Using the BlueJ IDE with Mindstorms

1
Using the BlueJ IDE with Mindstorms

• LMICSE Workshop
• June 14 - 17, 2005
• Alma College

2
What is BlueJ?

• Freeware developed by Michael Kolling and others
• A popular integrated development environment for
  Java
• Often used in introductory CS courses
• Available at www.bluej.org, easy to install

3
Open BlueJ on your Computer

• Click the BlueJ icon on your computers dock at
  the bottom of the screen.
• It should open BlueJ with a project we have
  already created GoForward

4
Setting up BlueJ for Mindstorms

• Two requirements
• Install Lejos
• Available from lejos.sourceforge.com
• Just do the basic install
• Add the BMJT plugin to BlueJ
• Available from
• ddi.uni-paderborn.de/mindstormstools/bjmt
• Installation is just dropping two files into the
  extensions folder of BLUEJ
• Good instructions available online
• This is already done for you on your Macintosh!

5
Once the BMJT Plugin is installed

• You need to configure it
• This is already done for you on your Macintosh!

6
Firmware

• Now you can download the firmware to the RCX
• Plug the tower into a usb port
• if on a PC you may need to install the usb
  drivers
• Place the RCX in front of the tower, turn it on
• Choose Firmware
• You will see a progress dialog on the PC
• On the RCX you will see an ascending series of
  numbers

7
Compiling an Existing File

• Right-click (Command-click) on the file icon
• Choose Compile from the pop-up menu

8
Downloading a Project

• Robot must be on and in front of tower
• Right-click (Command-click) on the file icon for
  the main class
• Choose Download from the pop-up menu

9
Try it Out!

• Make sure both bump sensors are attached to port
  2 (stack them).
• Place the robot in its play area.
• Press run.
• It should move forward until it hits an obstacle.