. The green power light comes on, and the charging light is red. Then the red light goes out after about 20 minutes. There are no instructions for charging. So it may be another call to customer service.

I've had the same problems as you. I haven't been able to download the software with a MacBook Pro, gave me a "file not found" error. I had to use a windows computer to donwload it.

Also the battery thing. I would only get a short red flash when I pressed the center button. I went and bought some AA cells, after reading your post, and it works!, so thank you for reporting it.

[Marcel1980]

Man another expensive month! Want to have it! But its quite expensive... Maybe i trade a new 41999 for it!

[Impact1]

Success on loading the software! The file was downloaded while I was at work, and my son installed the "Teacher" version last night. All well and good, he wrote a couple of simple programs. Only to discover that the brick was not connecting to the computer. I tried the mini USB and Bluetooth. removed and reloaded the software, nodda. Niether one would install the drivers correctly.

I called and described the situation to a LEGO support person. He asked what kind of computer I have. It's a Dell laptop. He had me turn off the desktop "Accuweather" app. And now the USB installed fine. I still don't have Bluetooth working, the third of 3 drivers won't load. But I'll deal with that later. The software did an imediate update of the firmware to 1.03E.

I also asked about the battery. I was told that I was not the only one to have this issue. The update in firmware didn't resolve any of this. The bad news is that the core set was given out as a promotional item at a LEGO convention (bricks By the Bay). So we may not be getting a free replacement, as there is no reciept. I'm wating to hear back.

If anyone else is having the Lipo battery issue, and finds a resolution, please post here. I've already gone through two sets of cells trying to get it to work, and testing.

I've tested the battery, it reads 8+ volts with no load. I'll have to gets some leads and test it under load.

We've had a couple of glitches with the software. First the license key was mis-printed on the paper, withe the first letter being cropped. So if you have the same issue, I was told by support that it's always a letter "W" for the first character. The next issue is downloading the software. I have a zippy internet connection, but it will only download at a few kilobyte per minute. I'll let you know my impresions if it ever finishes downloading.

Another issue I'm haveing is the rechargable battery. We left it on the charger over night. But when we tried it this morning the EV3 wouldn't boot. And it booted fine with AA cells.. The green power light comes on, and the charging light is red. Then the red light goes out after about 20 minutes. There are no instructions for charging. So it may be another call to customer service.

Edited August 13, 2013 by Impact1

[Jim]

Right. Anyway retail software doesn't support Edu specific sensors (gyro and ultrasonic)

By the way; does the educational version support the all (and thus the retail) sensors?

[Burf2000]

The education version should support the extra sensors but I don't think the retail version out of the box supports the educational sensors, could be wrong I have not loaded them up side by side yet, on my things to do.

[Jim]

The education version should support the extra sensors but I don't think the retail version out of the box supports the educational sensors, could be wrong I have not loaded them up side by side yet, on my things to do.

Why on earth would they to a thing like this? There will be lots of people running the retail version and buying the extra sensors. Can't see why they wouldn't distinguish between different software versions for different sensor types.

Eventually it will be running RobotC or something, so for me it won't really be a problem, but I just don't like these kind of limitations.

Let's hope this will change. And let's not forget that this is not confirmed, right?

[Burf2000]

So I investigated more and you will need to download a add-on that enables them, they have not released this yet. I use RobotC to but am going to give this software a good go.

[Jim]

So I investigated more and you will need to download a add-on that enables them, they have not released this yet. I use RobotC to but am going to give this software a good go.

Thanks mate! You made my day

Could hardly imagine this wouldn't work eventually. That would limit robots to the Educational or Retail category, unable to combine both type of sensors. This makes more sense.

I love RobotC, but like you, I also want to have proper knowledge and experience with the standard software.

Do you now when RobotC will be compatible with EV3? Is there any news on that?

[Jim]

The LEGO 45503 EV3 Servo Motor is already available! (at least here in Holland and the US)

http://www.bricklink...p?itemID=120369

Edited August 14, 2013 by Gekke Ted

[afoldad]

Do you now when RobotC will be compatible with EV3? Is there any news on that?

They haven't announced a release date yet, although I read somewhere that it will be available this fall. I imagine they plan to release it next month so FLL and FTC teams can utilize it. I'm sure FLL and FTC are a big part of their market.

[Jim]

They haven't announced a release date yet, although I read somewhere that it will be available this fall. I imagine they plan to release it next month so FLL and FTC teams can utilize it. I'm sure FLL and FTC are a big part of their market.

That would be great!

Somewhere this year would be nice. There's enough to do and find with the regular software.

[Jim]

I just ordered two 45503 EV3 Servo Motors. Now I need to wait for my EV3 set (possibly sets) to be delivered.

I had a bit of a Technic dip last month, but having bought the 42000, 41999 and now one or two (need two decide, although I know it will be two) 31313 sets, I guess I'm back

Edited August 15, 2013 by Gekke Ted

[Burf2000]

I cant believe someone is selling the motors, as far as I know, the educational set is already out and the retail is out 1st of September. I already have mine as I am a MCP.

They have done a bloody good job on this!

[Jim]

Nonetheless it's true (supposedly)

Had email contact and the guy said I could order these motors. On their website and on Bricklink they mention 50 motors in stock.

Tomorrow that will be 48....hopefully.

Can't wait to get started with the set. I really like the new color scheme and the improvements on the connection points of the motor. The new alignment of the center of the larger motor with the connection points is much better as well. Not to mention the medium motor for miscellaneous functions

43 left in stock, so it seems that they are selling!

Edited August 15, 2013 by Gekke Ted

[Jim]

I have found a dealer in Belgium who sells the educational version. I am really tempted to get one tomorrow. The educational version has some nice extra's which are great combined with another retail version.

I admit, the wait is killing me

Edited August 15, 2013 by Gekke Ted

[shifted]

Anyone pieced together the extra EV3 models from the education core set?

I just built Gyro Boy and it doesn't work! It keeps accelerating backwards too quickly and either face-planting outright or taking the support stand under its wheels. Anyone tackled similar problems yet?

Any other videos I see of Gyro Boy, and there aren't many yet, show him acting very differently. I downloaded the program directly to my EV3 brick and all the parts/wires are in the right spots.

[Jim]

Can't help you with that. Was hoping to pick up my copy today, but the store is closed

Obviously, you use the same wheels?

Did you test the sensor to see whether it's working properly?

[dproldan]

Anyone pieced together the extra EV3 models from the education core set?

I just built Gyro Boy and it doesn't work! It keeps accelerating backwards too quickly and either face-planting outright or taking the support stand under its wheels. Anyone tackled similar problems yet?

Any other videos I see of Gyro Boy, and there aren't many yet, show him acting very differently. I downloaded the program directly to my EV3 brick and all the parts/wires are in the right spots.

It doesn't work very well. Forget the support stand, hold it with your hand in an upright position while pressing the back button. Run the program and let it rock a few times back and forth.

Check the gyro sensor manually, in the brick menu, I have seen some strange readings 50% of the times I connect it.

[Marcel1980]

Can't help you with that. Was hoping to pick up my copy today, but the store is closed

Obviously, you use the same wheels?

Did you test the sensor to see whether it's working properly?

Did you drive to belgium?

[Jim]

Did you drive to belgium?

No I email and called. No response. Then I found out that they are closed Thursday 15th and Friday 16th of August. My planning could not be worse

Today the store owner replied that they are open again next Monday.

I am driving to Belgium Monday and I will get the Education Kit, Education Software and an extra Ultrasonic sensor. I was in doubt about the software, but since I am planning to do a lot with it, I want to try and use it all.

Edited August 16, 2013 by Ted

[shifted]

Thank you for the overnight replies. I have been checking the sensor. It reads about 8-10 degrees forward lean while Gyro Boy is on the support stand, but I thought this would be normal as it's a pretty tight build. I've also tried dozens of times with the "hand holding" method and he doesn't seem to like that either. Oh well, I'll keep trying for a while but I'll probably just revisit Gyro Boy in a few weeks.

I also have another random question

Will the ultra-sonic sensor mess with my dog? They pick up frequencies up to I think 67,000 Hz, and I don't want to terrorize her with it. It's hard to tell myself because she's already skittish around stuff like this.

[Marcel1980]

No I email and called. No response. Then I found out that they are closed Thursday 15th and Friday 16th of August. My planning could not be worse

Today the store owner replied that they are open again next Monday.

I am driving to Belgium Monday and I will get the Education Kit, Education Software and an extra Ultrasonic sensor. I was in doubt about the software, but since I am planning to do a lot with it, I want to try and use it all.

Which store is it? I going to belgium a lot for work. Maybe i pick one up to.

[Jim]

Which store is it? I going to belgium a lot for work. Maybe i pick one up to.

Not sure about their stock, so I will tell you Monday

Just kidding, this is the site:

http://mindstormsnxt...&product_id=346

This is the store:

http://www.rato.be/

I also found this site, which has a very nice price for the set. Unfortunately not in stock. I emailed them asking if they know when it will be available again.

http://www.speelgoed...s-ev3-basis-set

Edited August 16, 2013 by Ted

[Marcel1980]

Not sure about their stock, so I will tell you Monday

Just kidding, this is the site:

http://mindstormsnxt...&product_id=346

This is the store:

http://www.rato.be/

I also found this site, which has a very nice price for the set. Unfortunately not in stock. I emailed them asking if they know when it will be available again.

http://www.speelgoed...s-ev3-basis-set

Speelgoedzeist is very close from me, i live in Utrecht! I order a lot there . They are quite cheap end i was thinking of buying 1 from them. Last time they told that they are getting it the 1st of september.