Some thoughts about "The Unofficial Guide to LEGO MINDSTORMS
Robots"
0. Introduction
The "Unoficial guide..." is a book about the lego mindstorm set,
written by Jonathan B. Knudsen. Published by O'Reilly.
You probably wonder why I am doing this "review". That's because
I've been asked for, and got the book free from O'reilly. This is the way to go
in my opinion to ask others what they think about your work. Having said this,
I feel totally free to tell you what I think about this book, and I'm sure
to do an 'unbiaised' review.
The cover says : "Going Beyond What Comes in the Box". I do totally
agree with this : the book explain you every aspect of lego robotics, at least
at time of writing, and should launch anyone interested to some higher
developments. Well, basically, "what comes in the box" is the rcx, the
lego parts, and a 'poor' manual, which is only a startup for your own work. This
poor manual is in fact great for all the guys who have ideas AND skills about
what to do next, what to make with the great set, and obviously how to do it. So
for the guys who already have full ideas, the book may not be very usefull (but
they don't need a book anyway). For all others, including myself, who don't know
what is a directional transmission, forth, subsumption architecture... the book
is definitively a good choice.
Wether you are very experienced in robotic or not, you will surely find
something you don't know, or something which will give you ideas. Because
robotic is a very large domain, including hardware and software problems. And
because we probably don't have all the skills the author has.
So, consider this book as an approach to all domain of lego robotics, which
goes quite deeply into the matter.
What can I tell now? I would like to introduce all the chapters in the book,
so you have an idea of what is in.
1. Welcome to mindstorms
A good introduction about what is a robot, a mobile bot, and the links with
your mindstorms set. Obvious, probably.
2. Hank, the bumper tank
Hank is simple, and looks like the one you'll create by yourself. Not very
interesting, because of the use of standard mindstorms programming tool. This
chapter is the only one which goes not very farther than "what come in the
book". But don't be fooled, there are some interesting info's about
navigation.
3. Trusty, a line follower.
Some interesting info's about mindstorm original tools, and how to make a
good line folower with 1 sensor. This one also explain what to do with 2
sensors.
4. Not quite C
You know what I mean : this is the tool used by lego hackers. This chapter
introduces all the aspect of not quite c, with a very good intro to c. Most
functions are explained. Well, now, you'll understand why therewas a chapter
with trusty, the line follower. Because now, you'll add a new brain to trusty,
with not quite C. Good.
5. Minerva, a robot with an Arm.
This is a very interesting chapter about mech design, drivetrains,
transmissions, nqc programming, naigation...
6. pbFORTH
Another language, which seems very powerfull. This chapter will introduce
anyone interested to use something else than nqc (probably more powerfull than
the later). This is exactly what should be said about pbFORTH. I'm sure lot of
people will try with this book. Also a new brain for minerva
7. A remote control for minerva
This one is about comunication between two robots, and incidently, between
two RCX
8. Spirit.ocx and visual basic
What the title says...
8A.
There is no chapter 8A.
9. Robottag
Two robot, two brains, another way to use your rcx, others ideas may come to
you. Sure.
10. Legos
Another firmware replacement. Too hard for me, i think. Will give me ideas.
Latter.
11. Make your own sensors
Guess what it is? Your own cheap and easy to build sensors. Some others have
made pages about that, probably more complete than this chapter, but here you'll
have all the info needed to start. And well, the book was written at the
begining of those sites, so... Anyway, all the info and links are provided here
to get you up and running in a few hours...
Conclusion
This is definitely a very good book to start. After buying your mindstorms
set, if you don't have any ideas, you'll find plenty in the book.
This book will make you go farther, than you would have probably on your own.
If you're perfectly confident with mechanics, C, NQC, pbforth, navigation,
transmissions, visual basic, communication, in a word : robotics ...just
skip this, but if you are (like me) not that knowledgeable, go for it.
