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NXTBee enables long-distance wireless for Mindstorms NXT, funny little RC cars (video)
Lego Mindstorms NXT is robotic democratization, DIY designing for the everyman, but being stuck with only Bluetooth or IR wireless can put a bit of a damper on your egalitarian goals. No more. Dexter industries (who previously brought us solar-powered Mindstorms) has created the NXTBee, which uses the an Xbee radio to send data much further: 300 feet for the base $55 NXTBee, up to a mile if you opt for the $78 NXTBee-PRO. You'll probably need two of the things, though, so make sure you budget appropriately. There's definitely some lag evident in the video of a long-range RC car below, but we're not sure if that's the wireless or the machine itself. Regardless, that's surely a design challenge that won't stop you from having fun with this one.
dSolar panels for Mindstorms bring green power to your Lego creations
When society collapses and the national energy infrastructure goes to pot, at least you'll still be able to run your fantastical Lego Mindstorms NXT creations. That's right: the fine folks at Dexter Industries are offering panels, batteries, and all the geegaws necessary to power your projects the old fashioned way: with the sun. The basic dSolar 2W System ($90) features a 9 volt solar panel with enough juice to power the NXt and a single motor in direct sunlight (about 250 mA). There is also a four watt system available for $100, as well as capacitor banks, parallel connectors for multiple panels, and more. Hit up the source link to get started -- but not before you check out the video after the break.
