Once installing this system, the Lego Mindstorms RCX can be programmed on its LCD screen via its View/Prgm buttons without use of a computer. This is useful for more interactive prototyping, when the computer is busy with other tasks, and similar situations when the program/download/test cycle takes too long.
Version 1.0 contains only enough functionality to be useful. Gotos, Outputs, and Delays are implemented with a maximum of 16 instructions. Later releases should have more functionality.
Download the files, follow the instructions, and enjoy.
Copyrights
Instructions
Files
Source
Buttons
Display
Program 1 -- backwards and forwards
Program 2 -- go in a circle
Program notes
Copyright (c) 1999 by David R. Van Wagner ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This program is freeware. You are licensed to use it in accordance with the licenses of its dependent parts (see below) and/or MPL.
This program was developed using LegOS 0.1.6. See www.noga.de/legOS/
Copyright (c) 1998 by Markus L. Noga <noga@mauve.inrialpes.fr> All Rights Reserved. License to use, copy, modify and distribute this software in whole and in part is granted to all private and educational users, provided that they retain this copyright notice and offer the same licensing conditions for derived works.This software may or may not compile, execute or damage your software and/or hardware. You received this software free of charge, so there are absolutely no warranties.
Lego, Lego Mindstorms are trademarks of Lego Systems, Inc. cygnus1.dll is distributed under GNU GPL. Please see www.cygwin.com
firmdl.c
/*
* Copyright (C) 1998, 1999, Kekoa Proudfoot. All Rights Reserved.
*
* License to copy, use, and modify this software is granted provided that
* this notice is retained in any copies of any part of this software.
*
* The author makes no guarantee that this software will compile or
* function correctly. Also, if you use this software, you do so at your
* own risk.
*
* Kekoa Proudfoot
* kekoa@graphics.stanford.edu
* 10/3/98
*/
0. Install firmdl.exe, cygnus1.dll, and onscreen.srec into a
directory
1. Plug in the Lego Mindstorms IR Tower to COM1
2. Erase firmware on RCX (ex. remove battery while on)
3. Point RCX towards IR Tower
4. Download RCX Onscreen Programming Firmware (counts to about
880)
firmdl.exe onscreen.srec
5. Press Run -- now running RCX w/ Onscreen Programming
Later if you want to restore the Lego Mindstorms firmware,
rerun the
Lego Mindstorms Robotics Invention System and Configure, or
firmdl.exe "c:/Program Files/LEGO
Mindstorms/Firm/Firm0309.lgo"
contains:
The source code is not quite ready for prime time, but here it is anyways.
The buttons are now redefined
The format of the display is
SS.12 c A B C
{ SS = step }
{ 12 = arg(s) }
{ c = command }
{ A = direction motor A }
{ B = direction motor B }
{ C = direction motor C }
The cursor flashes as an underbar or selection.
The View button moves the cursor.
The Prgm button changes the selection under the cursor
SS: Prgm advances to the next step
View advances to the command (c)
c: Prgm changes the command (d=delay, o=output, G=goto)
View advances to the argument (2)
2: Pgrm changes/increments the argument
View advances to the next argument (1)
1: Pgrm changes/increments the argument (+10 hex for delay
& goto)
View returns to SS (delay & goto), or advances to A, B, or C
A: Pgrm changes the direction of motor A
View returns to SS, or advances to B or C
B: Pgrm changes the direction of motor B
View returns to SS, or advances to C
C: Pgrm changes the direction of motor C
View returns to SS
00.14 d { wait 2 sec. }
01. 8 o > > > { backwards all motors full power }
02.14 d { wait 2 sec. }
03. - o > > > { brake all motors }
04.14 d { wait 2 sec. }
05. 8 o < < < { forwards all motors full power }
06.14 d { wait 2 sec. }
07. - o > > > { brake all motors }
08.14 d { wait 2 sec. }
09.00 g { goto step 00 }
00. 8 o < < < { forward all motors full power }
01.03 d { wait 0.3 sec }
02.A8 o > { reverse motor A }
03. - o > > { brake motors B & C }
04.03 d { wait 0.3 sec }
05. 8 o > > > { reverse motors full power }
06.02 d { wait 0.2 sec }
07. - o > > > { brake all motors }
08.03 d { wait 0.3 sec }
09.00 g { goto step 00 }
My "robot" is configured with three motors (all wheel drive). A is mounted front left, B is mounted front right, and C drives an axle in the back. All the wiring is reversed so forwards/backwards in the comments above are reversed.
