Construction Basics - Outputs

Student Activity Instruction Sheet 1.8

The RCX has three outputs labeled A, B, and C.  Using wires, we can connect motors and lights to these outputs and integrate them into building designs.

1. Take one motor, one wire connector and the RCX from your kit

2. Connect one black connector end to Port A on your RCX

3. Match the other end of the black connector square on the motor.

4. Press the ON_OFF button on the RCX

5. Press the program button (labeled PRGM) on the RCX several times, noticing the number changing on the display from 1-5.

6. The number on the RCX indicates the active program.

7. Keep pressing the program button until it displays the number 1

8. When the Number 1 appears, press the Green RUN button.

9. What is happening?

10. Press the RUN button again and the motors should stop.

11. Disconnect the wire from the RCX

12. Turn the RCX 180 degrees, and reconnect it.

13. Press the RUN button again

14. What did you notice that is different with this change?

15. Take the second motor and wire from your kit.

16. Connect this second motor to Port C with the connector as you did with the first motor.

17. Press the RUN button

18. What is happening?

19. Disconnect the wire from the RCX

20. Rotate the RCX 180 degrees

21. Reconnect the wires.

22. Press the RUN button again

23. What did you notice was different?

Now that you can see that it is possible to have multiple outputs operating at once.  These motors can all be operating in the same or different directions, and at different speeds at the same time.

How could you add a motor into a series of gears?  What legos from your kit would you use?

How would you mount a motor to the RCX?

If you were building a car, how many motors would you need?

If you wanted twice as much power and would therefore need two motors, how would you construct the gearing to do so?

TEST it to see what results you have.  Share these results or predictions with other classmates.