Hey, Mindstorms fans, shareware author, Guillermo Zaballa, has released RCXLink. RCXLink is a REALbasic class that allows the operation of Lego Mindstorm RCX brick using REALbasic.
Mindstorms makes RoboLab creations. Using electronic motors and lego building parts, you can build “animals” and “vehicles” that actually move and can be remote-controlled by your Mac.
Note, however, that RCXLink is not for programming the RCX. For this task you can use the RIS software included with Mindstorm (for Windows) or the NQC language by Dave Baum.
To use this class you need the Lego Mindstorm Robotics Invention System and a serial port adapter to connect the Lego IR tower to your Mac. You can build an adapter from the DB-9 IR connector to the mini-DIN Mac connector. For details, see the FAQ section at the NQC Web page.
Also you’ll have to download the firmware to the RCX brick. (The firmware is included in the Mindstorm CD). If you don’t have a Virtual PC, you can download the software using NQC.
RCXLink class is implemented as a subclass of the RB serial control, to use, drag the class to a window, give it a name and use this name to access the control properties and methods. For more info or to download RCXLink, go to its Web site.
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