evank
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About evank
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Excuse me, a byte. -
Obviously I love all of the Interface A hacking that's been going on for the last couple of years. But I think it's going too far, if one's goal is to directly attach a small computer directly to Interface A. Just use Lego Mindstorms at that point! What's next, Bluetooth gadgets between the Interface A ports and the Lego peripherals? Why use Interface A at all, then? Connecting a modern laptop, or using a modern retro-style handheld like the Pocket 386, should be the end of our road ..... in my humble opinion. :) Don't engineer out all of the fun of Interface A! More often than not, at the Lego conventions I attend, people my age (GenX) ask: Cool Lego model, but what's with the old computer? "I'm glad you asked," I tell them.
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I never figured out how do to that multi-quote thing, so I'm replying to all of this manually. 11 months goes fast .... Sometimes ideas just come to me, and sometimes I consciously try to conjure them. I bring a spare Apple II, one spare Interface A, and spares of all the little stuff -- power supplies, peripherals, axles, gears, wires -- anything that can and does break, in my experience. I also bring a toolbox with everything I'd possibly need to make Lego or quick computer repairs, like handle tools, wire strippers, electrical tape, a pocket multimeter, magnetic parts tray. Also USB chargers, power strip, and all sorts of miscellaneous things I've needed at Lego cons over the years. And most importantly, a bottle opener for after-hours! :) I'm convinced that BASIC is the best choice. LOGO is too simple sometimes, and how do I explain to a 10-year-old or otherwise non-technical visitors that I'm taking a bit from this stack and putting it in that register? OTOH, everyone can understand "X=3".
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Welcome back @ryandesign. LOL I thought you hit-and-ran. Just curious where in the US you're located? Asking because there are several other Interface A fans that I know here, but most of them aren't on this forum.
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It's been quiet in this thread. I am focused on getting ready for Brickfair this weekend. After the show, I have five Lego tasks: repair the punch card reader that got damaged in transit home from Brickworld in June, continue working on LEPSON, try connecting my borrowed MSX computer to Interface A, update my website (there is SO MUCH to add!), and get back to work on Blocky Kong.
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Brickfair, normally around the DC area, is in Baltimore this year (this coming weekend) because the DC-area venue is under construction. I'm displaying my working Lego "Simon" game.
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>> As I understand it, the BBC used its User Port, while the Apple II used a card installed in one of its expansion slots. @Diego that's correct. I assume there are one or more C64 emulators; that computer also goes through a user port.
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Welcome @ryandesign. Your profile says you're in the US; whereabout? I'm in New Jersey. I gave up on trying to learn assembly several years ago. I understand the concept, but I don't have a knack for programming this. I managed a hello world and decided to stick with BASIC. :) Do you have any ideas for what you want to build? I have tons of extra 4.5V motors but most of them are work out and sound terrible when you apply power. However the motors are easy to find. My problem is a shortage of touch sensors. I have some extra 9767 cards, but the path of least resistance is to buy one of Jason Merrill's replicas. See www.blocko.net.
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I'm late to this party, but I voted for no limits: mix everything together. My favorite thing about Eurobricks is the custom creations. If someone built theirs in part or full using non-Lego stuff, what do I care? As long as it's comparable and they disclose it. I know this view isn't popular but that is how I feel.
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Not quite :) rewatch that section in context. My wireless comment was about Bluetooth for Bliss' device, but you would still need power to 9750. Sorry for not being entirely clear there. When I mentioned Bliss' device, I had no idea that Diego was about to show me something new.
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Here is my new Youtube video, mainly focusing on TC LOGO Connect, the (new, cool!) Sidekick, and BrickInterface.
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Looks like tonight ain't happening. I started making some improvements to Simon :) and now it is time for sleep. But I'm off from work tomorrow. Video ahoy!
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Somewhat related: for anyone on Facebook who enjoys the sets from 40-50 years ago :) I run a group there called "Square Pistons". https://www.facebook.com/groups/squarepistons
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Whoa. I step away for two days and everything's changed! LOL .... By the time I get my video interview of Diego posted, it's going to be obsolete. :) Except for one thing. One awesome thing that he only told me. :) I shall published it no later than tomorrow night, but hopefully sooner.
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I installed the new software tonight and I've got the languages menu. Excellent work!! In a day or two, I'll try accessing multiple devices via BASIC. I can try up to three devices at once because I have your product and two Brick Interfaces.