FLL teams can find a wealth of information on the Web related to the MINDSTORMS NXT robotics kit, as well as dozens of books on the subject. The following are some great resources to start with, but keep in mind that a good Google or Amazon.com search will turn up the most current resources.
- Blogs
http://thenxtstep.com/ We’re a little partial to this blog as we’re both regular contributors. The blog provides news on all things related to MINDSTORMS NXT, including new products, building instructions, book reviews, and more.
http://www.nxtasy.org/ This is another useful blog that covers items related to MINDSTORMS NXT.
- Forums
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/ FLL has an international forum for discussion about the competition. Look on its website to find the link. Note that you need to be a registered team to read and post in the forum.
http://messageboards.lego.com/ The LEGO Message Boards, a forum on the LEGO website, has a category for general discussion about MINDSTORMS.
http://thenxtstep.com/smf/ The NXT STEP blog also has a forum where visitors can post questions, upload pictures, and more. The blog’s 30-plus contributors often respond to queries, and a dedicated forum section was created specifically for this book at http://thenxtstep.com/smf/index.php?board=45.0/ (or just look in General Category ▸ Book Discussions).
http://www.nxtasy.org/ This blog’s useful forum covers a wide range of technical topics for both beginner and expert.
- Tutorials
http://www.ortop.org/NXT_Tutorial/ This site provides an excellent introduction to NXT-G programming. Once the basics have been mastered, advanced topics are also covered.
http://www.legoengineering.com/ This site has all sorts of resources and information related to NXT. It includes an online NXT Constructopedia that gives many useful tips on building with the NXT system, and it even has instructions for a couple of robots.
http://www.legoedwest.com/ LEGO Ed West has a collection of building instructions for both NXT and RCX robots, plus some articles on specific techniques such as using sensors.
- Books
http://www.booksnbots.com/ At the Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Book Repository, author David J. Perdue (The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Inventor’s Guide, No Starch Press, 2007) keeps an up-to-date listing of books and workbooks related to MINDSTORMS NXT.
- Online Stores
http://www.bricklink.com/ BrickLink is a huge online store, similar to eBay, except that only LEGO pieces and kits are sold. This site is a great place to find sets as well as single elements.
- Random
http://mindstorms.lego.com/NXTLOG/ The MINDSTORMS’ website has a feature called NXTLog, where people from all around the world post about their NXT projects. This site is a great place to find inspiration for robots or building and programming tips.
http://www.marsbasecommand.com/ Find fun activities (as well as good practice) for FLL teams to attempt before or after the season ends. The challenges mimic the FLL Robot Game by offering a playing field with mission models that a team’s robot must attempt to manipulate.
http://www.nxtprograms.com/ This website includes an excellent collection of robot designs and programs for teams to try. Online building instructions are provided using clear photos of pieces. The NXT-G programs are available for download with comments to help decipher the function of the NXT-G blocks.