Monorail

How to control the monorail

You can control it from Python over Bluetooth as follow (instruction for a linux distro):

  1. Install python-nxt
  2. Turn it on by pressing the orange button.
  3. Start python and run the following setup commands:
from nxt.bluesock import Bluesock
from nxt.motor import Motor
ID = '00:16:53:02:9B:DE'
sock =  BlueSock(ID)
brick = sock.connect()
motor_a = Motor(brick, nxt.motor.PORT_A)
motor_b = Motor(brick, nxt.motor.PORT_B)
motor_c = Motor(brick, nxt.motor.PORT_C)

You can then control the motors by calling motor.turn(power, degrees) e.g. motor_a.turn(127, 360).

Motor A moves it along the rail, Motor B pans the sensor head and Motor C tilts the sensor head.

See the python-nxt documentation for more, you should be able to set up and use the sensors too.

Monorail instrustion

Lego Mindstorm

Parts

The assembly parts for the track are stored in a christmas cardboard box. The box waits for you on a shelf beside the old batteries container. The design for the laser cutter of the ceiling station and connector is stored in a github rep.

Ceiling holders:      laser-cut from 3mm ply
Screws/threaded rods: M5
Rail:                 3x19x4000mm Aluminum

Roadmap

Control Monorail From Android

Download the lego NXT app, pair bluetooth with android device by matching the pin displayed on the screen of the lego brick. Pin was 1234.

Motor A moves it along the rail, Motor B pans the sensor head and Motor C tilts the sensor head.