Robots With NodeJS: Is there Anything JavaScript Cannot do?

Nodebot Challenge Complete!

This is what one would like to see after one starts the challenge.  Yeah!

Sweet Mama Screen!

Yesterday the NodeSchool ran another global event.  It was an international NodeBot's day baby! Take a look at where all workshops were taken place; all over the world!  It makes you feel that you are really connected!  No language barriers, JavaScript, Node was the common language.

However, on my way to the challenge in Vancouver, I had car problems, frustrating!  I had no choice but to complete the NodeBot challenge at home after attending to my wreck.  I missed it this time!  Next time I'll plan to take public transit!

Ah man!  I do not know what is it with JavaScript:  so much enthusiasm, it is intoxicating.

Weak Module and Python 2.7.10:  Pre-Requisite Software for RPC Challenge (Remote Temperature)

The challenge mentions that the dnode module needs to be installed.  This is true, however not enough and the moment you test your solution for the first time you will get an exception like this one:

No weak?  No Go!

The exception message it telling me that the "weak" module is missing.  If you run "npm install weak" that also breaks because, the module "weak" needs to be rebuilt on your computer and for this we need Python.  You may have Python installed, and included on your path, but building weak only works with version 2.7.10.  So;

1. Install Python 2.7.10,  Include it in the path.
2. Run "npm install weak"

Now you are ready to verify your solution for remote temperature and if you got it all right then it will pass.  The interesting part of this challenge is the RPC (Remote Procedure Call) on a robot.  This is nuts!  Nice nuts though :)  Read the documentation and look at the examples...  you will inspire your solution from there.

My Favorite Challenge?

Definitively the "Fire Alarm" challenge was my favorite one just because it works just like the one on my wall!!!  Man, and it is JavaScript!!  I pondered about posting my solutions, then thought that it will not help you get started.

Drop me a line if you need help and I'll be glad to exchange notes with you.

There Is No Limit To Our Imagination

Recently my family and I visited Vancouver Space Center.  Boy, is that the place for robots!  This morning at breakfast we were chatting about building robots to better ourselves and improve our lives.  Yeah, we can do that...

...I cannot wait until I get my hands on one of those Arduinos boards!

Wireless controlled robotic hand made with Arduino Lilypad.  This picture was taken from Arduino Blog

References

1. NodeSchool:  http://nodeschool.io/
2. Install the Nodebot Challenge:  https://github.com/tableflip/nodebot-workshop
3. Python is required for RPC.  Windows users get version 2.7.10:  Pyhton.org
4. Arduino Blog:  Wireless Controlled Robotic Hand Made With Arduino Lilypad
5. Vancouver Space Center: http://www.spacecentre.ca/