Testing Lego 9v and Mindstorms elements using the RCX
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- In this video we will be using the Lego Mindstorms RCX to test Light, Rotation, Touch and Temperature sensors using Bricx Command Center. We will also test motors, sound elements and the fiber optic light element.
Info: bricxcc.sourceforge.net/
Download: sourceforge.net/projects/bric...
Replacing Lego 9v Wire / Repairing Mindstorms Sensors
• Replacing Lego 9v Wire...
Repairing Lego 9v Train Wires
• Repairing Lego 9v Trai...
Testing Lego 9v and Mindstorms elements using the RCX
• Testing Lego 9v and Mi...
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Nice video! I am also interested in what the RCX can do out of the box without any programming via another device. I was astonished that the RCX can recognize the exact resistance of a touch sensor, but on the other side I found the angle sensor readings to be a little rough.
Btw: I know how to repair those micro motors, but i would not recomment anybody to give it a try without knowing exactly (100%) how these things are put together. The problem with the micro motors is that their main shaft gets stuck due to corosion, then they only make faint clicking noises anymore. It is not possible to turn it or lubricate it from the outside, if that comes to your mind. Opening the round top side is a pain and won't lead you anywhere as it's just a gearbox that doesn't cause the problem. If the bottom half is disassamlbled the tiny commutator fingers get out of place and it can't be reassambled just so, because the commutator fingers will then bend or just break off and the motor will never run again. So it is cursed from the beginning and this wasn't even the repair.
I’m glad I found your channel! This vid is great. In January of this year I dug out my old RCX 1.0 and replaced the regular cables with new plastic coated wires because the original rubber insulation had disintegrated. I can’t really solder so I’m nervous to try and do the same for the light sensor😅
Glad to see there are people keeping the RCX relevant! I got to use an NXT (2.0) for the first time last week, which was cool because it’s the dream set I wanted growing up. But I’ve gotta say… the RCX is still my favorite for some reason. Maybe because it has studs :)
Thanks so much for the kind words! Soldering can be a great skill to have, You can always practice on other things / scrap wire or buy a cheap kit to learn. I've always loved the RCX and it's still my favorite device to use. Since starting this channel I've found a few others that still use them and that alone makes it all worth it :). I've used the NXT a decent bit in builds but haven't actually done the builds from the original set. I hope to do that soon
This video is awesome! Nice setup, nice explanations... Love the testing platform! I may have to build one :)
Thanks :). I've always loved sites like Philo's and blakbirds technicopedia, seeing how the sets and the pieces themselves actually worked. I tend to stay pretty busy so I often prefer things in video (or at least audio) format. If I have a goal it's to be the LGR of classic Lego Mindstorms / Dacta 😅. LGR is Lazy Game Reviews who does in depth retrospectives on old computers and games, I know you said you work in computer networking so I have a feeling you may have already heard of him if you have an interest in computers.
The test rig was something I threw together for this build, but already getting some ideas of something I could keep built and just slot in sensors to test them. As a kid I was also obsessed with control panels so I tend to build with switches, indicator lights, manual / automatic modes, stuff like that. I need to rebuild some of my older projects, one of my favorites was a micro-scout multiplexer, which used a fiber optic element from the space shuttle to switch VLL communication between up to 8 Micro-Scouts 😅
A helpful and interesting video. As far as I know the rcx need instead batteries an 9-12V AC power-adapter. Which adapter do you use? I can't find no concret informations to this theme.
I've used lots of adapters. I tend to use 12vac primarily but just about anything will work including DC since there is an integrated bridge rectifier. I've heard folks say that RCX's can be damaged by putting too high of a DC voltage but I've never really seen this confirmed, it would only use 2 of the diodes rather than all 4 of the bridge. There are several internal revisions of the RCX so some may have a weaker power circuit. I found most of my adapters in thrift stores, it's harder to find AC transformers these days.
@@BatteryPoweredBricksThank you for your helpful answer!
... a great video, thanks. I just unpacked my old Mindstorm box and now have the RCX (1.0) on my desk. Now the question is how do I work with the Brick and Windows 10 together. Do you have any idea?
If you want to use the official software you'd need to run a virtual machine with Windows XP or 98. There are several unofficial programming languages / software that work in windows 10, I prefer NQC and Brickx Command Center. Do you have an infrared tower to communicate with the RCX? If so is it USB or serial?
@@BatteryPoweredBricks ... many thanks for your quick reply. I'll take care of the newer programs. I already have a VM VirtualBox installed. And my infrared tower is a serial version.
@@MeinElektronikHobby Nice, the serial version is much more compatible. Like I said I've always stuck with NQC (Not quite C) or official but there are other options such as RobotC and LeJOS (java based iirc).