Beginning....
These are great for both the Star Wars and Mindstorms fans! The Droid DK includes building instructions for R2-D2 and other "rolling" Star Wars robots, along with a CD with more advanced challenges and some fun ideas. The Dark Side DK includes building instructions for the walking AT-AT robot and other walking Star Wars robots, along with directions for a generic "walker" base so you can move on to create your own walkers. Both sets include the MicroScout microcontroller that has 7 built-in programs with one built in motor and light sensor. Since they only have the 7 programs, they are somewhat limited in their programming capability, but still great to start off with. Nearly any robot you build with these sets can be upgraded by swapping out the MicroScout with the RCX. Also, for more advanced Mindstorms users, the MicroScout can be slave-controlled by the RCX, essentially getting you an extra motor and light sensor for your more advanced creations. Though long discontinued sets, these are still available on eBay. Both sets come with a mighty collection of technic parts that are VERY useful in robot building, so don't be too quick to pass one of these by.
Intermediate...
These are the first core sets of Mindstorms series. Of course, the RIS 1.0 set came first, followed by the 1.5 and 2.0 sets. There were software upgrades available to purchase when each of the newer sets were released to bring the previous users up to the current standard. These sets are based on the yellow RCX programmable brick. The RCX has 3 input ports for sensors and 3 output ports for motors, lights, and other output devices. All of the programming is done on your computer then downloaded into the RCX. The 1.0 set includes the 1.0 RCX with the adapter port. This adapter port is great if you have a non-moving robot because it lets you plug the RCX in the wall (using any standard 9V adapter) to save on batteries. I think the 1.0 sets have the best Constructopedia which is great for beginning robot builders because it is more comprehensive. If you own one of the 1.0 sets, be on the lookout for the 3803 upgrade parts kits (as well as the newer 2.0 software) because you are missing some of the special Technic parts that came in the later sets. The 1.5 and 2.0 sets have nearly the same number of total pieces as the 1.0 sets, but more are Technic parts. The 1.5 and 2.0 kits are nearly identical parts-wise, but the IR tower and the software changed with the 2.0 kits. The 1.5 kit has the serial IR tower, whereas the 2.0 kits have the USB tower and also came with a fiber optic cable for more advanced users to slave another RCX, a Scout, or MicroScout. The 1.5 and 2.0 RCX do not have the power adapter port, but with the availability of inexpensive rechargeable NiMH AA batteries, it isn't that big of a deal anymore. Whatever set you have, get a copy of the 2.0 software. It really is much better, unless you have a Mac and need to use Robolab. The RIS 2.0 software will also upgrade some of your expansion sets' software. Any version of the software is compatible with any version of RCX...it is all interchangeable so far. There are MANY Mindstorms enthusiasts websites with oodles of information on the awesome power of these sets. Once you move past the basics, take a look around online. You can find some really fun stuff to do with your kit!The Mindstorms for Schools sets are designed to be used with the Robolab software. They are mostly the same as the RIS sets, but the newest school sets come with some extra Technic parts, along with an extra light sensor, and light/lamp brick. These are usually only available to First Lego League teams and the educational market.
- RIS Expansion Sets
Keep in mind these are all discontinued and getting harder to find! Most require the basic RIS system.
The Ultimate Accessory Set includes a Remote Control, an extra Touch Sensor, a Rotation Sensor, a Light set with transparent bricks and reflector, and some of the best Technic building elements. This is one of the few expansion sets also compatible with the Robotics Discovery Set (except for the rotation sensor).
RoboSports includes a Challenge CD, a court mat, an extra 9V geared Motor, balls and pucks to play games, and parts to make Game and Sport robots.
Extreme Creatures includes a Challenge CD, the RARE Fiber Optic element with optic cables, and parts to make Exotic creatures.
Exploration Mars includes a Challenge CD and parts to recreate special Mars missions included on the CD. Comes with extra long cables to power your robot from far away. Bonus - use the set with the Vision Command for some fun extra challenges on the Exploration Mars CD. It feels like your robot is really on Mars and you are controlling it remotely!
Vision Command includes the Lego Cam with software and parts to build seeing, spying, and smarter robots. This also lets your RIS robots see color for sorting machines, etc. The Camera can also be used as a webcam. This is the only expansion set that does not require the RIS system. It can be used as a stand alone product, but of course is a lot more fun with the RIS!
Advanced...
The Ultimate Builders Set is the one of the most desired expansion sets not only for the pneumatics, but also for the special CD that has step-by-step building instructions from the LEGO Master Builders. The set includes aome pneumatics parts and lots of technic pieces to create some of the most advanced robots. Not for the faint hearted, but the robots are top-notch!
There are also many books and numerous websites devoted to the Mindstorms sets, too many to list!
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