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Domain: ni.com

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Comments · 152

  1. Re:"Kicking out the Clock" by Amulet's lead, Furbe by QuantumHack · · Score: 1 · on Self-Timed ARM Provides Low Power Consumption
    >NCL is a 3-state logic of "true" and "false", plus the control which is derived from NCL math to be "null" (no data).

    Interesting. This sounds a lot like the "data-driven" graphical language LabVIEW, which I spent about three years programming in.

    In LabVIEW, the operators only execute when data is present. "Data present" is a condition inherent in the incoming data stream, and, as you said does not require an extra control line to indicate.

    The operators themselves can be programs, being activated only when data appears. So, the language is extensible by creating custom "instruments" which are activated by the presence of data.

    I've always said implementing LabVIEW in hardware would be a kick!

    --The QuantumHack

    (no relationship to National Instruments except a satisfied customer)

  2. Re:mindstorms for mac? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1 · on LEGO Mindstorm Book Review
    >I heard that there's a DACTA system which comes in a macintosh version

    You're right about this, and you can get more info either by visiting the DACTA site or the ROBOLAB page from National Instruments.

    The ROBOLAB version is multi-platform (currently Windows and Mac) because the software interface used to program the RCX controller brick is a derivative of a multi-platform graphical programming environment called LabVIEW that's been around for about 15 years. LabVIEW itself is available under Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Solaris, etc.

    I've used ROBOLAB quite a bit and can vouch for the power of its programming environment--on the higher levels, anyway. The lower levels allow younger kids to build their own control programs more easily.

    LEGO-wise, the ROBOLAB kit uses most of the same sensors that you can get with Mindstorms, and also comes with some templates (both LEGO and code) to get the new user going.