Getting Started with LEGO Mindstorms EV3
Introduction
Welcome to the world of LEGO Mindstorms EV3! This tutorial will help you get started with your EV3 kit, set up the built-in programming environment, and run your first program.
What You Need
LEGO Mindstorms EV3 brick
Motors and sensors (included in the kit)
Batteries or a rechargeable battery pack
Building Instructions
For this tutorial, you only need the EV3 Brick. Ensure it is fully charged or has fresh batteries.
Setting Up Your EV3 Kit
Assemble Your EV3 Brick: Ensure your EV3 brick has fresh batteries installed or a charged battery pack connected. Turn it on by pressing the center button.
Open the Built-in Programming Environment: Navigate to the Brick Program option in the main menu and press the center button to open it.
Writing Your First Program
Add a Move Block:
In the Brick Program interface, select the Move Steering Block.
Set the power level to 50.
Set the duration to 2 seconds.
Save and Run the Program:
Press the Check button to confirm.
Press the Run button to execute.
Basic Movement
Introduction
Building Instructions
Attach a Large Motor to Ports B and C.
Connect wheels to the motors for movement.
Ensure the motors are securely attached to the EV3 brick.
Now that you've set up your EV3, let's explore different movement options.
Moving Forward and Backward
Open the Brick Program.
Add a Move Block:
Set the power to 50.
Set the duration to 3 seconds.
Run the Program and observe the movement.
Modify for Backward Movement:
Change the power to -50.
Run again.
Turning and Rotations
Introduction
Learn how to make your EV3 turn using the built-in program.
Building Instructions
Use the same build from the Basic Movement tutorial.
Making a Turn
Add a Move Steering Block.
Set the Steering Value to 50 for a right turn.
Run the Program.
Experiment with Steering Values:
Try -50 for a left turn.
Adjust power and duration for smoother turns.
Using the Touch Sensor
Introduction
Use the Touch Sensor to control your EV3's actions.
Building Instructions
Attach the Touch Sensor to Port 1.
Use the same motor and wheel setup from previous tutorials.
Programming Steps
Attach the Touch Sensor to Port 1.
In the Brick Program, add a Wait Block:
Set it to Wait for Touch Sensor Press.
Add a Move Block:
Set it to move forward for 2 seconds.
Run the Program and press the Touch Sensor to activate movement.
Using the Color Sensor
Introduction
Detect colors with the EV3’s Color Sensor.
Building Instructions
Attach the Color Sensor to Port 3.
Position the sensor so it faces downward near the ground.
Programming Steps
Attach the Color Sensor to Port 3.
Add a Wait Block:
Set it to Wait for Color Detection.
Choose a color like Red.
Add a Move Block:
Set it to move forward for 3 seconds.
Run the Program and place a red object in front of the sensor.
Making a Line-Following Robot
Introduction
Use the Color Sensor to follow a black line on a white surface.
Building Instructions
Use the same setup from the Color Sensor tutorial.
Programming Steps
Attach the Color Sensor facing down.
Use a Loop Block to continuously check the color.
Inside the Loop:
If the sensor detects white, turn slightly right.
If it detects black, turn slightly left.
Run the Program and observe your robot following the line!
Obstacle Avoidance with the Ultrasonic Sensor
Introduction
Make your robot detect and avoid obstacles using the Ultrasonic Sensor.
Building Instructions
Attach the Ultrasonic Sensor to Port 4.
Position it in front of the robot.
Programming Steps
Attach the Ultrasonic Sensor to Port 4.
Use a Loop Block to continuously check the distance.
Inside the Loop:
If an obstacle is closer than 10 cm, stop and turn.
Otherwise, keep moving forward.
Run the Program and test it with obstacles!