Lego Robotics (Mindstorms NXT 2.0) have been around since 08/01/2009 and were quite the improvement over the original Lego Mindstorms NXT program released in '06. Users are able to come up with some incredible creations that perform real and useful tasks. These tasks can include driving around, launching things, playing sports, solving puzzle, and a whole lot more. Because of the more powerful Intelligent Brick from Lego that has 3 motor inputs and 4 sensor inputs, a lot more capabilities were unlocked and the possibilities are infinite! Check out Lego's official website here.
There are people that have taken this to the extreme. Serious robotics developers have taken the Lego Mindstorms platform to a whole new level and integrated it with professional style electronics instead of using NXT programs. Rather than using the novice-style intelligent Brick from Lego for NXT programming, they have integrated better, faster, and more complex microcontroller chips into the mix. The ATMEL AVR chip is a more complex microcontroller that can be used in a myriad of applications. They are used in everyday electronics and products that are sold around the globe. Some microwaves, keyboards, vacuum cleaners, televisions, and other consumer products utilize this powerful chip. In the video below, you will see that it has even been used to create a full autonomous Lego robot. The robot represents the the Dreadnought from Dawn of War.
For more information on NXT programs and the different APIs (Application Programming Interface) available to make NXT robots autonomous, there are many sites on the web that have tutorials on each of the programming languages that are compatible with the Lego Intelligent Brick. Again, NXT programming can be done various ways with the Intelligent Brick, but it can also be done with other electronics and microntrollers, such as the AVR, 8051, Arduino (AVR-based chip), and others, to make them even more powerful. What NXT programs will you create?
This arc welding projects video may seem a bit random, but I just made a tutorial for people who want to learn how to weld. This tutorial is designed to show how one can learn to take up flux core welding for hobbies without needing any experience or expensive equipment! If you're really keen on learning welding from the basics to the advanced methods, learn how to weld with this in-depth guide.
I hope to help those whom have never welded before and do not have the money to spend on expensive equipment but want to learn how to weld for hobbies or fixing things around the house. Flux core welding is great for hobbies, diy automotive repair, and fixing things around the house. In my opinion, everyone should know the basics of welding so they are prepared to fix anything and don't have to rely on expensive professionals who provide the same practical results. These downloadable manuals are another great way to teach yourself how to weld for those who prefer reading. I really hope this video tutorial helps, and I would love to hear your comments here!
If you're on the fence about wanting to start welding your own projects like in this video, but you think you need expensive equipment, you may want to check out these items:
You'll see that you can get started with flux core welding for less than $100 dollars. If you want to weld like I did in the video above, it's about $250 because of the auto-darkening welding helmet (which I realized isn't necessary at all - flipping up the visor manually is not that difficult haha). If you're welding for an extended period of time, and you're welding different spots on you're work piece consecutively, you may want to invest in a $50 auto-darkening mask for convenience.
Remember: safety first! I know everyone, especially those who are just starting out, wants to save money, but never cut corners on safety when it comes to welding (or machining). The arc from an arc welder can reach temperatures of over 20,000 degrees Fahrenheit (some even hotter). Your work piece will not cool down fast at all, and you cannot tell whether it has cooled down by the way it looks. Just because it isn't red hot anymore does not mean it won't give you third degree burns. Never weld without a proper visor to protect you from the ultraviolet radiation which comes from the arc (you can't see it). It is not the brightness of the arc welding that damages your corneas but the harmful UV radiation invisible to the naked eye. The UV radiation in arc welding can also harm exposed skin, thus you want to make sure you are always covered from head to toe. Leather is best because it is naturally heat resistant, but cotton or denim works well too (any natural materials).
Thanks for watching/reading! :-)
