Step 4. Cards and Cables for an 8-Bit Computer
Lego intended the Interface A to be controlled by common 8-bit computers from Apple, BBC, Commodore, IBM, and Philips. All of these computers (including their sub-models and clones) either have a serial port built-in or easily added. If you're reading this website, then I assume you already have such a computer, or will soon get one, and that you know how to use it.
- Apple II computers require Lego part 9767. This is a card which is hard to find. You can make one. Here is the schematic courtesy of Alex Lukazi. Here's a sample build by Jonathan "Systems Glitch" Chapman. Here's the official Lego 9767 manual.
- BBC Micro computers already have the necessary chips and the same pinout on their user port as on Interface A, so all you need is a 20-pin ribbon cable, which is part 9773. I am working on acquiring a BBC Micro or borrowing one from a friend, in order to test this for myself.
- Commodore 64 computers already have the necessary chips, but you need the cable that goes from the user port to Interface A. It's set 9765 and the physical cable is part 70321. I have one, and I've only ever seen two for sale on Bricklink. Here is the schematic, courtesy of Lukazi. Here's the official Lego 9765 manual.
- IBM PC computers, or any MS-DOS machine, require* Lego part 9771. This ISA card is even more rare than the Apple II version. You can make one. Here is the schematic courtesy of Frank. Here's the official Lego 9771 manual. (* There is a way to use an MS-DOS PC without the Lego ISA card. Alex Shepherd documented his custom method using a homemade cable, a standard parallel port, and modified Lego Logo software. Alex based his work on Tom Cook's method.)
- Philips P2000 computers require a ribbon cable and parallel interface. (Do you have information about the Lego/Philips kit? If so, then please contact me. I am interested in manuals, Lego part numbers, etc.)
- In theory, any 8-bit computer with a parallel interface could be made to work. Read more in the "Known-working systems that aren't endorsed by Lego" section of the computers page.
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