NXT Conversion Cable

[mike4slund]

I have tried doing some research and really havent found the direct answer I need.

Is this cable designed to use the NXT Brick to power a motor. Or is it desgined to use the battery pack to power a NXT Motor.

I have tested and I can do both with this cable. But I have read somewhere that it will burn up my NXT Motor.

I need some help please. Thank you for your time.

http://shop.lego.com...NXT-8528?p=8528

Edited April 20, 2015 by mike4slund

[DrJB]

My understanding is that you can use it to connect the old sensors/motors (RCX brick) to the NXT brick.

[Saberwing40k]

i think that everybody is actually correct. The cable is designed to go from the unusual modified RJ12 connectors* the NXT and EV3 Mindstorms systems use, and the old 9V connectors the RCX uses, as there are several sensors that the RCX uses that have no modern equivalents. The cable can be used to power any older 9V system motor as well, and even Power Functions motors with another adapter cable. This compatibility also works the other way, meaning that the RCX can use some NXT sensors, and motors, although not very well, as NXT motors actually use more current than the RCX can supply. In addition, any older 9V power supply can also power NXT motors to a certain point, also due to current limitations. The old 9V RC buggy receivers can power NXT motors at full power, however. On the second point, there is no possible way to burn out the NXT motors by running them through a converter cable of off any Lego power supply. This is because the motors have internal thermal protection, that shuts down power if the motor draws too much current or gets too hot. Basically, the only way to damage Lego motors is to hook them up to a higher voltage power supply, or override the internal protection.

*In spite of the fact that Lego says that the connector on the NXT, and the adapter cable is RJ12, it is not. The connectors are the same size, and wire configuration, but RJ12 connectors have the holding tab in the center, but the Lego cables have it offset to the right side. Therefore, I think we, the fans should call the cables and sockets used on the NXT and EV3 LRJ12, or maybe LJ12.