EV3 vs. NXT software

[Michael Rabourn]

I would like to know if there is a website that does a good job of comparing the EV3 programming environment to the NXT-G. I understand that the new language should work with NXT-G hardware which I have, but am now uncertain as to which software to use. Thanks.

[jenniferskaycs4hs]

I show a brief preview of the EV3 programming environment in Lesson 1.2, so be sure to take a look at that if you haven't already. Meanwhile, I'll ask the TAs to see if they can find a more detailed comparison.

 

-- Jennie

[Alejandro Del Mar]

You cant visit:

http://robotsquare.com/2013/07/16/ev3-nxt-compatibility/

http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/misc/comparingEV3andNXT.cfm

Importantly, you can program the NXT programming environment from ev3, but with certain restrictions with bluetooh and light sensor, plus management texts on screen position, and that of ev3 is larger.

Regards,

Alejandro

[Myra Doughty]

I have no idea what you guys are talking about...I thought this was for beginners!

[Michael Rabourn]

Hi Myra,

The software that comes with Mindstorms NXT is called NXT-G and the software that comes with the new EV3 hardware is called EV3. I have tried to learn the NXT-G software on my own since I have the Mindstorms hardware, but I have run into questions that I can't find answers to in books. I have never used the EV3 software but would like to since that is the future of LEGO robotics. As for WeDo, I have a set and am working my way through the teacher's guide and just experimenting (playing). I would imagine that everyone here has a different background but I know that I need a structured course to effectively use my set. I hope that answers your question.

[Sara Kaviar]

Hi there:

I have similar questions. My school is going to purchase all EV3 robot kits, and we have no experienced robotics instructors. I am taking this course so that I'll be able to train the teachers. However, instead of buying an NXT kit, I think I am going to use the EV3 kit and try to follow along. I hope this works! I don't want to ask my school to purchase an NXT kit on top of the EV3s.

Am I correct in understanding that the software with the EV3 is free and downloadable, whereas it is not with the NXT? Or is it the difference between the education and the home software?

Will I be OK using the EV3 home software during this course?  (So many questions!!)

Thanks,

Sara Kaviar

Educational Technology Specialist

Seven Arrows Elementary School

[Michael Rabourn]

Hi Sara,

The new EV3 Home Edition software is a free download but not the educational version which has data-logging and perhaps other differences. However, it might be fine for your purposes, and you could always buy the educational version later if you found it lacking.

I know that a lot of people are hooked on Mindstorms and EV3, but you might take a look at LEGO's new WeDo robotics system designed especially for elementary students. I am far from an expert with the set, but it seems very promising. I like the fact that the projects can be built quickly so that you can focus on programming and problem-solving. It's about $130 for the starter set and perhaps $70 for the software. it also works around themes and encourages writing activities.

[Sara Kaviar]

Thank you for your suggestions. I have to say the Lego site is a little confusing (especially with the free software vs. the paid).

I also heard from another instructor about the WeDo kits as well. Lots of learning ahead!

[jenniferskaycs4hs]

Myra, this course is definitely designed for beginners and all the lessons and exercises should be clear and understandable to you. Don't panic if you see posts on the forum that you don't understand - we are open to all and have some more experienced people on board as well.

 

-- Jennie

[Damien Kee]

While the EV3-G software is slightly different from the older NXT-G software, the ideas are still the same.  The vast majority of programming blocks in NXT-G have a direct equivalent in EV3-G so hopefully it won't be too difficult to apply.

The difference between the Retail versions and Education versions of the LEGO kits has been a source of confusion for at least the last 8 years.  The retail version of both the EV3 and NXT software is free, but lacks some parts (such as datalogging).  

The education version of the NXT and EV3 software you have to pay for, but you get the added extras (such as datalogging)

I'm not sure the exact path this course will take, but am assuming that the retail version of the EV3 software will get you through a very good portion of it.

Regards

Damien Kee

[Cindy Med]

Me three!

I just bought a NXT robot on Ebay, supposedly all parts are included and the brick works, but the seller suggested upgrading the software to the latest version.  I went on the Mindstorms website and the only download I can find is the EV3.  So should I use the EV3 or do you think the software on the unit will work. I assume it is the original release - it's an 8527 model.  It is the commercial model too.   I guess I will see when it gets here. 

Cindy

[Michael Rabourn]

Did he include a disk with the Mindstorms NXT-G software? You can download free updates to that software but you can't download the entire software package. It is a "for sale" item. If you want to use the EV3 computer software, you will need to update the firmware on the NXT brick.

[Jennifer Kay]

LEGO has made the commercial version of the NXT software available as a free download. The commercial software will let you do almost everything in this course. More hardware and software details will be coming in week two of the course, but since you're all discussing this already, I've posted the "Week 2 specific resources" on the resources page above.

[Jennifer Kay]

Nice Links Alejandro. I've added them to the Resources page.

[Cindy Med]

So I received the kit today and it appears to be in great shape.  The brick is shiny as new, but I have to go get some AA batteries. All of the motors and sensors are there. Even the white boxes! Of course it's the commercial version with no sorting trays. I will have to find a sorting tray.

The disc that came with it has v1.0 software.  I read somewhere it is up to 2.1. The disc says it is compatible with Windows 98, which is good for school, but at home I have a Windows 8 laptop.  Will the new download work with Windows 8 and/or Windows 98?  I do have my old laptop and it does work so I could use that. 

I am assuming all these questions will be addressed in Week 2.  

[Damien Kee]

You can download the 2.0 version of the software from Jennifer's link in the above message.  I'm running it fine on my Windows 8 laptop :)

[Iwizfranchise Bg]

EV3 brick and NXT brick compared. LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 is the latest generation of LEGO MINDSTORMS, released in 2013. LEGO has stopped selling the NXT system in retail stores, but NXTproducts and support may continue to be available through educational channels for a while.