Third-party sensors

As you go on to expand your EV3 inventory, look around at the multiple vendors that sell sensors for the EV3. Many of these vendors have been selling NXT sensors for years and are developing EV3 sensor blocks that you can download from their websites.

Remember, after you have downloaded the sensor block, you can import it by navigating to Tools | Block Import. Then select the sensor block you wish to import. In the following screenshot, I am importing the .ev3b file for Dexter Industries' sensors. This .ev3b file actually contains the sensor blocks for all of Dexter Industries' sensors.

After importing the sensor block, you need to restart the EV3 MINDSTORMS software and your sensor will be ready to use.

Dexter Industries

Dexter Industries is a small company that makes LEGO sensors. The sensors are not enclosed and have the raw circuit boards with exposed electrical components. You actually connect pins and axles through holes in the circuit board. This gives an interesting...