2

What is the relationship between a Lego RCX 1.0 brick and these:

Robotics Invention System (RIS) versions

  • 1.0
  • 1.5
  • 2.0

RCX firmware:

  • firm0309.lgo: RCX firmware version 3.09
  • firm0328.lgo: RCX firmware version 3.28
  • firm0332.lgo: RCX firmware version 3.32

2 Answers 2

2

The main differences between the versions were:

  1. Firmware - although later versions of the firmware were backwards compatible with the earlier bricks
  2. Power Adaptors:
    1. RIS/RCX 1.0 had a power socket on the brick as well as battery options
    2. RIS/RCX 1.5 removed the power socket from the brick
    3. RIS/RCX 2.0 Functionally equivalent to RCX 1.5
  3. IR Tower connections:
    1. RIS 1.0 and 1.5 had a serial connection for the IR Tower
    2. RIS 2.0 had a USB connection for the IR Tower, which doesn't operate nicely with 64bit Operating Systems (ironically* the serial connection does work with a serial-USB adaptor apparently)
  4. Manuals - I believe the Constructopedia was more comprehensive in 1.0 than in 2.0.

* I say ironically as I originally returned my 1.0 or 1.5 set as I was unable to get the serial connection to work on my PC at the time and later bought a 2.0 which worked fine then, but not any more on my more modern hardware.

2

There is no significant hardware difference (*) affecting software between the RCX bricks, so 1.0 brick is compatible with all firmware and RIS versions.

(*) Known hardware differences:

  • RCX 1.0 sold with RIS 1.0 had a power adapter plug.
  • RCX 1.0 sold with RIS 1.5 no longer had this plug.
  • RCX 2.0 had a 76 kHz IR interface instead of 38 kHz. It remains compatible with old versions (harmonic 2) albeit with a slightly reduced range. New frequency allows to communicate with Spybots bricks.
2
  • 1
    Doesn't the earlier RCX 1.0 brick have a power adapter plug, which has been eliminated in the RCX 1.0 brick supplied with RIS 1.5 and in the RCX 2.0 brick supplied in RIS 2.0?
    – Phil B.
    Sep 15, 2016 at 10:51
  • Yes it does, but doesn't matter for software. Answer edited for more details!
    – Philo
    Sep 16, 2016 at 8:06

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.