Micro:bit Express

Lego + Code blog 2: The Micro:bit Express 

I set myself the challenge of getting an old Lego train set and controlling it with code. Here are a few notes to get you started. 

I bought my son a 1980's train set.

Version 1: getting it to work

Then bought a Micro:bit compatible motor controller from Pimoroni: (Motor controller ) link

buy link

I already had two Micro:bits.

Then I downloaded and modified this code link 

This ended up being my final version of the code:

(code you will need)link 

Load this code onto one of the two Micro:bits using this site: link 

This well then create a hex file which will need to be loaded onto the Micro:bit by dragging and dropping.

I recycled the battery pack from the Cam Jam Edukit 3 buy here link any generic 4.5 battery pack will suffice. 

To connect the motor to the motor driver board you will need to unscrew the Lego metal pins to expose the two wires then connect them to the motor one sockets on the motor controller.

Insert picture

Now to create to create the remote control use this site:

link

Then create the code below and load it on to your Micro:bit. It should now work. 

Update 1 02/07/2018 Version 2: Remote controlled

Remote code

Edublocks screenshot to come...

Motor controller code

Edublocks screenshot to come...

Remote V1....

Remote V2... plugged into a Pi..

This now reliably works and doesn't require a laptop to power the remote. I have tried the battery pack provided with the Micro:bit and I havent found that it works. I have a suspicion I just may have a dodgey one.

Version 3: Code controlled movement and using power functions motors.

In t

Video of the power functions motor running

link

Power functions motor with Lego adapter removed and cables soldered

Picture of train with motor controller attached

Video of train running with power functions motor:

link 

Code for remote 3.0

Code for Motor controller 3.0

Over :)