How to Build a LEGO Computer

James Brown’s Lego brick computer

Inspired by classic leaning Lego spaceships, James Brown stuffed an entire computer inside a Lego brick. The result is an impressive computer that can display images and display text. An OLED display shines through the semi-translucent blue brick and controls various functions. When touched, the brick animates, showing simulated radar scans and scrolling text. The brick’s unique design can also be used to play games.

James Brown’s Lego brick computer has been made to play the popular game DOOM. It also uses an external monitor and is controlled by another device. Though this computer isn’t fully functional, it has potential for development into full-fledged computers. During the process, Brown added a trench run to one of the details and built in a capacitive touch sensor to one of the studs.

The computer was designed to fit inside a 9 x 8mm housing. It has a 0.1mm clearance for the Oled screen. It also has a battery and USB connector. In total, the Lego brick computer weighs only 1.6 grams. However, it has a relatively small screen.

The screen is 72×40 pixels, so it can play games such as “Doom.” James Brown designed the computer with the aim of making animated Lego computer bricks, but the main goal of the project was to make it play Doom.

RCX bricks

The RCX is a programmable brick at the core of the LEGO Mindstorms line of computer-building kits. The RCX uses an infrared serial communication interface and can operate three sensors and three motors simultaneously. The brick can be programmed via a computer or through an infrared tower.

Programming an RCX brick is relatively simple. A Windows computer runs the software. If you’re familiar with programming, you’ll be able to make simple changes in no time. The RCX uses RAM to store programs. This is because RAM costs less than flash memory, which is expensive and requires continuous power to run. If power is interrupted, the memory is cleared and the computer reverts to default settings.

The RCX Brick is equipped with three input ports labeled 1, 2, and 3. Each of these ports is able to connect to external sensors. You can purchase sensors made by Lego or use third-party sensors. The sensors connect to the RCX using wires or 2×2 Lego stud plates that contain metalicized connectors.

The RCX Brick is a small computer with input and output ports. The device also has an infrared transmitter and receiver. The RCX Brick also has a built-in speaker and can play individual MIDI notes. It can also play certain preprogrammed sounds. The RCX Brick runs on six AA batteries, but it can also be powered by an AC adapter.

Micro Scout

The Micro Scout is an incredibly powerful droid builder that features a built-in light sensor and motor. It also comes with an included CD-ROM with guided help. There are seven built-in programs and a manual. You will also need a PC for the CD-ROM to run the included building instructions.

The Micro Scout is programmed using Visible Light Link (VLL) protocol. When you select the P program, the Micro Scout will respond to commands by sending sets of flashes. The instructions are then stored in the ‘program’ memory, which can hold 15 commands. In addition to being programmed using a Micro Scout, the unit is also compatible with the RCX brick. The Micro Scout uses a Toshiba microcontroller.

In 1995, the Lego 4.5V PC Interface was replaced by a 9V Dacta Control Lab. This was the first Lego product to feature sensors. The Data Control Lab also featured eight 9V output ports, a manual stop button, and a serial port. The control center had a software program that would allow users to conditionally program the outputs. This enabled users to automate the largely stationary Lego inventions.

Microworlds and LEGO’s educational divisions had similar goals. Their collaboration began at MIT’s newly-minted Media Lab, where LEGO sent an employee to help with research. Alan Tofte and his colleagues worked on the design of the programmable brick.

Sensor ports

There are four different types of ports on the LEGO computer. Some are for motors while others are used for sensors. These sensors receive information from the world around them and relay it to the program. The ports are labeled A, B, C, and D on the brick. The programming application must know which ports to connect each sensor to and then assign them to the proper motors.

Sensor ports are often colored. Active sensors are blue, while passive sensors are yellow. Early versions of sensors had different colored connectors, indicating their function. Later Pbricks kept the color-coding for input ports, but changed the color of the sensors themselves. The sensors on the computer can be programmed to pulse one of three colors or display a solid color.

Sensor ports are also used for logging data. One of the first Lego products to have sensor ports was the Data Control Lab, which was a datalogger with eight controllable 9V output ports and a manual override stop button. It was connected to a computer via a serial port and had a program to conditionally program the outputs. It enabled robotic operation of mostly stationary Lego inventions.

The first prototype of the Lego computer had two sensor ports on the interface box. The box was a modified LEGO battery box and was about the size of a deck of cards. It was used in schools for testing.

Motor ports

If you want to power your Lego computer with a USB cable, then you’ll need to plug it into one of the Lego computer motor ports. There are two types of computer motor ports: standard and reversible. The standard type is USB-C. You can find both types in any hardware store.

The RCX brick is equipped with a power adapter jack. It can be used for a variety of robotic projects. It is often used to operate Lego model trains and stationary robotics projects. It can also be programmed with Digital Command Control software. Using this software, it is possible to connect up to four motors to one Lego computer.

The second type of Lego computer motor port requires a motor. A motor that spins in one direction will stop if it hits a block in another direction. Another type of motor port uses a switch to move. Similarly, a switch that turns the Lego computer on will turn the motor on and off.

The third type uses an inverter to control the speed of the motor. This type of motor is used to control the speed of a robot. The motor will rotate according to the direction of the current. It will spin if the current is high or low. This type of motor needs a large base plate. A large base plate is available at Lego stores or from other sources.

Built-in light sensor

The Robotics Discovery Set is a complete robot learning set for younger children, complete with a Scout microcomputer with built-in light sensor, two touch sensors, and two motors. It also comes with 3 activity guides and over 400 LEGO building pieces. The Scout microcomputer allows children to program the robot without the need for a desktop PC.

The first Lego product to incorporate sensors was the Data Control Lab. This data logger had eight controllable 9V output ports, one continuous output port, and a manual override stop button. It could be connected to a computer via a serial port. This allowed users to conditionally program each output port, allowing them to automate the operation of mostly stationary Lego inventions.