mcstas-lego

TAS and TOF neutron scattering spectrometers connected with a Lego NXT MindStorms model

This is a set of McStas components and instruments to model a Triple-Axis and a Time-Of-Flight neutron scattering instruments, connected with a Lego MindStorms real-world model.

This is a robotic model (it moves) to be used for teaching/training and in exhibitions. When a McStas simulation is launched on the PC, the model positions itself with the corresponding geometry.

Table of contents:

• Documentation
• McStas files
• Lego parts
• Software

Installation

1. Install t2n. On Debian-class systems (Ubuntu, Mint...) just use sudo apt install t2n.
2. Install NBC with cd nbc-1.23.r3.src; sudo make install.
3. Compile the TAS and TOF nxc code: nbc -EF nxTAS.nxc -O=nxTAS.rxe.
4. Connect the Lego MindStorms controller NXT via USB and initiate communication with t2n -i.
5. Send the program to the NXT with t2n -put nxTAS.rxe or nbc -EF -d nxTAS.nxc.
6. Start the program on the NXT in My Files>Software Files.
7. Build the Lego model.
8. Compile the McStas .instr, and use it.

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This is (c) E. Farhi and Jean-Philippe Panaget, 2011.