Flying Fortress Lego blimp lords over us with a Mindstorms-based iron fist (video)

Flying Fortress Lego blimp lords over us with a Mindstormsbased iron fist video

Most Lego Mindstorms constructions have never slipped the surly bonds of Earth. The Flying Fortress Lego Blimp from Tyler Westmoreland and Chris Shepard won't be similarly held down, however. Courtesy of two NXTBee wireless adapters, Tyler and Chris can fly the Mindstorms NXT-driven airship using a remote control and adjustable propellers. There's no secret tricks involved, as everything is an off-the-shelf part that anyone can find, including the 55-inch helium balloons. We have proof: Tyler has shared the source code for both the blimp and the controller, so anyone with the resources can recreate the Flying Fortress for themselves. While the thought of homemade drone blimps looming overhead is slightly disconcerting, we'll steel our resolve when it means that most any enterprising builder can take Lego airborne.

[Thanks, @frankiebit]

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Source: Dexter Industries

LEGO Time Twister 2 Clock: Time is Better the Second Time Around

About a year ago, I spotted this cool mechanical LEGO clock called the Time Twister. It was a pretty amazing build, recreating the segmented display of an LCD clock, entirely with LEGO parts. Well its builder, Hans Andersson is back with a new version – the Time Twister 2.

time twister 2 lego clock digits

The updated version of the clock has a more finished look than the original, more closely mimicking the style of an LED timepiece with a light-on-dark display.

time twister 2 lego clock mech

Mechanically, it looks different too, though the basic principles are the same. It’s built from LEGO blocks, Mindstorms NXT Controllers and servo mechanisms interconnected to gradually rotate and reveal segments of the digits which comprise the current time. Here, check it out in action:

Cool, no? I think so. Hans needs to figure out a way to mass-produce these – or at least sell an instruction kit along with a parts list. I would certainly love to have a clock this cool somewhere in my home or office – though the sound of the motors constantly whirring away might get on my nerves after a while. Nah, I’ll just buy some earplugs if I must.


Lego Curiosity Mars rover explores barren surface of Kennedy Space Center (video)

Lego Curiosity Mars rover

If you want to do what NASA just did, except in Lego form, then look no further. NXT builders Doug Moran and Will Gorman put together this amazing working Curiosity rover that can happily roll around plastic terrains, searching for the answer to Bowie's questions. Four of the six wheels are powered, enabling the gear to make 360 degree turns, while a fully working arm and mast are controlled separately. Of course, nothing we can say could compare to seeing it in the flesh plastic, so head on past the break to see it in action.

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Lego Curiosity Mars rover explores barren surface of Kennedy Space Center (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 07:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego motorized wheelchair joins Mindstorms NXT alumni (video)

Lego motorized wheelchair joins Mindstorms NXT alumni (video)

It's been a while since we've come across a Lego project that's on par with a certain Pixar hero or the Rubiks solving robots, but Simon Burfield's brick-based motorized wheelchair definitely ranks close. He's cobbled together seven Mindstorm NXT micro-computers (programmed in RobotC), 14 motors, 16 touch sensors and a Technic frame to build a chair capable of carting around 200 pounds of Lego obsessed humanity. As functional as it is, the creator aims to improve the build with wireless control via Android, a task he says should be "very straightforward" over Bluetooth. If you'd like to see the demo in all its noisy glory, check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Lego motorized wheelchair joins Mindstorms NXT alumni (video)

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Lego motorized wheelchair joins Mindstorms NXT alumni (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastes

Sony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastes

The waiting is the hardest part -- just ask stateside fans of the Xperia NXT series. But in a welcome change of fortune, Sony's breaking down international borders and making its Android trio available unlocked for American mitts. Interested parties can hit up Sony stores or visit the usual online mega retailers now to snag the 12-megapixel-toting Xperia S, WhiteMagic-y P and wee U for $560, $480 and $300, respectively. You'll have to hitch your wireless ride to AT&T to take full advantage of the goods and there's no 4G LTE service to speak of, but hey, beggars can't be choosers. Hit up the source link below to get'em while they're hot.

Continue reading Sony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastes

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Sony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Xperia S heading to Canada on April 17th, exclusive to Sony Stores

Sony Xperia S heading to Canada on April 17th, exclusive to Sony Stores
Still patiently waiting to find out when Sony's NXT child will hit Canadian shelves? According to the Japanese outfit, residents of the Great White North can finally expect the Xperia S to make a grand entrance on April 17th. The handset is set to be sold exclusively at Sony Stores around the country, but unfortunately, there's no word on how much it'll cost. That said, we do know that the 4.3-inch Gingerbread device will only be compatible with Rogers network, so Xperia lovers on Telus and Bell need not apply. So, not all Canadians can grab the new Sony slab, but at least some of you can before your neighbors down south.

Continue reading Sony Xperia S heading to Canada on April 17th, exclusive to Sony Stores

Sony Xperia S heading to Canada on April 17th, exclusive to Sony Stores originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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