Steve Hassenplug has put together a pretty good list of the available languages, and some comparisons between them.

You can find the list here: NXT Programming Software

NXT-based 3D scanner, programmed with pbLua (www.hempeldesigngroup.com Scans assembled and processed with Meshlab (meshlab.sourceforge.net a tool developed with the support of the Epoch NOE Read full write-up here: philohome.com This thing kept me busy for a while… – Build a NXT based 3D scanner with a needle probe – program it using pbLua, debug it. – Scan top/back/front/side (each scan lasts several hours) – Learn the use of Meshlab, assemble the scans – Rebuild eyes and bottom tube. Final result here: www.ldraw.org
Video Rating: 4 / 5

One of the components is the 16×2 LCD display.

While this is kind of handy… it was a real nuisance to get sorted out and working with the Netduino.  I think it’s a combination of many factors… 1 being that  there aren’t a lot of libraries ready yet for the Netduino… and 2, I’m not that handy with all this stuff yet.

But… I finally did manage to make it work.  After much poking, prodding, downloading of projects, tweaking of code, and fortunately, no burnt offerings (in the way of fried components).  It works!

To make this work…

First, go here, and download the MicroLiquidCrystal_20100905.zip file.  You can find it at the bottom of the post (from Szymon, a forum member here… Thanks!)

Then, load up your project.  Use the GpioLiquidCrystalTransferProvider as your provider.

Finally, setup your provider code as follows:

GpioLiquidCrystalTransferProvider lcdProvider = new GpioLiquidCrystalTransferProvider(Pins.GPIO_PIN_D10,
                                Pins.GPIO_PIN_D11,
                                Pins.GPIO_PIN_D12,
                                Pins.GPIO_PIN_D13,
                                Pins.GPIO_PIN_A0,
                                Pins.GPIO_PIN_A1,
                                Pins.GPIO_PIN_A2
               ); 

      LiquidCrystal lcd = new LiquidCrystal(lcdProvider);

And, you’ll end up with a screen like the one above…

Please keep in mind.  Due to the way this LCD works, you can’t control certain features.  For instance, I don’t think you can control the Backlight, or the On/Off status of the LCD from code (there are hard switches on the LCD board).

And the library doesn’t have all the cool features yet of an aged library (scrolling text, or blinking text, etc).  But… considering the Netduino has only been out for a short time… I’m happy for now!

6 robots now control this NXT pinball machine. 9 touch sensors score the points, two motors are used for the ball return and two for the spinners. You can see a few more details on the machine at sites.google.com

Using a LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT, this video shows how to put up a safe fireworks show for the whole family. How this robot can help people? ——————————- There has been a lot of concern lately about fireworks maiming and injuring the person igniting it and a few cases of fatalities. This autonomous NXT robot will light multiple fireworks in a sequence – while the family sits back and watch the display!! It uses a MINDSTORMS NXT, two light sensors (one for navigation and other to detect a lighted fuse) and an Ultrasonic detector (to adjust the torch arm height depending on the height of the fireworks fuse wire. It uses three motors – two for motion and and the third for the torch arm elvator.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Today LED’s, tomorrow, the world!!!

Well, maybe servos.

Now, since the Netduino is compatible with many (or should I say… most) Arduino shields and kits… I also bought this kit to go with my Netduino.

 Arduino Compatible Electronic Brick Starter Kit

The shield plugs right into the Netduino, so now I have a large collection of “ready to go” sensors and inputs.

• Arduino/Seeeduino sensor Chassis V1.1
• LCD 16*2 Characters
• Rotary Angle Sensor (Analog)
• Big Button Switch
• Buzzer
• Tilt Switch
• Light Emitting Diode (2 of these)
• Light Sensor
• Temperature Sensor
• 2pin Plugable Terminal Module
• Fully Buckled 3 Wire Cable (5 of these)
• 10pin Colorful Ribbon Cable with 2*5 IDC Connector

When I heard about the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework… I thought “Great… I can now program my NXT in .NET”.

All the specs looked good… except for one.  Not enough ram.  The NXT has the right processor, speed, etc.  Just not enough memory.  So… I put that idea away for awhile.

Then, I heard about the Arduino’s.  They sounded cool… but I wasn’t quite ready to tackle another programming language.  I mean… I already for VB.Net, C#, and then RobotC for my NXT.  I tried learning some C for the XMOS XK-1 (not that bad).  I didn’t want to dabble with something else for the Arduino (yeah, I was lazy).

I just found out about a new project from Secret Labs.  It’s called the Netduino.  It’s a platform that is very close to the Arduino… except it uses the .NET Micro Framework.  HURRAH!  I bought one.

You can get them from MakerShed (where I bought mine) or from Amazon.  If you live in the UK, you can get them from Cool Components.

Amazon – Netduino

Cool Components – Netduino

This robot demonstrates iPhone to Lego Robotics communication via the Safari web browser and the Lego NXT Light Sensor. Visit www.battlebricks.com for full building instructions.

This robot draws portraits, elaborating photos and images. The software on the PC is developed under MATLAB®, following the ideas of Claude Baumann and his students at www.restena.lu (Erik’s XY plotter). The hardware is LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT® and a soft tip pen. Made by Daniele Benedettelli in 2008. More details at robotics.benedettelli.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

This is a direct copy of Phillippe Hurbain’s NXTWay which imitates a Segway using the NXT. This is a very plucky version that always tries to move forward. Links and details at www.robotthoughts.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

RoboFlush has one purpose, to flush a toilet. Using the Lego Mindstorms NXT Kit, with a motor, touch sensor for manual flushing, and the ultrasonic sensor for flush detection, RoboFlush removes the need to flush your own toilet. Check out www.battlebricks.com for instructions and more!
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Build a robot that recognizes color, or an automatic toilet flusher, or an obstacle avoiding robot! Everything you need is here. thinkgeek.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Sponsored by: www.ineedhelpfast.com and http Lego Mindstorm NXT Creations Built, Filmed, and Edited by Brett Gale 1: Tribot ball Fetcher 2: Tribot Line Follower (0:40) 3: Time Lapse Disassemble and Build (1:07) 4: Color Sorting Claw (1:33) 5: Scorpion (3:17) 6: Video Ends (3:44) Room left for last robot built but not filmed.
Video Rating: 4 / 5