Lego Mindstorms/Robolab ...

The "Brick", or "RCX", or "Yellow Brick" replaces the "Control Lab" interface. The RCX has 3 input ports and 3 output ports. The three input ports are sampled by a 10 bit Analogue to Digital (A to D) converter. The output ports are capable of driving 9 volt motors, globes, etc. The output power level can be controlled in 8 steps (ie you can vary the speeds of motors, brightness of globes, etc.)

The Brick can be controlled via programmes downloaded into its processor from the computer, or by direct control by programmes running on the computer. (The second form of control is called "immediate" control.)

Lego has released all the required support material to allow control of the Brick using other programming languages such as VB, Delphi and C++. The first Software developer's Kit (SDK) used SPIRIT.OCX to interface with other programming environments. The process is quite simple and well documented. SDK is a targeted at the "C" environment and is not a simple to use.

For information on using the RCX with MSW Logo, VB and Delphi also see: http://www.southwest.com.au/~jfuller/rcx/rcx.htm and http://www.southwest.com.au/~jfuller/rcxvb/rcxvb.htm 

The RCX 'Kit' comes in two forms -
   1.  Lego Mindstorms from retailers such as Dick Smith
   2.  Lego Robolab from Lego Dacta and Educational Experience

The contents of the two 'kits' are similar, but the software is quite different. I have been told that the Robolab version of the software is more flexible and powerful and perhaps better for school use. I personally find the Mindstorms version to be a little easier to use.

When ordering the Robolab kits make sure you also order the Teachers Reference Sets and associated 'activity' kits. You should also consider buying a 'site license' for the software. You may also be interested in buying one each of the Temperature and Rotational sensors (about $30 each) - they are NOT included in the kit.

Most people view the Software Developer's Kits (SDK) as strictly for 'nerds', but in this case you would be wrong. You MUST download the SDK from: http://www.legomindstorms.com/sdk/ It will help you understand what's going on!

The Invention System (Lego Part No. 9716) Approx:$373.00 Ex-Tax at Dick Smith Electronics

Introductory Manual on using the RCX with Visual Basic V5.0 (In Word 7.0 - 105Kb)

Hints and Tips ... (with the help of David Brown from Mandurah SHS)

Direct Control - Yes you can control the Brick in 'immediate' mode. You can set up a 'button' on the screen and have the Brick respond when the button is 'clicked'. You don't necessarily have to download a programme and have it only follow internal events. Typically you can turn a motor on and off at the computer screen.

Distance over which the Infra red works - The tutorial suggests that the infra red signal only works over a few inches (cms). It will work over several metres and you don't need to have the panels directly facing each other. The range appears to be similar to a TV remote control. (Under some conditions you can use a TV remote to change channels in the next room - maybe the Brick will respond similarly.)

Useful Internet Links ...

David Brown's Resources - Tips and 'How-to' - http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/dbrown/robolab/rcx.htm
The Mindstorms 3D Simulator - http://mindstorms.lego.com/bookmarks/3dsimulator.asp
Official Lego Home Page - http://www.lego.com
Official Mindstorms Site - http://www.legomindstorms.com/
Official Lego Robolab Site - http://www.lego.com/dacta/robolab/default.htm
The Lego Mindstorms Software Developers Kit (SDK) - http://www.legomindstorms.com/sdk/
An Australian ROBOLAB Site - http://www.edex.com.au/robolab/
General Background information on Mindstorms - http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Lab/2106/lego.html
Technical details of the RCX brick. - http://graphics.stanford.edu/~kekoa/rcx/index.html#Protocol
Lego Engineering - http://british.nerp.net/lego/index.html
Questions and answers from MIT - http://lcs.www.media.mit.edu/people/fredm/mindstorms/index.html
More Technical information and Links - http://www.crynwr.com/lego-robotics/
Classroom activities based on Lego - http://ldaps.ivv.nasa.gov/Curriculum/legoengineering.html
Using Visual Basic to control the RCX - http://home.concepts.nl/~bvandam/index.html
UCB Logo with Mindstorms functionality (FREE) - http://www.mdc.net/~rmaynard/html/brainstorm.htm
Tufts University Robolab Page - http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/graphics/robolab.html
Lego Users Group Network - http://www.lugnet.com/robotics/rcx/
Dave's Lego Site - http://www.enteract.com/~dbaum/lego/
Lego Mindstorms Web Ring - http://members.tripod.com/~ssncommunity/webrings/legoms_index.html
Pitsco Lego Dacta (USA) - http://www.pitsco-legodacta.com/
Lego Motors - http://www.philohome.com/motors/motorcomp.htm