Extreme Mindstorms: An Advanced Guide to Lego Mindstorms RCX by Dave Baum, Michael Gasperi, Ralph Hempel and Luis Villa. It has information about programming the RCX in NQC, Forth, and using legOS, but most importantly it has two whole chapters that I wrote on Building Homebrew Sensors. These chapters take the time to go through the construction process step-by-step in easy to follow instructions. Click the box to find out more about the book and how to purchase it online.
Extreme NXT, Taking your NXT to the next level: LEGO Mindstorms NXT is an outstanding new product that allows anyone to build complex inventions, but there are limits to what you can do with what comes inside the box. This book shows you how to think outside the box and extend the NXT to the next level. With more than twenty-five exciting projects that range from a simple light switch to a cool magic wand that writes words in thin air. The projects are explained with easy step-by-step instructions, and whether you are a novice or an expert you will be able to successfully construct them. A tutorial on breadboard construction and soldering is also included.
New sensors like color, pressure, magnetism, and even the wind are covered along with games like surfing, Pong, and Simon. On the serious side, there are classic engineering challenges like controlling an inverted pendulum, making a robot that follows a wall, and building a light seeking vehicle. Some projects are fun like the fusion of the NXT and an Etch-A-Sketch called the Etch-A-NXT. Other projects are useful like a motorized camera mount that takes 360 degree photographs, or a NXT version of the classic Clapper remote control. Details are presented for practically unlimited expansion of the NXT inputs and outputs by using the I2C communications bus, and several power amplifier designs allow the NXT outputs to drive bigger motors.
So, if you are looking for the next thing to do with your NXT, this is the book for you. If you are involved in robotics, engineering, science, electronics, or just having fun, there is an interesting project in here for you.
The next generation of robots! Create the smartest, strongest and most advanced LEGO® robot ever, in as few as 30 minutes! The new NXT Intelligent Brick, your robot's "brain," features a powerful 32-bit microprocessor and more memory, plus support for USB 2.0, Bluetooth and more! A highly versatile palette of LEGO TECHNIC® elements combines with state-of-the-art ultrasonic, sound, light and touch sensors in the next generation of intuitive robotics. With included Quick-Start guide, easy-to-use software and step-by-step building instructions, beginners and experts alike can create humanoid, vehicle and animal robots that obey every command! Improved light sensors can detect different colors and intensities, while the new sound sensor enables robots to respond to sound patterns and tones. Robots can really "feel" with improved touch sensors, while ultrasonic "eyes" measure distance and movement. Programming software is now available for both PC and Macintosh, plus with Bluetooth support, you can even command your robot from your mobile phone! LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT Includes: All-new NXT Intelligent Brick with 32-bit microprocessor, more memory and FLASH 3 Interactive Servo motors feature built-in rotation sensors to align speed for precise control New sound sensor reacts to sound commands, patterns and tones New ultrasonic visual sensor responds to movement Improved touch sensor reacts to touch and release Improved light sensor detects different colors and light intensities 519 specially selected LEGO TECHNIC elements for sturdy and durable building and improved functionality and movement 4 input ports, 3 output ports and 7 6-wire cords Matrix display Real sound speaker USB 2.0 and Bluetooth support Easy-to-use PC and Mac compatible interface Intuitive, icon-based drag-and-drop program "building" environment 6 AA batteries required (not included).
Here are video previews of a few projects in the Extreme NXT book
Extreme NXT Table Of Contents
CHAPTER 1 In the Beginning
The RCX and the Robotics Invention System
The MINDSTORMS NXT
CHAPTER 2 In the Box
The Sensors
The Motors
The Lamp
The Languages
CHAPTER 3 Connecting to the NXT
NXT Ports
Sensor Input Pinout and Signal Description
Motor Output Pinout
Physically Connecting to the NXT
Making Your Connectors
Screw Terminal for Passive Sensors
RCX Compatibility Cable
CHAPTER 4 Contact Sensors
Touching Wires
Electronic Surfboard
Switches
Parallel and Series
Antenna Sensor
CHAPTER 5 Resistive Sensors
Analog to Digital Conversion
Ohmmeter Program
Measuring Salinity
Homebrew Temperature Sensor
NXT Digital Thermometer
Relative Humidity Sensor
Light Sensor
Comparison of LEGO and CdS Light Sensor
Theremin
Braitenberg Vehicle 2
Two Switch Input
CHAPTER 6 Potentiometer Sensors
Resistance Selection
NXT Protractor
Pressure Sensor
Broom Balancer
Bottom Mounted Joystick
Top Mounted Joystick for the T-56
CHAPTER 7 Voltage Sensors
Design of a -5V to +5V Sensor
NXT Battery Tester
A -15V to +15V Sensor
CHAPTER 8 4.3V Powered Sensors
Hall Effect Sensor
Robot Mouse
Transistor Buffer
Infrared Rangefinder
Wall Follower
Differential Light Sensor
Digital Sundial
Enhancing the Transistor Buffer
CHAPTER 9 Two-Wire Powered Sensors
Signals
Programming
NXT-G
NBC
Half-Volt Sensor
Current Sensor
Electronic Whistler
Pressure Sensor
CHAPTER 10 Aftermarket Vendors
HiTechnic
Mindsensors.com
Techno-Stuff
Vernier and DCP Microdevelopments
LEGO Education
CHAPTER 11 NXT Motor Interfaces
The Clapper
The Etch-A-NXT
The Pneumatic Gripper
CHAPTER 12 Beyond NXT Motors
The Motor Block
Output Control Program
Lamps
Muscle Wires
Electromagnets and Solenoids
Kinetic Sculpture
Relays
Doubling Outputs
Light Emitting Diodes
More Power
One MOSFET Amplifier
Bipolar MOSFET Amplifier
CHAPTER 13 I2C Bus Communication
I2C Communications
PCF8574
Eight Outs
Magic Wand
Four Ins and Outs
Simon Game
Relay Outputs
PCF8591
Four Analog Ins
Color Sensor
Going Further
CHAPTER 14 Cool Combinations
Data Logging
NXT-to-NXT Bluetooth Remote Control
LEGO Train Station
Panoramic Camera
Graphics
NXT Pong Video Game
Remotely Guided Vehicle
APPENDIX A Breadboard Construction Technique
Solderless Breadboard
Building on the Breadboard
Soldering
Building a Printed Circuit Board
Appendix B References, Links, and Sources
APPENDIX C Code Listings
Extreme NXT
