LEGO® TECHNIC 1093
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
The LEGO TECHNIC Control set contains one Interface A, one connection cable for the micro computer, and one separate power supply. Listed below you will find technical specifications for:
- LEGO Interface A
- Connections to Micro computer
- Power supply
To ensure correct use of the materials we have stated the conditions under which the components listed below should be used.
- LEGO Optosensor
- 4.5V DC LEGO Motor
- LEGO leads and plugs
As well as suggestions on how to use the models mentioned below:
| 1090 TC-1
| 1092 TC-11 |
| a | Ferris wheel | a | X-Y Coordinate plotter |
| b | Automatic door | b | Traffic light |
| c | Washing machine | c | Height measuring instrument |
| d | Conveyer belt | d | Length measuring instrument |
| e | Robot arm | e | Rotary base |
LEGO Interface A
This Interface has been developed especially for use in education and contains the following special facilities. Each connection position for LEGO plugs has an indicator light. There is an emergency stop button to cut off power to all controllable outputs. The connections are marked in the usual computer notation as shown below.
Connection possibilities
- Constant 4 V DC for LEGO light bricks with constant light.
- Indicator light for power on interface.
- Emergency stop - cuts off all power to all controllable outputs.
- Outputs - 4 V DC. Connection positions marked 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 can also be used in pairs and are then marked A B, and C. Each of the output positions is controlled by the similar bitnumber from the micro computer. Each output position has a red indicator light that indicates power on the socket (active.) When the socket is inactive it is connected to 0 V. This makes it possible to control the direction of rotation on a LEGO motor when using the socket in pairs (A, B or C).
- Inputs - for the optosensor. Connection positions marked 6 and 7. Each input position has a green indicator light that indicates a signal on the input sockets 6 and 7. These connections are specially made for the LEGO optosensor, but will also work with a micro switch connected.
Note!
With nothing connected there is approximately 9 V DC between the pin holes in the socket. In order to attain the best possible safety in the use of LEGO materials, together with micro computers, the interface is constructed so that all connection to the computer passes optically coupled isolators.
All connection positions (sockets) can without any damage lo the interface be connected in any combination.
Connection to Micro Computer
The LEGO Interface is supplied with a connection cable for the specified computer. The cable is connected to the interface with a 20 pin plug. The pins are connected like this:
| Connection | Pin |
| VCC: + 5 V; min. 50 m A | 1,3 |
| Output: TTL |
| Bit 0 | 6 |
| Bit 1 | 8 |
| Bit 2 | l0 |
| Bit 3 | l2 |
| Bit 4 | 14 |
| Bit 5 | 16 |
| Input: TTL |
| Bit 6 | 18 |
| Bit 7 | 20 |
| GND: 0 V | 5,7,9,11
l3,15,17,19
|
The other end of the cable is provided with a computer specific plug or connection unit. In the programme, this port has to be set up (configured) so that Bit 0-5 are outputs and Bit 6 and 7 are inputs.
Power supply
The LEGO Interface is supplied with a specially adapted power supply. It has the follwing specifications: National supply voltage / 7 V AC - 1 .6 amp. For maximum safety the interface must only be used together with the supplied power supply
unit.
LEGO OPTOSENSOR
This sensor has been specially developed for use together with a LEGO Interface. The optosensor connects to the LEGO Interface by means of an ordinary LEGO lead, plugged into one ofthe input sockets marked 7 and 6.
The optosensor is able to function as a reflection sensor - together with the counting disk (revolution counter) as well as with a yellow brick (position indicator). Further more it can be used together with an external light source, the 4.5 V LEGO light brick.
When connected the optosensor is supplied with current from the interface, and functions as a digital sensor registering the change between light and dark.
Note:
To protect the electronics the optosensor must not be connected to more than 9 V DC.
4.5 V DC LEGO Motor
This motor was developed specially for use with the LEGO TECHNIC Sets. When used together with the LEGO Interface, the motors can be connected in two ways:
- To work in one direction only.
The motors can be plugged into one of the output sockets marked 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,and 0 by means of an ordinary LEGO lead. The fixed direction can be reversed by turning the plug on one end of the lead either on the motor or on the interface.
- To work in either direction.
The motor can be plugged into one of the output sockets marked A, B or C. Change of direction can be operated by the computer,or by turning the plug on one end of the lead - either on the motor or on the interface.
Note:
The motor runs only off DC from a battery or a power pack and works at a voltage of 3-4.5 V. It uses a current of about 100 mA (1/10 A) when not loaded and runs at about 6,000 r.p.m. with new batteries. When it is driving a heavy load it will take up to 0.4 A and when it is stalled up to 1 .0 A. As this can damage your motor by overheating it you should avoid stalling the motor.
LEGO leads and plugs
All electrical connections to motors, light bricks and optosensors are made by means of ordinary LEGO leads. The leads in this set have been provided with special plugs on both ends. The plugs fit the stated components as well as the LEGO Interface, etc. The plugs are not polarised and can thus be turned as you wish. It is possible to connect two or more plugs together by using the holes on the side of the plug.
Warning!
To avoid loss of data in the computer - due to static electricity, etc. - it is recommended to follow (strictly) the guidelines for connections and operation of the equipment, issued by the manufacturer. An earth connection (ground) could be necessary.
Suggestions on how to use the models
We give below examples of how to use thc models suggested in the building instructions.
General comments
When using the models you could go through the following steps:
- Set up sequences for the functions of the model. Make the several suggestions, if possible.
- Control the functions of the model manually.
- Develop programmes for automatic control and connect the model.
- Try out various positions and uses of the optosensors, model and software.
Ferris Wheel 1090a
Functions:
- run/stop - change passenger - first/last turn number of turns
Suggested use of optosensor:
- Position indicator: Reflection from yellow brick on the moving part of the ferris wheel
- Position of the car: (light brick and optosensor)
- Revolution counter: Counting disc on shaft in the driving system
Automatic door 1090b
Functions:
- open/close - wait/door open/closed - open not obstructed (safety device)
Suggested use of optosensor:
- Signalling system: Open (light brick and optosensor)
- Position indicator: Door open/closed reflection from yellow bricks)
- Safety Equipment: Doorway not obstructed (light brick and optosensor)
Washing Machine 1090c
Functions:
- door open/closed - start/stop - (wash) - select
programme
Suggested use of optosensor:
- Signalling system: Stan/stop (reflection from yellow brick)
- Position indicator/safety equipment
- Door openlclosed (retlcction from yellow brick)
Conveyer belt 1090d
Functions:
- Run/stop - run/right/left/stop - record/count
- Elements - record light or dark colour
Suggested use of optosensor:
- Signalling system: Item (light brick and optosensor). Light or dark colour (reflection from item)
Robot arm 1090e
Functions:
- Open/close - turn/right/left/stop - record position - record item in claw
Suggested use of optosensor:
- Signalling system: Item in claw (reflection from yellow brick)
- Position indicator/Revolution counter: Counting disk on shaft in the driving system
X Y Co-ordinate plotter 1092a
Functions:
- X - run/forwards/backwards/stop
- Y - run/forwards/backwards/stop
- Pen - up/down
- Various drawing routines - letters, numbers, signs
Suggested use of optosensor:
- Position indicator/revolution counter
- Counting disk on shaft in the driving system
Traffic light 1092b
Functions:
- Turn on/off lamps sequentially like a traffc light.
Height measuring instrument 1092c
Functions:
- After calibration measure height and provide the user with data material for statistical analysis. Indicate when the moving arm touches the object.
Suggested use of optosensor:
- Signalling system: Object in contact (reflection from yellow brick)
- Position indicator/revolution counter
- Counting disk on shaft in the driving system
Length measuring instrument 1092d
Functions:
- After calibration measure length and provide the user with data material for statistical analysis. Registration of object reached = no counting impulse.
Suggested use of optosensor:
- Position indicator/revolution counter
- Counting disk on shaft in the driving system
Rotary base 1092e
Functions:
- Rotation of vertical axle with position indication. To be used as a chassis when building cranes and robot arms.
Suggested use of optosensor:
- Position indicator/revolution counter: Counting disk on shaft in the driving system
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