Chip
 
 
A super small programmable robot controller.
 
 

This is one of the last things I received from Hi-Technic before they stopped production.  It was made to be a super small robot controller. 

It's not really made to replace the RCX, or even compete with it.  Chip is just an alternative for controlling LEGO robots.
RCX: Chip:
I/O
3 inputs
4 buttons 		2 inputs
2 internal light sensors (EOPDs)
1 "run" button
3 outputs
LCD display 		2 outputs
a 3 color LED
Not expandable Also not expandable
Size:
12 studs X 8 studs X 4 bricks 4 studs X 4 studs X 2+2/3 bricks (size of 2 light sensors)
Programming:
Many ways to program Program in assembly
IR Serial/USB tower Custom programmer connecting
BOTH serial AND parallel ports
to a six pin connector on Chip
Batteries:
Included Connect to external (6xAA OR 1x9v)
Cost:
$59 - 129 on e-bay I really don't have exact numbers,
but I'd guess it's about the price
of 2 EOPD sensors, or around $80.00

The RCX has several advantages over Chip, while the only real advantage Chip has is it's size.  However, that's exactly what I was looking for.

It has 2 standard sensor inputs on top that can connect to any type of LEGO sensor (or custom sensor). There are also 2 outputs that go through a standard motor driver circuit. I don't know the exact specs, but it's at least as good as the RCX outputs.

Chip is a really cool toy, and the size makes for a small robot. It's also nice to be able to move the batteries around, without affecting the controller.
I haven't built too many robots with it, yet, beyond a couple pretty fast line-followers. But I will.


Feel free to tell me what you think.
Steve
e-mail:steve@teamhassenplug.org
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