Remote control for Control+ sets without an app/smartphone - Pybricks
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- One of the most frequent complaints about the Powered Up system is the need to have a smart device constantly for control. Even if you change touch control for the remote, you still need to run the Powered Up app all the time. Here comes Pybricks - a custom coding environment for Powered Up devices that allows you to run code on the hub itself. Sounds complicated? It isn't, no coding required to give it a try!
You can find the updated code here - racingbrick.co...
link to Technicmaster0 Tutorials and more: / @technicmaster0tutorials
If you'd like to see more LEGO® RC fun then please follow me on Instagram, on my Facebook page or on my blog:
/ racing.brick
/ racingbrick
www.racingbric...
#lego #legotechnic #racingbrick
Please use the code in the standard environment of Pybricks, and not in the beta one - racingbrick.com/2021/08/remote-control-for-control-sets-without-an-app-or-smartphone-pybricks/
Thanks again! I've got a Pybricks Porsche 911 buggy moc working with the Remote using the 4x4 control layout and learning to looking to add code for lights. So I'm back (again) to grab your custom code as a learning tool to help me learn bend the 4x4's code to my will!
It's sad that a company with millions in development costs can't do something so requested that a 3rd party has had to do it.
iphone to forbid a lot to protect business interests, it is wonder, that lego do not lock the hub for third parties
@@janist78 anything can be broken. iPhones have Jailbreak. something would be made for lego too if they did that.
I can’t wait to get started, I definitely feel a lot more comfortable with buying sets from the control plus line because something like this exists, thanks Racing Brick, I might be buying the Zetros or Volvo hauler soon because of this existing.
I had to edit a typo in my words
This is game changer for me. I found the app to be not very responsive. With the changes made by pybricks the legos perform much better. I now enjoy using the vehicles.
I am full of respect to you in explaining coding to dummies. It is great that every person can customize the controlling and gaming process as he wish and there is a big contribution by you in this vision. In other words, in near future everyone will be a programmer :) lego remote, iphone's shortcuts and smart house schedules are a good catalyzers
I'm no good with coding, but after learning just how complex they've made these new hubs, I'm thinking they've made a pretty good new platform for making prosthetic limbs. Its been going on for years with LEGO parts already, but the compactness of this model over previous mindstorms hubs, gyroscopic sensors and absolute positioning in a kit for as cheap as 140 bucks, I think we need to get some people together and see what off the shelf kits we can use in combination with the transformation vehicle or something similar to make an easy to customize arm.
Finally you showed it. Been bothering me for so long for not able to ditch the app
It's a disgrace that Lego can't just release a physical controller with their sets. The fact we have to resort this doing this ourselves is not right.
I really wanted this set, but coding is so daunting. Saying that, this video explains these very well, but I might pick this set up from Bricklink.
Pybricks is a great. It adds a great improvement to the Powered Up.
The only thing tha "annoys" me, is that the Powered Up remote is digital, but that's not a fault in Pybricks.
Actually, you can possibly make a remote with analog joysticks, using Arduino or MicroBit.
I think that possibly adding an analog (non-LEGO) remote is one of the best things about Pybricks; as well as making the Powerd Up devices more versatile, and bringing them closer to Mindstorms/Spike.
Thanks a lot for this tutorial, it made our buggy much more fun to play with!
Cool. I think that a lot of people will use this method. Sounds easy and promising.
You always save me on these control aspects, thanks for the information, I will be trying this out!!!
Hi!
I did buy the buggy plus the remote to do exactly that but for some reason I cannot “run f5” or upload code to the hub.
I can only download pybrick firmware (I did try 3 so I do not think this is the issue)
Also is like I have to code “live” besides the remote other options do fail.
Looking to use remote with lego app so it can be in the background and the kid without phone but not straight forward..
Nice video!
Great great video. Thanks!
I’ve thought about making a similar one myself… but would be using pictures as I don’t own the actual bricks.
Would love to see a come back for the NXT MINDSTORMS brick as most of its software and app counterparts are now outdated.
Even if for just limited use of RC over Bluetooth for the motor control. They have come down in price (Partially due to the lack of software support) and are battery hogs but fun nonetheless.
Should you ever have a say or input on such a topic please represent me =)
So cool to have physical remote, i've tried it is so nice to have it. but is there anyway to put some lights on Volvo Hauler?
I also tried to write a simple code for 88009 Hub (Small PU one with two ports) for a 'App-Controlled Batmobile 76112'. Just a simple modification of your code for a 42124 buggy, but with two driving motors. One thing I noticed about this hub is its hard to flash with pybricks/custom code due to random disconnects during the pairing process. Large PU hub doesn't have this behaviour, so I don't know what's going here. I used fresh new batteries as well.
In the end it took several reloads and it flashed and installed the code just fine.
What happens if i lost my remote
The code no longer works unfortunately with the newer versions of Pybricks.
May I know what the purpose of setting Kp, kd?
# Set new values
steer.control.pid(kp=old_kp*4, kd=old_kd*0.4)
What improvements will this line help?
Is it necessary or just skip the line is ok?
well done, really!
a big thanks!
Can this be connected to a PS/Xbox controller?
No, that wouldn't work
@@RacingBrick thanks for the answer
Great comparisons video….
Is there an option for PS4 controller also? I couldn't find.
That's BrickController 2, but you need the app runinng for that one. You can find videos about the app on my channel
@@RacingBrick Yes i'm using this but it's inconvenient, solution with pybricks is much better.
@@lmi9f9 the hub can connect directly to the Powered Up remote, but I don't think it can connect to the PS4 controller so you need your phone to act as a bridge there.
@@lmi9f9 I think that support for other BLE (Bluetooth low energy) controllers is on the todo list of pybricks. The DS4 controller won't work because it uses BTC (Bluetooth classic) but the XBox series controllers use BLE.
@@technicmaster0tutorials Thanks for clarification. It's a pitty. I've been researching a solution to mitigate the need for the Brickcontroller2 app active in the forground all the time but unfortunately seems a lot of work if actually possible. I thought pybricks would be better here, but seems we need to wait anyway.
Is it possible to write a program with control from the game controller?
Not at the moment
Hey! I found the set 42126 RAPTOR is have a friend from the set 42029 Customized Of Pickup Truck from Technic 2014!
Two set use V6 engine:)
I followed every step of your instructions. Download code to buggy successfully. But my remote cannot become solid white after that. It is always blinking white. Do you know the reason? I am using a brand new Lego remote 88010.
That would be my question too - can 88010 be used here?
That's amazing! Do you know if they support/will support other remotes like game controllers?
The primary focus is on LEGO hardware at the moment that are meant to work together. Supporting other devices is not that trivial since you need to be able to connect it to the LEGO hub directly
@@RacingBrick I see, do you reckon it would be possible to connect multiple remotes for more complex models?
@@fs2000 I think that will be possible
@@Alexander-Reitz Interesting, thanks for the insight! I've been meaning to get an XBox controller for a while.
hey ! thanks ! but it seems pybricks is no more free ? do you know a free alternative with the option to include the current program in the firmware ?
Pybricks is still free, you have to pay only if you want to use the visual block coding interface
@@RacingBrick how ? On which url ?
@@RacingBrick ok thanks i found the python editor but where is the option to include the program in the firmware ?
@@kanedadry you go to the main page, you click on code, that takes you to code.pybricks.com, and you can create your project there. There are several pre-made projects to remote control different LEGO sets, you can find them here: pybricks.com/project/remote-control/
You have to scroll to the very end to find the Python code, copy it, paste it in your project and you are ready to go.
@@kanedadry Pybricks was updated since this video, you don't need to "bake in" the code. You just connect your hub, run it once, and then it'll stay on the hub. You can start it by tapping the green button. I suggest to check the documentation, every detail is there.
Again me, Do you know if I could possibly do this same tutorial with the 45601 hub LEGO® Technic™ Large Hub for SPIKE™ Prime ?. According to the documentation of pybrick, if this could be done, I have something of interest, could you make a video of it? I would like to know if basic sounds can be programmed
I did not try Pybricks with Spike Prime yet. I suggest to ask the community here, they have multiple options - github.com/pybricks/support/
Amazing!
its a shame that lego is not offering this option out of the box - the only thing you miss is the stupid truck sound and the honk o0
LEGO is offering a different solution with the Powered Up app. The standalone code running option is also planned, but unfortunately they are way behind schedule with that one.
Is it possible to use some different BT controllers like PS4?
LEGO Hubs use BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).
Ps4 use BTC (Bluetooth Classic) only works with Brickcontroller2. XBox Series-Controller use BLE but not yet supported from Pybricks
Should be mentioned: you need a pc with Bluetooth :) But otherwise great Video !
Yeah, my first reaction when seeing this is "I don't have a way of connecting Bluetooth devices to my computer".
@@technoandrew You can buy cheap USB adapters for that purpose :) Just make sure it supports Bluetooth 4.1 or newer and BT Low Energy.
köszi!
How do you interface the computer to the hub?
Bluetooth connection is required
Does this boost performance at all?
It's a different way to control the same hardware, how would it boost performance?
@@RacingBrick I thought it might remove the safety feature that shuts off the motors in high stress, helping climbing.
The safety feature is there for a reason. It might help to run complicated code faster as it runs locally on the hub and not on the smart device, but I did not test this aspect yet
@@RacingBrick I know that it’s there for a reason but I got an old boost hub from a thrift store and the motors will barely move when I try, it looks like it’s been opened up and someone tried modifying the internal systems, for better performance
Since the remote has 2 up/down controls and 2 red stop buttons, is there a way to control 4 motors?
- can you switch modes with the red buttons? E.g. press the left button to use output A and B, right button for C and D?
- or use one button to switch between A/B and C/D and the other for a dedicated emergency stop?
- can you connect 2 remotes to one hub?
First, the Lego remote use 7 buttons (you forgote on/off button) all 7 totel free to configure with your creativity.
yes you can switch modes with the red buttons, to use output A and B, right button for C and D. See Liebherr example codes from Technicmaster0. Code Downloads: You can find a link under his Video "Controlling Control+ vehicles/ powered up DIRECTLY with LEGO BLE remote (NO APP)"
ok video kool
Is this official?
It's officially created by Pybricks :) No it's not made by LEGO, obviously.
Helló
What a shame for LEGO! They told everytime, that's not possible.
But we see here, it is!
And other LEGO-fanboys will hate this solution because, it's not official made by LEGO.
Let's hope that LEGO didn't disable this feature in a future fw-releases.
Not sure where did you see this from LEGO, there are actually plans to enable a similar functionality on the City hub first. And why would they disable this? LEGO knows about Pybricks and actually use it in the Education program.
Woah this is amazing! Pybricks sounds like an amazing alternative to the constant sliding of fingers of control plus by getting rid of the smart device(for controlling the build), so kudos to the creators for making this possible!
Just for the sake of completeness: You do not need Pybricks to use the remote, you need Pybricks to get rid of any additional kind of smartdevice.
@@McKrushi ah thanks I'll add that.
I tend to start with Scratch GUI for now. Pybricks is limited to Chrome-browser systems. Scratch GUI is also easier for kids. And it can be combined with nice on-screen stuff on the computer.
Great Video! Pybricks is completely underrated pice of great software with great abilities. Imagine that only two people maintain and improve this Firmware. Pybricks deserves a lot more attention. Please people, check out and if you like it, leave the dev's a few bucks :)
Will be good if we can connect PS4 gamepad as with mindstorm. Proportial controll is very important without it its same as PF controll.
There won't be a direct connection to PS4 controllers because they use BTC (Bluetooth Classic). The lego hubs use BLE (Bluetooth low energy).
Adding support for BLE controllers is on pybrick's todo list but you'd need a BLE controller like the xbox series controllers then.
I saw info somewhere you can connect Xbox controller
With another app called BrickController2...
@@BrickTemplar The BrickController2 App has to run on the phone all of the time. It's not a direct connection.
Tried to run it with a custom code, but after pairing it with a bluetooth remote all it does is spinning a motor connected to port B slowly.
Edit: Actually got it working. A note to others - callibration process for a steering motor have to be completed first, otherwise it'll be in some kind of loop and won't do anything else. I just had two L-motors lying on a table and did a quick test)
TL:DR - have a steering motor installed with a steering rack first)
Yep, calibration needs physical endpoints otherwise it cannot be completed
Hopefully this will finally kill off the tired old 'I don't want to use a smartphone as a controller' argument against Powered Up. (PUP has its fair share of problems, but smartphone control and the supposed lack of long-term support for the PUP app are such non-issues.)
Is not a "non-issue". Things break and evolve. Who's to say in 20 years BT won't go the same way as a 5 3/4 inch drive? Can you easily find one working nowadays?
This is something that LEGO should have though of and add it themselves. Fortunately the community came forward and created a good solution.
Hopefully? How about Lego give us a good analog remote controll?
Cen go Lego did. It was called Power Functions and it was around for more than a decade. Meanwhile., we now have a system that can do tons more than Power Functions ever could; and if you're desperate for a physical remote, Pybricks has you covered.
@@OscarOlim Controllers break, too. Just like the drive or the hub or the motors... :). If you won't find a BT device, good luck finding a Lego remote controller.
If you want to create a flexible and long-lasting interface, your only chance is: Use the industry standard, publish the protocol and hope for the best. And that's basically what they did...
That does not change the fact, that a physical controller is usefull, it's just that "in XY years.." is not a very solid argument.
And as far as I remember: Uploading PU-programs to the hub is on their (very very long) to-do-list.
Oscar Olim Question; are you still going to be using Powered Up in 20 years? Are there many AFOLs still using the old 9v system that came before Power Functions these days?
Even if Bluetooth disappears from modern tech and someone is desperate to use it, I find it very hard to believe they won't be able to find at least a third-party solution. Heck, Pybricks itself might still be alive and kicking by then.
Look, I *vastly* prefer Power Functions, and I think third party developers and content creators are doing a much better job of marketing Powered Up than Lego are doing right now.
But for Lego's target market for Powered Up - *kids and teenagers* - the potential end of official support for Powered Up in the distant future is not an issue. And for the older fans who *do* consider it an issue, third-party solutions will exist for much longer.
I just tryied it with the 4x4 offroader and it is bad as hell the motors are slower than the usual when steering the offroader almost stops and the remote disconnects from the hub randomly
Edit:the motors are also weaker than the usual
Loved it used your modified code and it worked on my make shift RC.
I feel confident in my computer skills but no matter what i do the remote will not respond even when showing it is all connected. the buggy will try to adjust itself but get stuck in a cycle. not seeing the area where you can save the code to the hub so one can use it without the laptop also......
Thank you for constantly creating useful videos
Szia Balázs!
Elakadtam már a firmware telepítésénél és a segítségedet szeretném kérni!
Mindent a videód alapján csináltam,lila fény aztán elindítja a telepítést 3fény váltakozva és kis idő múlva hibaüzenet:Error: Failed to execute 'getPrimaryService' on 'BluetoothRemoteGATTServer': GATT Server is disconnected. Cannot retrieve services. (Re)connect first with `device.gatt.connect`.
Nem tudom,hogy hol a hiba!
Válaszodat előre is köszönöm!
Works on mac but always have to open pybrick for it to run
Thans for sharing this tutorial. When I click Install Pybricks Firmware I have this Information. "No Bluetooth adapter could be found. Please connect or enable a Bluetooth Low Energy adapter and restart the browser." what should I do?
I suggest to take a look at the Pybricks documentation on their webpage, you can also reach out to them there if you have troubles
WHY CANT LEGO make a remote like the PF one (not the train remote) that links to the PU HUB.
I haven't even bout a Lego set from the control plus line because i only have one smart phone and I need two for my
brother and me to drive together so I'm going to buy two PS4 controllers and a smart phone and a SBRICK for my PF MOTORS
then i'l bye a PU set. but if Lego had a remote then i would only have to bye the PS4 CONTROLLER and SBRICK. great video
Not sure which remote are you talking about. There were 2 PF remotes, one with the dials that was made for trains and is practically useless for cars, the other smaller one with the levers, that has exactly the same functionality as the Powered Up remote we have today.
You can always use the BrickController 2 app with all the PU electronics and use a PS4 or any other gamepad for control.
@@RacingBrick i mean the one whit the levers. and the PU remote doesn't work the same because when you go
forward you have to press a button and when you go backwards you have to take your finger off the button and
place your finger on the next button to go backwards. so the PF remote whit the levers works better and quicker
than the PU remote. and i know that i can use the BrickController 2 app but if lego sold a remote like the PF one whit the levers whit there lego sets i would have bought them by now. so im going to buy a PU set and a PS4 controller soon.
The lever is still only on/off on the PF remote so from a practical perspective it is the same as the buttons. Proportional joysticks would be the way to go.
@@RacingBrick the PF remote would be alot quicker to use
@@Fish-Finger I used both quite a lot. You might say that you prefer the lever, but technically you can keep two fingers on both buttons so it is quicker to push them after each other then pushing a lever between the two endpoints :)
These videos are fantastic for explaining how the Control+ system can be used. I'd be rather lost without them. I'm still really unimpressed with the implementation by LEGO overall.
Thanks for the vid, I try the Zetros and code and worked like a charm. Only thing I adjusted was the diff_control.dc(100) to diff_control.dc(70) which stopped the extra clicking on the diff lock.
Thanks, bro, you are a lifesaver. You just got yourself a subscriber
If i have 4 C+ XL motors for drive , and 2 C+ L motors one for steering and another for unlock/lock the differentiaal .It"s powered by 2 C+ control hub . And the question is do i need 2 remote box's Or is one enough. Gerald
You only need one remote
Think you for the info Gerald
We still don't have the much needed proportional control. Would it be possible to let 2 hubs speak peer-to-peer, and use one hub with pressure sensors as remote control for a second hub?
Do you know if some party did more low level control in say C++? There is little room for python on the hub, as the memory is tiny.
This is absolutely amazing. I cannot stress how angry I was that I had to upgrade my old smartphone, just because its bluetooth wasn't... uh, blue enough, or maybe too toothy. And I don't like smartphones to begin with.
as a programmer I use lego to calm down after long day, but new system with phone, firmware and other stuff just remaind me to much of work, so I trying to stay with simple remote, but A for tryin
Thx a lot man, my kid is really happy with this solution. I was reluctant to give him a smartphone only to control a toy ! Thx again !
Dear Balazs, do you plan to make a cutom code for 42109 App-Controlled Top Gear Rally Car? I will be very happy to control it with Lego train's remote too. :)
Sure, I'll make one
first!!
Really appreciate the app's simplicity and straightforward
Mitico, sei un mito! Troppo divertente, con la tua guida sono riuscito a brickare il buggy!
Thank you, Balazs! :)
Works like a charm, ty :)
Hi Balasz. Great video and big thank you. I followed your steps and even your updated code.
Im wondering, why is my hub in purple color, while yours is white/clear i guess? I really want it to be the clear color for hub and controller. I made som code adjustments,i could change the color for remote,but not the hub.
fun fact- when i change the remote color, the hub goes from purple to blue and stays so for any kind of color of remote.
Any advice ? Is it possible to change the color for hub?
Thanks
Alex
I guess I used a previous firmware version. I think you can adjust the LED color from the code
Will this work on the 42099 4x4 X-treme Off-Roader Truck Set with its smart hub?
42099 has the exact same Technic hub as these 2 sets
Please give it JS API
can you make a code for the 42109 with controles like the IR Train Remote?
you can find the code on Technic master0 Channel and for all other models like Bulldozer, Volvo, …..
Thanks :)
You didn’t link the other TH-cam channel
Hi
True, added to the description
@@RacingBrick It would be nice if you would merge all of the scripts in a combined repo :)
@@McKrushi I guess on longer term it would be nice if pybricks.com could host the scripts
@@McKrushi I think that the pybricks website is the right place for the projects. They also asked me to add my codes but I didn't have the time to add them yet. They should have a good documentation etc. Another point on a long todo list ;)
thanks for sharing your tipps. 👍
what about the warranty? does lego®'s warranty remain after this firmware change?
Not sure about the warranty, you might want to ask LEGO about that. But the firmware update process it technically the same as the original, and you can always overwrite the custom firmware with the official one.
@@RacingBrick my concernes are about breaking parts. legos® firmware will have quite a bit of security and exceptionhandling.
self-written firmware could destroy motors or the electronics in the controller.
lego® could therefore refuse the warranty if they find out (maybe by logfiles) that foreign firmware has been loaded onto the controller.
in my opionion, the providers of the third-party firmware (pybricks) must clarify and state this (at least as a warning).
@@quovadis3220 I guess the best is to discuss this with the Pybricks authors, you can get in touch with them via their webpage