Using the BlueJ IDE with Mindstorms

LMICSE WorkshopJune 14 - 17, 2005

Alma College

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

Open BlueJ on your Computer

• Click the BlueJ icon on your computer’s dock at the bottom of the screen.

• It should open BlueJ with a project we have already created: GoForward

The BlueJ IDE

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!

Once the BMJT Plugin is installed

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

set the path to the JDK

set the path to LeJOS

just say usbthere is a 1.5 option in newer versions

choose configure

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

choose firmware

Compiling an Existing File

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

choose compile

not this one!

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

choose download

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.