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TETRIX™ Hardware Primer
Merging TECHNIC and TETRIX
INDEX
1. Hard-Point Connectors
2. Attaching the Hard-Point Connectors
3. Attaching the NXT
4. Attaching the HiTechnic Controllers
5. Attaching the NXT Sensors
1. Hard-Point Connectors
The hard-point connectors allow for TECHNIC components
to be merged with the TETRIX building system.
The NXT, NXT motors, NXT sensors, HiTechnic controllers
and custom TECHNIC assemblies can be connected using
the hard-point connectors.
Single hard-point connectors are suitable for attaching
non-structural assemblies such as NXT sensors and
TECHNIC-based arms.
Multiple hard-point connectors can be used to help create
sound structural elements with TECHNIC.
Getting Started with TETRIX™
© 2009 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy
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TETRIX™ Hardware Primer
2. Attaching the Hard-point Connectors
The hard-point connectors can be attached to TETRIX
structural elements with SHCS screws and kep nuts.
TECHNIC beams can then be passed through
the hard-point connectors, and secured with
two long connector pegs, allowing additional
TECHNIC and NXT components to be attached.
3. Attaching the NXT
First attach at least two hard-point connectors
with TECHNIC beams (secured by long connector
pegs) where the NXT will be placed.
Then use TECHNIC angle beams and connector
pegs to build side supports for the NXT brick.
Note that your configuration may vary depending
on the design of your robot.
Getting Started with TETRIX™
© 2009 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy
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TETRIX™ Hardware Primer
4. Attaching HiTechnic Controllers
Like the NXT, the HiTechnic Motor and Servo
controllers can be attached using the hard-point
connectors with TECHNIC components.
Note that it is also possible to connect the controllers
directly to the TETRIX structural pieces using BHCS
screws and kep nuts.
5. Attaching NXT Sensors and Motors
The NXT sensors can also be used with the TETRIX
system. They attach to the structural elements the same
way as the NXT and HiTechnic Controllers – using
hard-point connectors, studless TECHNIC beams, and
connector pegs.
The NXT smart motors can also be incorporated into
the TETRIX building system.
Smart motors used to control a TECHNIC-based arm
can be mounted similarly to the NXT Sensors.
Getting Started with TETRIX™
© 2009 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy
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TETRIX™ Hardware Primer
The NXT smart motors can also provide feedback
about the TETRIX wheels when placed along the
robot’s drivetrain.
Note that in this configuration, hard-point connectors
are still used to mount the smart motors onto the
TETRIX components.
Getting Started with TETRIX™
© 2009 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy