Firmware: What is it?

 

Firmware is the operating system for the RCX. When a program is written, it is compiled into bytecode, which the firmware interprets for the RCX. It provides a safe, reliable environment in which to execute programs. It is called firmware because it is somewhere between hardware & software. The RCX has 32 K of RAM, and the firmware uses 26 K of it, which only leaves 6 K to be used for programs. (Believe it or not, this is more then adequate for any program you are likely to write.) There is custom firmware available, or that you can write yourself, but if you choose to use that be careful it does not take over the RCX available memory. The firmware must be installed before the RCX will execute programs!

 

 

Downloading

Method #1 (RoboLab Folders + Spirit.OCX)

1.      Create folder on desktop

2.      Copy folders (Examples, RoboLab Preview, Tankbot Movie, Tools) & Spirit.OCX to desktop

3.      Select “Tools” folder

4.      Select “RCXCC”

5.      Select “Setup” (with the computer Icon)

6.      RCX Command Center begins to install

7.      Select “Next” until “finish” appears (RCXCC will be installed in C drive in Program Files)

8.      Select “Yes, to Launch Program”

9.      Select “Finish”

10.  Place RCX 4 to 6 inches from IR tower

11.  Turn on RCX

12.  Screen “Searching for RCX” appears. Select “OK”

13.  Select the “tools” option

14.  Select “Download Firmware”

15.  Wait approx. 3 min. (Robot will beep when done)

 

Method #2 (RCX2_SDK_ & Spirit.ocx- NQC)

  1. Create folder on desktop
  2. Copy RCX2_SDK_ and Spirit.ocx to folder
  3. Unzip RCX2_SDK
  4. Start ATLClient.exe                 OR      Open Spirit.ocx (with RCXCC if necessary)
  5.                             Place RCX 4 to 6 inches from IR tower  
  6.                             Turn on RCX
  7. Click New Firmware          |          Screen “Searching for RCX” appears. Press OK
  8.                                             |          Click the “tools” option
  9.                                             |          Click “Download Firmware”
  10.                     Wait approx 3 min. (robot will beep when done)

 

Method #3 (used with software included with Robotics Invention System- RCX Code)

1.      Install MindStorm CD

2.      Click “Getting Started”

3.      Click “Set Up Options”

4.      Place RCX 4 to 6 inches from IR tower

5.      Turn on RCX

6.      Click “Download Firmware”

7.      Wait approx 3 min (robot will beep when done)

 

Trouble Shooting

 

  1. Check that the IR tower is set to “long range” (switch to right)
  2. Check that IR tower and RCX are shaded from bright light
  3. Make sure IR tower has a good battery
  4. wait until IR tower’s green LED is off

 

Changing Batteries

 

The RCX uses 6 AA batteries. The biggest drain is from the motors and how hard they are forced to work (ie. running the robots on a rug will drain the batteries faster than on a smooth surface). The firmware and programs will not be lost when the RCX is turned off, but they will be lost if the batteries are removed for a reasonable period of time.