44 replies to this topic

[SuperTKDKid]

Like the Title Says, who has it? Any pros and cons about it? Whats your opinion on it?

[Jumpge]

I have it and I love it. Easy automation, amazing ride outcome when used properly, and has a nice finishing effect of automation on the ride.

[SuperTKDKid]

So what all do you have? Do you just have a set or did you buy extras, etc.
Don't forget to vote in the poll everyone.
Edit: Is there any difference between the White and Black Intelligent Brick?

[~stεεlspectrum~]

I have it and I've been using it on my last 4 or 5 coasters. In my opinion it's one of the best ways to automate Knex coasters. The programming interface is easy-to-use but lets you create some pretty complex programs. It's fairly simple to use with Knex too, making it the perfect solution for someone who wants to automate their coasters.

[SuperTKDKid]

So is there any difference between the white and black intelligent brick?
Which sensors/motors do you have/use?

[Knexrule11]

I have it and use it. I don't know about the new bricks, I have the old brick (v1.1) and it works fine. I wouldn't think there's a difference between black and white, but I'm not sure.

EDIT:

Woah, mods. The new poll IS SICK! Nice job!

[SuperTKDKid]

Haha, thanks whoever changed that.

[big builder145]

I have the 2.0 version but i'm not sure its worth the money. I honestly i would have just gotten the first version. I haven't really researched the first version, but it looks to do pretty much the same thing. It has the touch sensors, and ultrasonic sensor and the servo motors. Really the only differences i see (and i haven researched it) Is the color sensor and i'm not that amazed by that personally, sure it works but i don't use it much. Unless the programing is a lot worse I would say probably get the older version.

[~stεεlspectrum~]

I think I have version 1...it's the white one, at least. The only extra part I bought was a rechargeable battery pack. It lasts longer than AA batteries and can run while plugged in, so your NXT never runs out of juice. If you use the NXT a lot, I'd recommend investing the $70-80 for it.

EDIT: Nope, I've got version 2.

[Sniggeh]

I got NXT 2.0, but white version. Recommend it for anyone who wants automation.

[Maxlaam]

The only downside of NXT is that it doesn't have those super fancy super expensive super high quality buttons like my Project Phase does. /brag

My opinion:
Bad:
1. Lego, I HATE IT. (I heard that there are so many lego bricks in the world that every person on the world has at least 4 bricks. Guess what, I'd rather burn them.)
2. IDE is made for 3 year olds. Not as much satisfaction of actually coding it all by hand.

Good:
1. Fairly Cheap
2. Easy to work with

The interface to program it with is cheating imho. Drag and drop doesn't give as much satisfactions as programming it all by hand. Phase also taught me how to code which is something I like to do. I don't see how you learn anything from the "drag and drop" environment like NXT now has. The Brixcc environment was much better (which is what we used at school.)

Question for you guys:
Can you hook up lights to it?
Aren't you limited to the 4 inputs en 3 outputs?

[SuperTKDKid]

The Color Sensor Detects Colors and it can project 3 colors of light.

[~stεεlspectrum~]

Yes, 4 inputs and 3 outputs. That's why you sometimes have to be creative and control multiple actions with a single motor, like I did on Avalanche's station.

[SuperTKDKid]

Are the wires long enough or do you have to buy new ones that are longer?

[Knexrule11]

My set came with different kinds of wires, some short, some long. I don't think you'd need more.

[Maxlaam]

Another problem I see is that you have to adapt everything so it works with K'nex, you have to make creative connections. Since I only use 12V motors I don't have this problem as I can just get some signal wire and plug it in directly into the motor, the other end connects to a relay.

[Knexrule11]

Don't worry Max, we all know that Phase is way better (and awesomer;)) than NXT. But sense Phase isn't on the market, this is the next best thing. You agree? But, in a year or two, I'd like to take a try with Aruduno.

[scott]

IMHO nxt is good and bad like max says i dont hate legos but knex i think is more advance then legos (without the nxt) i hate the nxt for the price nxt is almost $300 when i can get a ardunio for $40... Also your limited on cables and NEED legos just to make it work with knex. another thing is i hate seeing a open nxt in a coaster project...the nxt is good for automation mainly it...

[Maxlaam]

Don't foget that when you buy an NXT kit you get everything you need while an Arduino is as bare as can be, and you need a lot of knowledge of electronics.

[Eggo]

The NXT is more user friendly toward amateur electricians. a.k.a, 99% of the SSC community.