Using RCX and modern computer question

[Lego Otaku]

I have the Mindstorm 1.5 set from long ago, it hadn't been used for some years but I wanted to play with it a bit. I haven't had any computer with serial port for about 6 years but I could get the USP IR tower off BL, I'm sure those uses the same IR protocol.

The question, is there any RCX software that will work with Windows 7 64 bits? I've had issue running DOS programs, 16 bits program won't run under 64 bits Windows, and emulator like DOSBox don't always work with peripheral. So any idea or should I retire RCX and consider the next generation stuff?

[Silcantar]

I may be mistaken, but I believe you can use BrickX Command Center (NQC) on Windows 7. None of the original Lego RIS software will work properly on Win7.

http://bricxcc.sourceforge.net/nqc/

[le60head]

I am currently using RIS 2.0 on windows 7 - works fine.

As far as i remember it did required some trial and error, but got it running easily enough.

RIS ( Robotic Invention System ) is the original software that came with the Mindstorms kit.

It is a visual-based programming language. You stack blocks with in order to write your programming code.

I am not familiar with BrickCC. I think i installed it once, but never got the hang of it.

Another option i'm currently learning how to use is the so called "ScriptED", which is a text-based tool for writing programs for your RCX brick.

It comes with the Mindstorms SDK package (google it to learn more). If you're familiar with C programming, i would definetely recommend you learn how to use ScriptED instead.

Hope i helped!

If you're stuck, feel free to ask! I'll gladly try and help you however i can!

P.S.

I overlooked that you're running a 64-bit win 7

I am running a 32 bit system, and the software is running.

Sadly I have no experience with a 64-bit system, and cannot help you there.

Edited June 7, 2011 by le60head