LEGO Mindstorm Kits and Parts for use with FIRST LEGO League
Normally the easiest way to obtain LEGO kits for use in FIRST
LEGO League (FLL) competitions is from the official www.firstlegoleague.org
web site when you register your FLL team. Sometimes teams may already have
kits or parts and may want to supplement or replace parts. This page describes
various kits and parts and lists some possible sources.
LEGO Mindstorms Robotic Invention SystemTM
Kits and Parts
There are three versions of the LEGO
Robotic Invention System (RIS). All RIS versions are usable for FLL
competition and all are compatible with all versions of RCX programming
software. Links below connect to resources including LEGO
Shop at Home, Pitsco LEGO Dacta,
LUGNET,
E-bay,
and bricklink. Most prices listed
below are as of June 2003. You can phone LEGO Shop at Home at 800-453-4652.
Also check out www.RoboticsLearning.com.
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RIS 1.0 (#9719) is
the original version, released in 1998.
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This set was included in the 1999 FLL kit, along with some additional parts.
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No longer available retail, RIS 1.0 sets can be purchased on E-bay
for around $120 - $150.
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You will sometimes find 1.0 systems with a 1.5 software upgrade included.
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The original 1.0 RCX has an advantage that it includes an exernal AC power
port not available on the version 1.5 and 2.0 RCX.
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If you get a 1.0 system, it is recommended you use the improved 1.5 or
2.0 programming software.
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RIS 1.5 (#9747) was
released in 1999.
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It includes mostly the same parts as 1.0, but several mundane (i.e. regular
type lego brick) parts were dropped and some useful new Technic parts were
added.
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1.5 has improved programming software over the 1.0 system.
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Both the 1.0 and the 1.5 parts were included in the 2000 FLL parts kit
(plus a number of additional parts).
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Some retail stores are still selling 1.5 sets, probably for close to $200.
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1.5 sets can be purchased on E-bay
for around $150 - $170. Beware of sets advertised as version 1.5 that are
really version 1.0 with just the upgraded 1.5 software and documentation,
but lacking the 1.5 parts upgrade.
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A confusing point: the 1.5 RCX is labeled "1.0" but you can tell it is
really version 1.5 because it lacks the AC power port.
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RIS 2.0 (#3804) was
released in September 2001.
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It includes exactly the same parts as 1.5, plus one fiber optic part (for
linking to a MicroScout unit).
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The 2.0 constructopedia book is slightly different but has the same content
as the 1.5 book.
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2.0 comes with a USB IR tower instead of a legacy serial port IR tower.
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Retail price from LEGO S@H and most
stores is $200. Some stores sell for a bit less (e.g. www.MrRobot.com)
but don't expect to find it for much less.
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E-bay
prices for 2.0 are around $170 - $190.
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2.0 comes with improved programming software and it supports both kinds
of IR towers.
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To use the 2.0 software with a 1.0 or 1.5 RCX you need to reload the RCX
with the updated 2.0 firmware. Don't worry, the firmware is compatable
so you can still also use the 1.5 progamming system if you like.
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A disadvantage of the 2.0 system is that its USB IR tower will not work
with the older programming systems (such as RIS 1.5 and Robolab 2.0), while
the serial IR tower will work with all versions.
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Although improved in many respects, some disadvantages of the 2.0 programming
software are:
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it only uses 800 x 600 of your computer screen.
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on some slower computers it seems to have cursor tracking and UI responsiveness
problems.
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The 2.0 RCX is labeled "2.0" but is otherwise identical to the 1.5 RCX
(i.e. no AC power port).
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9794 Team Challenge Set
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$199 from Pitsco
Dacta (#W979794) or (#W979793)
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Available with USB or Serial IR Tower
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See 9794 parts, 9794
added parts
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The 2002 FLL kit consisted of the #9794 Team Challenge Set, plus:
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a third motor
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a rotation sensor
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RIS 2.0 software CD
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RIS 2.0 Constructopedia
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Robolab 2.5 software CD
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The three Robolab teachers guides
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a set of batteries.
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RIS 1.5 Upgrade Kit (#3803)
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This includes the 1.5 software, constructopedia book, test pad, and all
the new building parts included in the 1.5 kit that were not in the 1.0
kit.
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$25 from LEGO S@H (probably no longer
available).
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RIS 2.0 Upgrade Kit (3805)
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$20 from LEGO S@H.
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Compatible with RIS 1.0 or 1.5.
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This includes just the 2.0 software, but no building parts.
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Light Sensor (#9758)
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Touch Sensor (#9757)
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Rotation Sensor (#9756)
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Technic Geared Mini Motor (#5225)
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RCX (#9709)
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Remote Control (#9738)
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Obviously not allowed for FLL competition, but sometimes useful for testing
and debugging robot designs.
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$21 from Pitsco
Dacta (#W779738)
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$20 from LEGO S@H.
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Ultimate Accessory Set (#3801)
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Contents include: remote control, touch sensor, 9v lamp, rotation sensor,
some LEGO TECHNIC elements, and a special constructopedia.
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May not be a good value for FLL teams.
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$50 from LEGO. Sometimes for sale on
E-bay.
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Technic gear
box
FLL Parts Lists
Other Resources
MINDSTORMS and Robotics Invention System
are trademarks of the LEGO
Group.
9/26/2003
