The document provides an overview of basic programming concepts for the LEGO Mindstorms NXT system, including: 1) The NXT controller has output ports A, B, and C to connect motors, and input ports 1-4 to connect sensors. Programs are downloaded via USB from a computer. 2) The NXT-G programming interface features palettes of programming blocks. Programs are built by dragging blocks onto a workspace and connecting them in sequences. 3) The Robot Educator lessons teach programming concepts through challenges. Lessons cover topics like moving motors, waiting, responding to sensors. Commonly used blocks control actions like moving, displaying, and playing sounds.

1. BASIC PROGRAMMING
BLOCKS
NXT-G

2. THE NXT CONTROLLER

3. The Brick
Output Ports
A, B, and C
Three separate
motor ports
A B C USB
1 2 3 4
Input ports
1, 2, 3, and 4
Where sensors are
attached

4. Select Buttons
On and Enter
Back and Off
The Brick

5. Programs are
downloaded via a USB
cable from the pc to the
NXT
The USB PortA B C USB

6. THE NXT-G INTERFACE

7. NXT-G Software
Main Working Space
Programming pallete, each containing a
set of blocks, hover over each to see
available blocks
NXT Window
– Access
Brick info.
(e.g.,
memory,
battery, and
so on)
Program name
Common, Complete, and
MyBlocks palletes can be
selected here

8. Add
Program
blocks here.
Download
and run
immediately
NXT-G Software
Main Working Space
Download
(Run from
the brick)
Starting
point

9. Robot Educator
A series of 46 lessons split into:
Common – Easier (20)
Complete – Harder (19)
Data Logging – Mixed (7)
Each lesson includes:
Challenge Brief – Video or slides
Building Instructions
Programming Instructions

10. Written
comments
can be
added.
Pointer and
Selection Tool
(default)
Grab Hand
to move the
work space
around.

11. Move
Wait
For
Touch
Display
Sound
Switch (Touch)
Some commonly used blocks

12. Drag (left-click)
block here.
Change the
settings in the
Configuration
panel.
Release
when the
white position
preview
marks
appear.
Placing Blocks on the working space
Sequence
beam

13. Say “Hello”
Release when the block is
connected to the sequence
Sound files, tone, volume, repeat, and wait form completion
can be configured. Scroll to find “hello”

14. Say “Hello”, Display a Smile
Add the display block
Image, text, circle, or line can be configured, offers x,y co-
ordinates for positioning

15. NXT motors & Control Block
• The NXT servo motors have a built-in rotation
sensor block that continuously measure and
monitors the degrees covered by the motor.
• Motors can be manipulated using the move,
motor, and reset blocks.
• The move block synchronizes motor to enable the
robot to move straight.
• The move block can control all 3 motors
simultaneously. However the power is shared
among the 3 motors.
• The block has a built-in system for error
correction.

16. Move block – Configuration panel
Select ports corresponding to
the ports on the NXT
Amount of power used to
control the motor
Duration of the action, specified
in degrees, duration, time, or
unlimited
Direction
Steering: shares the power
among 2 motors, not reliable
at low power
Next Action: Brake causes the robot to come to an
immediate stop landing more accurately than coast. The
robot rolls to a coast occasionally overshooting the target.

17. My First Program