Can the RCX connect to a laptop with a IR reciver on it? I want to program my RCX on my computer, But i have no db9 (Lego RCX connecter for 1.0 tower) seriel connecter nor a converter.
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1There are converters available for serial to USB, I had to buy one last month for some networking kit.– Zhaph - Ben Duguid ♦Feb 9, 2012 at 11:42
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And example of one such converter can be seen here: maplin.co.uk/usb-to-serial-9-pin-male-adaptor-29968– Zhaph - Ben Duguid ♦Feb 9, 2012 at 12:22
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I've been trying to get an RCX to talk to a serial IR tower using a usb/serial converter - without success. More here: bricks.stackexchange.com/questions/1099/…– Andy JohnsonFeb 9, 2012 at 16:17
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1 Answer
As far as I remember, the protocol LEGO uses is incompatible with standard IR protocols used in PCs (not even the same frequency, if I remember correctly).
The NQC FAQ has some more explanation on why it's not possible, but their short explanation says it all:
Quite simply, these protocols are incompatable. (sic)
You may have some success using a NXT brick and the IRLink sensor, but I'm not sure how far you can go (for example, I'm not even sure you can upload a firmware, and you need to be able to do that).
The easiest way is to stick with the IR tower, and in addition of the serial-to-usb converter mentionned by Zhaph, don't forget there's a USB version of the IR tower available on Bricklink (see here or here).
