Don's Electronic Thing 10 -- Finished Circuit!

Ok.  Here is the final version of the Blue Connector Circuit:

The main differences:
A) The Switch and Led ports have been separated into individual ports.  Any combination of ports can be used.  Each port uses a three pin connector.  The center pin is the signal from/to the arduino, and the outer pins are both ground.  So the polarity of the connector doesn't matter.
B) The Bluetooth module has been moved to pins 10/11.  That eliminates the run/load switch -- easier update operations.  Just plug in the usb port and update the code.  This does require using the "software serial" port in the code.

Don's Electronic Thing 09 -- New program!

This is the latest version of the program!

Included in this version:
  MicroScout Program 4 Protocol works!
  MicroScout Switches works!

Problems:
  It does work, but after a while the switches stop responding.  So the switches need to be turned off, and then back on.  (Why?  Have to figure that one out...)

The code:

/*
  Lego Connector Version 4
 by Donald Hosford (Donzerme@Yahoo.com)

 Last Update: 09/18/2018

 Purpose:
 -- Use an Arduino Uno to enable old Lego Computer Bricks to be
 controlled by any bluetooth enabled smart phone/tablet/PC etc.

 -- Working on:  VLL protocol

 ----------------------------
 Physical Pin assignments:

 pin 0 - BT transmit
 pin 1 - BT receive
 pin 2 - IR receiver unit
 pin 3 - IR transmit led
 pin 4 - MicroScout 1 led
 pin 5 - MicroScout 2 led
 pin 6 - MicroScout 3 led
 pin 7 - MicroScout 1 touch switch
 pin 8 - MicroScout 2 touch switch
 pin 9 - MicroScout 3 touch switch
 pin 10 - BT connect led?

 ----------------------------
 Commands:
 All commands are simple text characters.  Every command will start
 with a two letter device code (upper case for now).  Below is a
 list of Lego P-brick devices I intend to support.

 ----------------------------
 Command format: (Device)(unit id)(action)

 Devices: (So far -- this may change.)
 BM - Bionicle Manas
 MS - MicroScout (Program 4)
 PF - Power Functions
 RC - RCX
 SB - Spybot
 SC - Scout
 VL - MicroScout VLL

 ----------------------------
 Microscout:

 Device: MS

 Unit ID:
 0 - All units
 1 - First unit
 2 - Second unit
 3 - Third unit

 Action:
 0 - Stop motor
 1 - Forward rotation
 2 - Backwards rotation

 Switch Watcher
 MSS0 - Turn Switch watcher off.
 MSS1 - Turn Switch watcher on.

 Example: MS11 - MicroScout unit 1, Motor forwards.
 MS02 - All MicroScouts, motor backwards.

 ----------------------------
 VLL:

 Device: VL

 Unit ID:
 0 - All units
 1 - First unit
 2 - Second unit
 3 - Third unit

 Action:
 code 0 to 127
 I - Initialize microscout for vll?


 Examples:
 VL1100 - Send VLL code 100 to Microscout port 1,
 VL1I   - Initialize microscout port 1 for vll?
 Note: call VLLInit() first?  Then send VLL commands.

 ----------------------------
 */
// Code Start:

// init variables
String message = "";

// initialize MicroScout variables
int MSNum = 0;
int Action = 0;

//Array hold MicroScout data
int MSD[] = {
  0, 1, 1, 1
};

//Pin array to hold the assignments
int pin[] = {
  0, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 3, 2, 0, 1
};
/*
  Pin[] array positions
 0 = space holder, not a pin number
 1 = MS1 Led
 2 = MS2 Led
 3 = MS3 Led
 4 = MS1 sw
 5 = MS2 sw
 6 = MS3 sw
 7 = IR transmitter led
 8 = IR receiver unit
 9 = BT transmitter
 10 = BT receiver
 */


// MS Switch Last Total
int LTot = 1000;

// Switch Debounce
// SwitchDebounce time in ms for microscout switches.
int SwitchDebounce = 100;

// Last Time Switches Checked
int LSC = millis();

// Current Time Checked
int CC = LSC;

// MS Switch Status
int MS1St = 0;
int MS2St = 0;
int MS3St = 0;

// MS Switch pins
int SW1=7;
int SW2=8;
int SW3=9;

// Switchtoggle 0=switch check off, 1=switch check on
int Switchtoggle = 1;
// Switchtoggle 0=switch check off, 1=switch check on
// Switchtoggle 0=switch check off, 1=switch check on

//VLL variables
int N = 0;
int N2 = 0;
int command = 0;

// Infared variables
//   None yet...

void setup() {
  LSC = CC;


  //pinmodes
  pinMode(pin[1], OUTPUT); // MS1 led
  pinMode(pin[2], OUTPUT); // MS2 led
  pinMode(pin[3], OUTPUT); // MS3 led
  pinMode(SW1, INPUT_PULLUP); // MS1 switch
  pinMode(SW2, INPUT_PULLUP); // MS2 switch
  pinMode(SW3, INPUT_PULLUP); // MS3 switch
  pinMode(pin[7], OUTPUT); // IR send
  pinMode(pin[8], INPUT); // IR receive
  pinMode(pin[9], OUTPUT); // BT send
  pinMode(pin[10], INPUT); // BT receive
  pinMode(pin[11], OUTPUT); // BT connect led

  //serial setup/output ready
  Serial.begin(9600);
  delay(5000); // give user time to open serial monitor.
  Serial.println("Ready");  //tell user its ready for commands
} 

// ----------------------------
void loop() {
  message = "";




  // listen for message
  // receive messages from the serial monitor/BT HC-05 module
  while (Serial.available() == 0) {
    // loop until something is recieved from serial.

    // If Switchtoggle is on, then check status of switches.
    // report any changes from last check.
    if (Switchtoggle == 1) {
      MSSwitches();
    }

    // this code is remarked out, because it doesn't exist yet...
    // If IRToggle is on, then check status of IR reciever.
    //if (IRToggle == 1) {
    // IRWatcher();
    //} 
  }
  message = Serial.readString();
  Serial.print ("you typed: ");
  Serial.println(message);
  // process message
  if (message > "") {
    protocol();
  }
  // end of voidloop
}

// ----------------------------
void protocol() {
  // if message starts with a two letter code then 'gosub'
  // to appropriate 'subroutine'

  if (message.startsWith("MS")) {
    MicroScout();
  }

  if (message.startsWith("VL")) {
    VLL();
  }

  if (message.startsWith("RC")) {
    RCX();
  }

  if (message.startsWith("BM")) {
    Manas();
  }

  if (message.startsWith("SB")) {
    Spybot();
  }

  if (message.startsWith("SC")) {
    Scout();
  }

  if (message.startsWith("PF")) {
    PowerFunctions();
  }

}

// ----------------------------
void VLL() {
  // The main entry for MicroScout/Code Pilot VLL protocol.

  // Init variables
  String c = "";
  int CS = 0;
  int n = 0;

  // get message length
  int mlen = message.length();

  // retrieve MS number, and convert to number
  MSNum = message.charAt(2);
  MSNum = MSNum - 48;

  // retrieve action
  c = message.substring(3);
  Action = c.toInt();

  Serial.print (Action);

  //Serial.println(MSNum);
  //Serial.println(Action);

  // check for init action.
  if (Action == 73) {
    // Initalize VLL.
    VLLInit();
    // Done, clear message.
    message = "";
    Action = -1;
  }
  else {
    VLLSend();
  }
}

void VLLSend() {
  //retreive action, send it
  // This VLL code has been adapted from a python3 program by:
  // https://github.com/JorgePe/mindstorms-vll/blob/master/vll-atat.py

  //Serial.println("Start");

  // Init variables
  int CS = 0;
  int n = 0;
  int v = 0;
  // Delay long: 40ms
  int DLo = 38;
  // Delay short: 20ms
  int DSh = 19;

  Action = message.toInt();

  // vll send number
  //void VLLsend()
  //VLLstart
  // led off, delay 20ms
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
  delay(20);

  // checksum calculation
  // checksum formulas:
  //         C or Perl: 7-((n+(n>2)+(n>>4))&7)
  //             Basic: 7-(n+int(n/4)+int(n/16)) mod 8
  //   Arduino Scratch: 7-(n+int(n/4)+int(n/16)) % 8

  // Arduino uno scratch MOD command: z = x % y

  n = Action;

  //Serial.println("---");
  //Serial.print(n);
  //Serial.print("/");

  // checksum calculation -- seems to be correct
  CS = 7 - (n + int(n / 4) + int(n / 16)) % 8;
  //Serial.print(CS);
  //Serial.print("/");

  // Shift the bits to the left, seven spaces.
  // Makes room for the number.
  CS = CS << 7;
  //Serial.print(CS);
  //Serial.print("/");

  // Add number.
  CS = CS + n;
  //Serial.println(CS);
  //Serial.println("---");

  // Read bits, and send them.
  for ( int i = 9; i >= 0; i--) {
    v = bitRead(CS, i);

    //Serial.print(i);
    //Serial.print("/");
    //Serial.print(v);
    //Serial.print("/");

    //Serial.print (i);

    if (v == 1) {
      //VLL1();
      //led on, delay 20ms, led off, delay 40ms
      //Serial.print("One");
      digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
      delay(DSh);
      digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
      delay(DLo);
    }
    else {
      //VLL0();
      // Led on, delay 40ms, led off, delay 20ms
      //Serial.print("Zero");
      digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
      delay(DLo);
      digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
      delay(DSh);
    }
    //Serial.print("/");
  }
  //VLLstop();
  // led on, delay 20ms, led off, delay 60ms, led on, delay 120ms
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  delay(20);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
  delay(60);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  delay(120);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);

  //vllpause();
  //led on, delay 150
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  delay(150);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
  // all done, clear message.
  message = "";
  Action = -1;
  //Serial.println("Done");
}

void VLLInit() {
  // VLLinit() {
  // led on, delay 400ms, (led off?)
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  delay(400);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);

  // delay 2000ms?
  //delay(2000);
}

// ----------------------------
void MicroScout() {
  // The main entry for MicroScout program 4 protocol.
  String c = "";
  int d = 0;

  // pull MS number, and Action
  MSNum = message.charAt(2);
  MSNum = MSNum - 48;

  // get action  -- action "e"  integer
  c = message.substring(3);
  Action = c.toInt();
  d = Action;

  // code for all MS.
  if (MSNum == 0) {

    MSNum = 1;
    MSSend();
    Action = d;
    MSNum = 2;
    MSSend();
    Action = d;
    MSNum = 3;
    MSSend();
    // clear message
    message = "";
    Action = -1;
    MSNum = 0;
  }
  else {
    // code for 1 MS
    MSSend();
    // clear message
    MSNum = 0;
    Action = -1;
    message = "";
  }
}

void MSSend() {
  // code for MS program 4

  // MS switches toggle
  if (MSNum == 35) {
    if (Action == 0) {
      Switchtoggle = 0;
      Serial.println("MS Switches OFF");
    }
    else {
      Switchtoggle = 1;
      Serial.println("MS Switches ON");
    }
  }

  //check direction here
  //if needed do reverse blink
  if (Action == 1 && MSD[MSNum] == 2) {
    MSRevBlink();
    MSD[MSNum] = 1;
  }

  if (Action == 2 && MSD[MSNum] == 1) {
    MSRevBlink();
    MSD[MSNum] = 2;
  }

  // Action: stop motor
  if (Action == 0) {
    digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
  }

  // Action: motor forwards
  if (Action == 1) {
    digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  }

  // Action: motor backwards
  if (Action == 2) {
    digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  }

  // all done, clear message.
  message = "";
  Action = -1;

}

void MSRevBlink() {
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  delay(100);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
  delay(100);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  delay(100);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
  delay(100);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
}

void MSSwitches() {

  CC = millis();

  // check MicroScout Switches and report changes in status if any.
  if ((CC - LSC) > SwitchDebounce) {

    int CTot = 1000;

    // read pins
    MS1St=digitalRead(SW1);
    MS2St=digitalRead(SW2);
    MS3St=digitalRead(SW3);

    // total statuses
    if (MS1St == 0) {
      CTot=CTot+100;
    }
    if (MS2St == 0) {
      CTot=CTot+10;
    }
    if (MS3St == 0) {
      CTot=CTot+1;
    }

    // check results
    if (CTot == LTot) {
      // if equal, do nothing.
    }
    else {
      //print CTot
      Serial.print("MS");
      Serial.println(CTot);
      LTot=CTot;
      LSC = CC;


    }
  }
}

void MVIdAct(){
  // Init variables
  String a = "";
  char b = 0;
  String c = "";
  int d = 0; 
  int e = 0;

  // get protocol -- protocol "a"  String
  a = message.substring(0,2);
  // get MS port address -- MS address "d"  integer
  b = message.charAt(2);
  d=b-48;
  // get action  -- action "e"  integer
  c = message.substring(3);
  e = c.toInt();
}


// ----------------------------
// code for RCX
void RCX() {
  Serial.println("RCX");
}

// ----------------------------
// code for Bionicle Manas
void Manas() {
  Serial.println("Bionicle Manas");
}

// ----------------------------
// code for Spybot
void Spybot() {
  Serial.println("Spybot");
}

// ----------------------------
// code for Scout brick
void Scout() {
  Serial.println("Scout");
}

// ----------------------------
// code for Power Functions
void PowerFunctions() {
  Serial.println("Power9 Function");
}

Don's Electronic thing 08 - Circuit Diagrams

The circuit diagram is complete!  And here it is:

Edit:  This is a new version of the circuit.  The difference between the two is the way the switches are wired.  The previous version would "leak" a little power from the 5v supply to ground, every time the switch was pressed.  In my tests, pressing the button would cause the arduino to lose all power!  It would recover once the switch was released.  This version uses the internal pull up resistors.  Setting the pinMode, use pinMode(pinnumber, input_pullup).  Reading the pin, causes the output to be reversed. (Ie: a zero is received, when the switch is pressed, instead of a one.)    Still working on the switch code, will update when its ready.

The circuit lines are color coded.  Red lines are voltage (5v).  Blue lines are ground.  Green lines are receive.  Purple lines are transmit.  There is a "Load / Run" switch in the HC-05 power line.  This disables the HC-05 so programs may be downloaded without dismantling the box every time.

The Arduino and HC-05 images were hand drawn by me.  Here are the blanks available:

These images are free for any use.  No challenge to any copyrights intended.

Enjoy!

Don's Electronic Thing! part 7 -- Latest Program!

Well, here it is:
   Version 3 of the program!  The VLL code seems to work, needs testing.  The Microscout Program 4 code works.  I wanted to post it while I was thinking of it.

The main feature of the VLL code here, is that it will handle all 128 VLL codes!  So it should be able to work with the code pilot!  (As I don't have a Code Pilot, someone else will have to test that part out.)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
/*
  Lego Connector Version 3
 by Donald Hosford (Donzerme@Yahoo.com)

 Last Update: 07/06/2018

 Purpose:
 -- Use an Arduino Uno to enable old Lego Computer Bricks to be
 controlled by any bluetooth enabled smart phone/tablet/PC etc.

 -- Working on:  MicroScout program 4/VLL protocol.

 Commands:
 All commands are simple text characters.  Every command will start
 with a two letter device code (upper case for now).  Below is a
 list of Lego P-brick devices I intend to support.

 ----------------------------
 Physical Pin assignments:

 pin 0 - BT transmit
 pin 1 - BT receive
 pin 2 - IR receiver unit
 pin 3 - IR transmit led
 pin 4 - MicroScout 1 led
 pin 5 - MicroScout 2 led
 pin 6 - MicroScout 3 led
 pin 7 - MicroScout 1 touch switch
 pin 8 - MicroScout 2 touch switch
 pin 9 - MicroScout 3 touch switch
 pin 10 - BT connect led?

 ----------------------------
 Command format: (Device)(unit id)(action)

 Devices: (So far -- this may change.)
 BM - Bionicle Manas
 MS - MicroScout (Program 4)
 PF - Power Functions
 RC - RCX
 SB - Spybot
 SC - Scout
 VL - MicroScout VLL

 ----------------------------
 Microscout:

 Device: MS

 Unit ID:
 0 - All units
 1 - First unit
 2 - Second unit
 3 - Third unit

 Action:
 0 - Stop motor
 1 - Forward rotation
 2 - Backwards rotation

 Example: MS11 - MicroScout unit 1, Motor forwards.
 MS02 - All MicroScouts, motor backwards.

 ----------------------------
 VLL:

 Device: VL

 Unit ID:
 0 - All units
 1 - First unit
 2 - Second unit
 3 - Third unit

 Action:
 code 0 to 127
 I - Initialize microscout for vll?


 Examples:
 VL1100 - Send VLL code 100 to Microscout port 1,
 VL1I   - Initialize microscout port 1 for vll?
 Note: call VLLInit() first?  Then send VLL commands.


 ----------------------------
 */

// init variables
String message = "";

// initialize MicroScout variables
int MSNum = 0;
int Action = 0;


//Array hold MicroScout data
int MSD[] = {
  0, 1, 1, 1
};

//Pin array to hold the assignments
int pin[] = {
  0, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 3, 2, 0, 1, 10
};
/*
  Pin[] array positions
 0 = space holder, not a pin number
 1 = MS1 Led
 2 = MS2 Led
 3 = MS3 Led
 4 = MS1 sw
 5 = MS2 sw
 6 = MS3 sw
 7 = IR transmitter led
 8 = IR receiver unit
 9 = BT transmitter
 10 = BT receiver
 11 = BT Led

 */

// MSswitch variables
int MS1State = 0;
int MS2State = 0;
int MS3State = 0;
// MSxState current switch state.
int MS1Last = 0;
int MS2Last = 0;
int MS3Last = 0;
// MSxLast Last switch state when checked.
unsigned long LastTimeSwitchesChecked = 0;
unsigned long SwitchDebounce = 70;
// SwitchDebounce time in ms for microscout switches.
int Switchtoggle = 0;
// Switchtoggle 0=switch check off, 1=switch check on

//VLL variables
int N = 0;
int N2 = 0;
int command = 0;



// Infared variables



void setup() {
  //pinmodes
  pinMode(pin[1], OUTPUT); // MS1 led
  pinMode(pin[2], OUTPUT); // MS2 led
  pinMode(pin[3], OUTPUT); // MS3 led
  pinMode(pin[4], INPUT); // MS1 switch
  pinMode(pin[5], INPUT); // MS2 switch
  pinMode(pin[6], INPUT); // MS3 switch
  pinMode(pin[7], OUTPUT); // IR send
  pinMode(pin[8], INPUT); // IR receive
  pinMode(pin[9], OUTPUT); // BT send
  pinMode(pin[10], INPUT); // BT receive
  pinMode(pin[11], OUTPUT); // BT connect led
  //serial setup/output ready
  Serial.begin(9600);
  delay(5000); // give user time to open serial monitor.
  Serial.println("Ready");  //tell user its ready for commands
}

// ----------------------------
void loop() {
  message = "";

  // check time for MS switches
  if (Switchtoggle == 1) {
    if ((millis() - LastTimeSwitchesChecked) > SwitchDebounce) {
      MSSwitches();
    }
  }

  // listen for message
  // receive messages from the serial monitor/BT HC-05 module
  while (Serial.available() == 0) {
  }
  message = Serial.readString();
  Serial.println("you typed:");
  Serial.println(message);
  //Serial.println(message);
  // process message
  if (message > "") {
    protocol();
  }
  // end of voidloop
}

// ----------------------------
void protocol() {
  // if message starts with a two letter code then 'gosub'
  // to appropriate 'subroutine'

  if (message.startsWith("MS")) {
    MicroScout();
  }

  if (message.startsWith("VL")) {
    VLL();
  }

  if (message.startsWith("RC")) {
    RCX();
  }

  if (message.startsWith("BM")) {
    Manas();
  }

  if (message.startsWith("SB")) {
    Spybot();
  }

  if (message.startsWith("SC")) {
    Scout();
  }

  if (message.startsWith("PF")) {
    PowerFunctions();
  }

}

// ----------------------------
void VLL() {
  // The main entry for MicroScout/Code Pilot VLL protocol.

  // Init variables
  String c = "";
  int CS = 0;
  int n = 0;

  // get message length
  int mlen = message.length();

  // retrieve MS number, and convert to number
  MSNum = message.charAt(2);
  MSNum = MSNum - 48;

  // retrieve action
  c = message.substring(3);
  Action = c.toInt();

  //Serial.println(MSNum);
  //Serial.println(Action);

  // check for init action.
  if (Action == 73) {
    // Initalize VLL.
    VLLInit();
    // Done, clear message.
    message = "";
    Action = -1;
  }
  else {
    VLLSend();
  }
}

void VLLSend() {
  //retreive action, send it
  // This VLL code has been adapted from a python3 program by:
  // https://github.com/JorgePe/mindstorms-vll/blob/master/vll-atat.py

  //Serial.println("Start");

  // Init variables
  int CS = 0;
  int n = 0;
  int v = 0;

  Action = message.toInt();

  // vll send number
  //void VLLsend()
  //VLLstart
  // led off, delay 20ms
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
  delay(20);

  // checksum calculation
  // checksum formulas:
  //         C or Perl: 7-((n+(n>2)+(n>>4))&7)
  //             Basic: 7-(n+int(n/4)+int(n/16)) mod 8
  //   Arduino Scratch: 7-(n+int(n/4)+int(n/16)) % 8

  // Arduino uno scratch MOD command: z = x % y

  n = Action;

  //Serial.println("---");
  //Serial.print(n);
  //Serial.print("/");

  // checksum calculation -- seems to be correct
  CS = 7 - (n + int(n / 4) + int(n / 16)) % 8;
  //Serial.print(CS);
  //Serial.print("/");

  // Shift the bits to the left, seven spaces.
  // Makes room for the number.
  CS = CS << 7;
  //Serial.print(CS);
  //Serial.print("/");

  // Add number.
  CS = CS + n;
  //Serial.println(CS);
  //Serial.println("---");

  // Read bits, and send them.
  for ( int i = 9; i >= 0; i--) {
    v = bitRead(CS, i);

    //Serial.print(i);
    //Serial.print("/");
    //Serial.print(v);
    //Serial.print("/");

    //Serial.print (i);

    if (v == 1) {
      //VLL1();
      //led on, delay 20ms, led off, delay 40ms
      //Serial.print("One");
        digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
        delay(20);
        digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
        delay(40);
    }
    else {
      //VLL0();
      // Led on, delay 40ms, led off, delay 20ms
      //Serial.print("Zero");
      digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
      delay(40);
      digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
      delay(20);
    }
    //Serial.print("/");
  }
  //VLLstop();
  // led on, delay 20ms, led off, delay 60ms, led on, delay 120ms
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  delay(20);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
  delay(60);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  delay(120);

  //vllpause();
  //led on, delay 150
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  delay(150);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
  // all done, clear message.
  message = "";
  Action = -1;
  //Serial.println("Done");
}

void VLLInit() {
  // VLLinit() {
  // led on, delay 400ms, (led off?)
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  delay(400);

  //???
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);

  // delay 2000ms?
  //delay(2000);
}

// ----------------------------
void MicroScout() {
  // The main entry for MicroScout program 4 protocol.
  String c = "";
  int d = 0;

  // pull MS number, and Action
  MSNum = message.charAt(2);
  MSNum = MSNum - 48;

  // get action  -- action "e"  integer
  c = message.substring(3);
  Action = c.toInt();
  d = Action;

  // code for all MS.
  if (MSNum == 0) {

    MSNum = 1;
    MSSend();
    Action = d;
    MSNum = 2;
    MSSend();
    Action = d;
    MSNum = 3;
    MSSend();
    // clear message
    message = "";
    Action = -1;
    MSNum = 0;
  }
  else {
    // code for 1 MS
    MSSend();
    // clear message
    MSNum = 0;
    Action = -1;
    message = "";
  }
}

void MSSend() {
  // code for MS program 4

  // MS switches toggle
  if (MSNum == 35) {
    if (Action == 0) {
      Switchtoggle = 0;
      Serial.println("MS Switches OFF");
    }
    else {
      Switchtoggle = 1;
      Serial.println("MS Switches ON");
    }
  }

  //check direction here
  //if needed do reverse blink
  if (Action == 1 && MSD[MSNum] == 2) {
    MSRevBlink();
    MSD[MSNum] = 1;
  }

  if (Action == 2 && MSD[MSNum] == 1) {
    MSRevBlink();
    MSD[MSNum] = 2;
  }

  // Action: stop motor
  if (Action == 0) {
    digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
  }

  // Action: motor forwards
  if (Action == 1) {
    digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  }

  // Action: motor backwards
  if (Action == 2) {
    digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  }

  // all done, clear message.
  message = "";
  Action = -1;

}
void MSRevBlink() {
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  delay(100);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
  delay(100);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
  delay(100);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], LOW);
  delay(100);
  digitalWrite(pin[MSNum], HIGH);
}

void MSSwitches() {
  // check MicroScout Switches and report changes in status if any.

  // store millis()
  LastTimeSwitchesChecked = millis();
  message = "MS";

  // read MS switches
  MS1State = digitalRead(pin[4]);
  MS2State = digitalRead(pin[5]);
  MS3State = digitalRead(pin[6]);
  // check current state with last state
  if (MS1State != MS1Last) {
    message = message + "1";
    MS1Last = MS1State;
  }
  else message = message + "0";
  if (MS2State != MS2Last) {
    message = message + "1";
    MS2Last = MS2State;
  }
  else message = message + "0";
  if (MS3State != MS3Last) {
    message = message + "1";
    MS3Last = MS3State;
  }
  else message = message + "0";
  if (message > "MS") {
    //Send message
    Serial.println(message);
  }
  message = "";
}

void MVIdAct(){
  // Init variables
  String a = "";
  char b = 0;
  String c = "";
  int d = 0;
  int e = 0;

  // get protocol -- protocol "a"  String
  a = message.substring(0,2);
  // get MS port address -- MS address "d"  integer
  b = message.charAt(2);
  d=b-48;
  // get action  -- action "e"  integer
  c = message.substring(3);
  e = c.toInt();
}


// ----------------------------
// code for RCX
void RCX() {
  Serial.println("RCX");
}

// ----------------------------
// code for Bionicle Manas
void Manas() {
  Serial.println("Bionicle Manas");
}

// ----------------------------
// code for Spybot
void Spybot() {
  Serial.println("Spybot");
}

// ----------------------------
// code for Scout brick
void Scout() {
  Serial.println("Scout");
}

// ----------------------------
// code for Power Functions
void PowerFunctions() {
  Serial.println("Power Function");
}

Don's Electronic Thing part 6

I worked on the program.  It needed sections rewrote, because it started to feel like patches on top of patches. That messed some things up.  Sigh.  So I spent a few days fixing them.  Results: The Microscout protocol works again.  I fixed some mistakes I made in the VLL protocol.  That one still needs some work.  For a while I had some endless loops going...

I will post the program later - after I try some ideas.

Don's Electronic Thing part 5

Success!  (I think...)

I got the IR circuit bread-boarded.  I used the program from HERE

His circuit uses an 100 ohm resistor, I found my IR Led needed a 38 ohm resistor (I used a 47 ohm).

To test the IR circuits I downloaded his program to my arduino and experimented until it worked.

The  IR Led needs to be quite close to the TV, but it seems to work.  Maybe I should put a transistor in there to boost the signal...

Now I have to figure out how to diagram the circuit...

Don's Electronic Thing part 4

So far:
I have most of the MicroScout code written.  I want to a command to toggle the microscout switch reader subroutine on and off.  Then the main microscout code will be done.

Then the next is the IR circuit.  After the circuit is completed, time to build it.