From: THall1234@aol.com
Subject: Red Rover
Date: Fri, 30 Aug 1996 01:52:15 -0400
In response to your e-mail, it looks like you've got a good handle on what you need. To answer your questions. The *Lego* starter kit has the interface box (this is the connector or intermediary between the motors on the rover and the computer.)serial cable (this is what connects the interface box to the computer.
Make sure you designate PC when you order. I have cables for both Mac and PC, because we started with Lego Dacta on our Macs just for the programming part of it before we ever heard of Red Rover)software (this is the Lego Dacta software only which allows you to practice with the programming, a good experience. When you actually do Red Rover, you do not use Lego programming, however. Planetary Society has its own software for that (included in their kit)kit #9702 (one kit included. As I mentioned, you need an additional motor for each rover, some extra gears, large, and possibly even some extra regular red lego pieces. I asked all my kids to see if their families wanted to donate any old lego kits, parts, etc. I put all these in an extra bin for everyone to pick from.) curriculum kit (included - this is for specifically Lego Dacta building projects and programming - does not include instructions for the rover, but is good practice to build one of the projects and practice programming) Sounds like you might need one more motor (for the one in your starter kit), so you have 2 for each kit. Also, I plan to use big balloon tires this year instead of the smaller tires offered by Lego Dacta. I am getting the catalog on that shortly from the regular Lego division and will let you know how to order them. You might want to save out $100 or so for extra parts like gears, tires, and unexpected items. Also, don't forget you will need some funds for building the Mars site. You might be able to use art supplies your school currently has, or perhaps some creative parents can help with that. I purchased most of our supplies for the site and I believe it cost us about $200. One more note...in the early stages of your students projects, you will be doing alot of "testing" of the rovers by hooking them up to the interface box (there are special wires in the kit which hook up from the motors to the interface box). With one interface box, you will be needing to work out a good sharing schedule during building time. We had 3 interface boxes because, like I mentioned, we were doing Lego Dacta projects before we did Red Rover. However, these boxes are $227, so that puts a crimp on many budgets. In the end, you only need the one for Red Rover, but I just thought I would mention it. Anyway, bottom line is you sound like you are basically all set with your list. Just some extra $ for the tires, gears, etc. and maybe for the Mars site art supplies. Oh, there is a 6% shipping charge for regular shipping from Lego, 10% for 2nd day air, but not tax unless you are in Connecticut. Regular shipping is very slow, sometimes 2-3 weeks - might want to keep that in mind. Please feel free to ask me any more questions. I'm happy to help with the next step after you get your supplies. Theresa Hall