BrickVista - YogiCub Rover

Because of the complexity of turning, the Rover’s onboard computer coordinates all drive and steering events. Because this is a LEGO® implementation we are using a LEGO® Mindstorms RCX 2.0 to control YogiCub.

Yogi Cub is a simple Rover in that it has no external sensors (although it has one internal rotation sensor) and is run from simple programs loaded into the RCX. The aim of this is to test the drive and steering capabilities by controlling YogiCub through a series of simple pre-defined sequences like:

Drive and pivot to trace out a triangle.

Drive and pivot to trace out a square.

Drive and pivot to trace out a hexagon etc…

Pivot on the spot.

Retrace path in reverse

However we can use the RXC for a lot more than just coordinating steering – Which for a computer is a snap anyway.

The RCX has a lot of inherent functionality apart from its physical Input / Output (I/O) capabilities. It has the ability to communicate via Infra Red (IR) to other computers or RCX’s. It has a portable power supply (8x AA Batteries) which it uses to run external devices (like motors and sensors), and most importantly it is programmable. Almost any type of rover behavior can be written into software and down loaded into the RCX.

We can use the RCX to implement aspects of other Rover subsystems such as the Telecommunications, Control, Navigation, and Power subsystems. YogiCub communicates through the RCX’s IR port. Mechanical control is achieved through the internal workings of the RCX linked to the 3 external output ports. Power is managed through the RCX’s own internal battery and firmware monitoring functions.

A TASTY BIT OF KIT

LEGO Mindstorm RCX 2.0

The LEGO® RCX is a tiny computer based on a Hitachi H8 series microprocessor. This 8-bit CPU provides most of the control logic for the RCX including serial input/Output (I/O), Analog to digital conversion, and built in timers. Various sensors and motors may be connected to the RCX, allowing it to perceive and interact with the world.

	Rover travels forward for 2 seconds then reverses to starting point fwdRev \| .lsc \| 3kb

	Pivot 360° clockwise, wait 2 seconds then reappear anti-clockwise spin \| .lsc \| 3kb

	Trace out a square (turning clockwise) square \| .lsc \| 3kb

	Rover travels forward for 2 seconds, turns 180° clockwise and travels back to starting point fwdTrnBck \| .lsc \| 3kb

BrickVista is a completely unofficial, fan created web site showcasing models created using official parts produced by the LEGO® company.

All trademarks, service marks, and copyrights are property of their respective owners. LEGO®, Technic, Mindstorms, Robotics Invention System, and RCX are trademarks of the LEGO® Group of companies, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site. Visit the official LEGO® website at http://www.LEGO.com.

All photographic images of Rovers are supplied courtesy of NASA/JPL, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site. Visit the official NASA website at http://www.nasa.gov.

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