Lmst

I've replaced the BD136 transistor on the #FischertechnikComputing PC/XT/AT interface with a brand new one I bought today at the local electronics store (yes, they still do exist!). Can you guess which one it is (the transistor, not the store)?

I seem to recall we have an antique laptop with a parallel port somewhere so I can test this thing. Otherwise, I'm sure I know someone who might be able to help. 🙂

#Fischertechnik #retrocomputing

EDIT: Clarified question in the first paragraph

The Fischertechnik Computing interface for PC/XT/AT computers with a grey ribbon cable with a parallel port plug at the end. To the left of it one 5,25" and one 3,5" disk with the driver software.

For comparison: this is the back side of the #FischertechnikComputing interface for the parallel port (I guess). It came with the robot. Lucky me, because I need its T18.

It’s alive! For the most part, that is. Turns out one half of one H-bridge in the interface is broken: M3 won’t turn right. Let’s check the transistors.

#FischertechnikComputing #fischertechnik

Oh, bummer. This axle is 15 mm too short! I wonder if I can still get a replacement. I will try to continue the build nonetheless. #fischertechnik #FischertechnikComputing

The party assembled robot with a hinge part barely fitting on the axle.

A page of the building instructions showing a scale next to the axle. It should be 125 mm long but is instead only 110 mm long.

Ok then. Here we go! #FischertechnikComputing

The Fischertechnik Computing set “Training Robot” during its first building steps. To the left there’s a box with all parts. To the right the base plate with the turntable already in its place. In the back is the opened box next to the styrofoam tray with more parts.

Not so fast! Before the fun starts you have to provision a 20-wire ribbon cable. Conveniently everything needed is provided in the package. Including a screwdriver. Remember: this is not #LEGO!

#Fischertechnik #FischertechnikComputing

A ribbon cable with 20 colored wires, rolled up. A red screwdriver. Some small Fischertechnik plugs in red and green. A manual page showing the "ribbon cable configuration" with the precise lengths the wires must be trimmed to.

Speaking of which: The #FischertechnikComputing "Training Robot" was my favorite model. It was very expensive and I never got one. This is one of my childhood dreams I've kept over the years. They're quite rare today and difficult to find on #eBay or #Kleinanzeigen.

The Fischertechnik Computing "Training Robot": a traditional robotic arm with three degrees of freedom (rotation, shoulder, elbow) and a gripper that holds a matchbox.

Fourty years ago (that would be 1985) #Fischertechnik released a four of construction sets as part of their #FischertechnikComputing series. Here's a scan of the original brochure (in German, no OCR): https://docs.fischertechnikclub.nl/info2/1989.pdf

I think it must have been Christmas 1989 when I got model no. 30554 (pages 4/5). It has survived until today (despite of many years in the attic).

#RetroComputing #Robotics

A pick and place robot made of Fischertechnik. It features a single arm that can move back and forth diagonally with an electromagnet at its tip. It can also rotate around its vertical axis. In front of the robot are various spots in different heights where metal plates can be picked and placed. The various motors, sensors and buttons are connected to a flat control unit via many colored wires.

Combining two of my things I played the most with as kid, the Commodore 64 and FischerTechnik, this is really something I would have loved to have back in my youth. The C64 interface for FischerTechnik Computing.
#Retro #8Bit #Commodore #Commodore64 #Fischertechnik #FischertechnikComputing

#FischertechnikComputing

Client Info