Gunners TekZone

Yup... I can be totally clueless when it comes to navigating GitHub. Thanks for the links Ah... good... I am not (totaly) clueless after all... I was just searching in the wrong year, last year (for the LEGO stuffs... I wasn't searching by name). And since we are sharing... https://github.com/Gun-neR/MQTT-Example-for-RPi-BuildHat No, it has nothing to do with the Interface-B. But at least it is LEGO...ish

Actually, I am not sure he has a GitHub repository... I barely do. But all the links are already here to download (beginning of topic)... Why not save him the trouble and copy it over yourself? (with credit)

I am using @Bliss's code (also in the link I provided above). I have no code of my own in this... That's part of the reason it took me a moment to realise why it seems so confusing. I was getting my memory recall mixed up between how I got this Int-B/ESP32 combo going, compared to a Raspberry Pi LEGO-Hat that I also have running as part of my MQTT test setup.

Ahhh... now I got it... again. This was a "Generic" sketch that covered all the Interface-B inputs and outputs and basic sensors. It is using Bliss's V1 version which uses uasyncio. It has an imported micropython MQTT-Client, and all it does is send a "1" on the PUB channel, when switch is pressed (or whatever signals are relevant for rotation and temp, etc.) and listens for a "0/1" for the outputs (and "1 through 8 " for whatever output power is specified) at SUB reception . All the "heavy lifting" code for this particular "relay switch" is in my Node-Red server. That is where I handle the toggle code and SUB/PUB protocols for this one, as well as other testing I was doing. I still have settings there to read rotation and temp sensors as well as control a bunch of the outputs that I had motors and other lamps on... Back when I was more actively messing around with this. That is what happens when you don't play ALL your toys more often You have to post stuff on forums... In my case, not so much for others, but so I can find out how I did whatever I did at that time when the brainfog wasn't as heavy

UPDATE: March 1, 2026... And my In-B/ESP32/MQTT hookup is still working, easily for many months at a time in between power/reset. I have seen some interested parties in other forums, working on their own ways of running the Interface-B via Python, and I have referred them to this topic. Unfortunately... I seem to have forgotten how I even did this (as in how I programmed the MQTT sketch) "Ahh, brain fog, let me give you a piece of my min... Hmm, now where was I going with that??" I can log into the ESP... but none of the files seem to make sense to what I know is happening... The switch on input 1 sends an MQTT SUB command to toggle an AC Relay and the lamp on output A responds to any incoming PUB command to show the state of said external AC Relay. This Int-B is just one of a total of 5 totally different button/indicator systems , including the AC relay itself, and they all update whatever display method they use based on the actions of the others. Oh well... at least it remembers what to do and how to do it.

Well... A bit of an update on my "Can I use this smaller random board for LEGO I/O in lew of a proper 9767" saga. Recently I finally had the focus to finish mapping out the pinouts on the smaller board: Dropbox link of PDF I then tried to get AI to help me toggle some LED's with this board (as I am sooo No0b concerning Apple IIe stuff)... Either the AI is braindead, or I am?... But it keeps telling me that the port sockets where numbered backwards (7-1 right to left). And while trying to determine why nothing was woking, It wanted to confirm I was probing the correct Pin for DEV SEL (Pin 41) on whatever socket I was testing... as it was telling me it was on the component side of the board (NO, it is not). Needless to say "we" didn't get far, and never toggled any LED's... Just tweaked my patience a bit Time to do more Googling, and I did find a YT video of some guy that designed a great Apple IIe Signal Diagnostics Board (that I could use to nail down the signals and programming bits). Alas, there doesn't appear to be any follow up video or info where to get the kit? Oh well... This topic is on the Interface-A (which is my ultimate goal toward controlling an such via my APCO IIe clone, and a board I either mod or build myself). Thus the trials and errors and errors, and errors... But short of purchasing a genuine 9767 (and only because it seemed cool at the time, but that thought fizzled out... And my wallet is thanking me ) I currently refuse to spend big $$ on a reproduction board like Blocko. It just seems too much for what it is and I am simply not that desperate to run LEGO on the Apple. To me, this is about learning the workings design and building process, with what I have on hand, more so than just slapping existing parts in. BTW, the larger of the two boards was intended to become a donor for the 6522A IC's, to eventually make my own repo of a 9767 (still in the plans). But now I might switch my testing to it and see if it reacts any better with AI assistance?? I'll keep on plugging at it. BTW, I didn't really need or plan on getting another one, but I just found and ordered my 2nd Interface-A... Original box (Cool, but just going to sit on a shelf, empty, alongside my 1st one) with PSU and OG cable for $104 CAD SHIPPED! ... I simply couldn't ignore that price! I think I might dedicate it for my Sharp PC-G850VS I/O to Int-A testing... While I give the Apple a timeout

Hah, small world. Not too long ago, I actually tried to buy this one... But got a message "The seller isn't accepting bids or offers from you" instead I have no idea why, I don't recognise the seller as someone I might have dealt with before... Might be a glitch as I do see the PayPal link try to show briefly I tried messaging, but never got a reply. Oh, well... I need to actually get my Apple and/or Pocket PC connection to my existing Interface-A, before I start worrying too much about finding another affordable one.

Book? WIP I am guessing. Where would one eventually find this?

Easy so far... I haven't gotten past the stage where I posted that Really, the parts are still in the same container, languishing in my LEGO room. I have more desires and projects than I have energy and focus But I am thinking that the arm pictured either finds a way with just two motors, or adds a third. Of which I have in my collection, so I am sure that one way or another I will persevere... eventually... I hope...

I don't know... As I understand it this was a Japanese only product back in the day, and I only just received mine. I am still practicing my GoogleFu to find more like the part I listed, which was a major part in my determining that this was a worthy item to acquire. BTW apparently that is just a segment of the whole english translated "non-official" manual floating around out there (The OG manuals are all in Japanese). Yes... the Interface-A is rather simple to operate... So if something can toggle an LED or sense a switch, it can activate a port and read an input.

Well, that one (Sharp PC-1401) or similar, would only work with an Arduino doing all the heavy lifting. This one however, has actual 8-bit PIO capabilities on it's 11-pin interface port... https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/p70oq7wufvmtn53ytplv6/Sharp_PC-G850VS_Interface.pdf?rlkey=wy9vqu29363ua1l3x912gvgfk&dl=1

I did try the 4.5v motors, but so under-powered or slow, depending on gearing. And the 9v ones still run with more torque on 4.5v and thus minimal need for additional gearing down. And the Int-A handles them just fine (9750 as everyone else calls it... I should follow tradition, but thanks to dyslexic tendencies, I get confused by numbers, letters, words, people... )

@evank Hey Evan. Yes I have been watching your stuff for awhile now. I currently have my Interface-A running on my Commodore 128... Eventually the APCO IIe clone, and then, yes... the Pocket PC?!? (Well, OK, via an Arduino)

Hmmmm... Perhaps after I have tackled my (totally new to me as well) Apple IIe clone to Int-A project (The Int-B partially pictured is another set of projects all together) Meanwhile, I just ordered a couple of Apple II Protoboards

Certainly!! And thanks for the invite to explore these cards potential Interface-A use here. I was planning on comparing them to the 9767 pin-out I found for the Apple II series... But there was enough differences that I figured it would be easier to start with a proto-board (if I can find some at a cheap enough price, including shipping) and try to make my own.

Thanks. Having seen that prior, and then also finding others like this DIY 9767 design are what really convinced me to go in another direction for the LEGO Int-A, and save the multi I/O cards for different experiments.

Sorry, you can disregard this post. While doing more digging, I realised that it would probably be cheaper (than a Blocko card... $70USD?? Ouch!) and potentially easier for me to take already available info and just make my own 9767, then try to mod one of the two types of general I/O cards I recently acquired. Those cards will still be part of a personal project to figure out and find use for. But as they will not be LEGO related (at least directly at first, if ever) it is not a topic for the forum. Hey y'all. I didn't want to clutter this topic with my latest wannabee project, but as it is somewhat content related, and I suspect I could benefit from the vast knowledge of many current members following this post... I wished to post my topic link here. I hope that is OK.

Wow, nice find! I have an Interface B on my desk, running an ESP32 interface with Python (usually acting as a MQTT switch and indicator for a lamp), but this make it an easy-swap dual purpose CL test bed now.

Interesting. I had to use Google Lens Translate, but I got it installed on my WIN7 VM that I use to run Control Lab... So I know that the COM port connection is good. I am unsure if this is the reason... The program knows I am not using original disks!! But while the program seems to run, it cannot find the controller (and NO option to set the COM port?? Although I have only the one on the VM)

It almost fits without the additional base trimming, but then the base doesn't sit flush with the top (in the middle) nor will the pin rotate smoothly. You might get away with just trimming the flange end of the pin to much tighter tolerances. Experiment there first if you are unsure. Regardless, trimming out the blocking plate on the base is non-structural, so just go slow and use a Dremel if available (I used electronic flush trimmers and a X-ACTO knife... with a bit of rushed enthusiasm )

@LL1982 If you are not adverse to a little minor LEGO surgery ... this works... Trim the end off this Technic piece, leaving the flange. You will need to trim some more on the motor "base" (A Dremel would have been neater, but it is all hidden) Use a "3rd hand" to hold in place when reattaching the base. Fit the wheel, trim the axle and voila... a 3rd wheel on a PU (or PF) motor that has enough wiggle to handle the R40 just fine (although removing the rubber traction band will help even more)

Ah... Thanks. Now I know why I was unaware, between German language videos and museum location, I was totally unaware. Might as well be on the moon... well, the far side, as I can at least see the near side from here

Ah Yes... I watched all your videos way back when, while awaiting for my 1st (and only) Interface-A to arrive. You have an amazing collection!! I too originally played around with coding some stuff in Commodore 64 BASIC before finding the English version of LEGO Lines. I recently acquired original 1090 "box/book" of instruction cards, and I think I have assembled all the needed parts from within my collection... One day, when feeling well enough, I will build one of the arms.

@maehw Thanks for that!! Again, I regret my initial post... Turns out I have never actually read through this particular topic, otherwise I might have had more insight . In fact, I am not entirely sure why I even got an email notice about the prior posts I responded to . Perhaps because I recall following @Toastie ? Oh well... regardless of my opinions I am in no position to contribute, nor benefit from a copy anyhow (No old PC/XT with adaptor card, etc). So I will just sit back and watch from the peanut gallery (and run LEGO Lines from my Commodore 128 ).

Ya, I belatedly tried to delete my nonsense post... I haven't a clue who this Daniel is, or the circumstances at hand. But alas, I was caught out And far be it for me to judge others... Sorry for my initial post I have seen TC-Logo for MS-DOS, but was there even such a thing as an OG LEGO Lines for MS-DOS?? I have only seen a few references, but nothing conclusive. Oh well, I have no old DOS computers in my possession (despite starting my whole computer tech work history with ye old PC/XT), thus haven't really looked deeply into that side of things. BTW, I do have the english converted LEGO Lines for the Commodore-64 that is on archive.org. And I do appreciate the volunteered effort that was put into doing that.