What are the differences between the NXT and the RCX? I know that the NXT is newer, but what features does it have that the RCX doesn't have, and vice versa (if the RCX has features that the NXT doesn't)?
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| NXT | RCX |
|---|---|
| 3 motor and 4 sensor ports | 3 motor and 3 sensor ports |
| Has encoders integrated in its motors so that they can be used as servos | Would need an additional rotation sensor on a sensor port to use as servos |
| Uses RJ12 connectors with the latch offset to one side | Uses regular 9V connectors (2x2 with metal in studs) |
| Uses a direct USB cable or Bluetooth for connection | Uses infrared to communicate with PC via an IR tower connected by a serial (1.0, 1.1) or USB (2.0) |
| Graphical 100X64 matrix display | Small numerical display with many limits |
| Technic oriented - uses technic pieces (no studs) | System oriented (studs) with small amount of technic |
| Uses graphical programming language with many features1 | Uses a limited graphical programming language (apparently can't even run on XP) |
| Can play 8Khz wav files | Can play simple tones |
| Uses 6 AA batteries very quickly | Uses batteries more slowly |
| 256 KB of flash memory that can hold a max. of 64 files of varying types | 32 KB of RAM that can store up to only 5 programs |
The original 1.0 version of RCX Brick had a 10v connection plug, but this was dropped from the later versions included in the Robotics Invention System 1.5. The NXT can use a rechargeable battery in place of the six AA batteries, and the rechargeable batteries also have a 10v transformer plug.
RCX retains its memory (including firmware) for a very limited time when not powered, just enough to change batteries. NXT uses flash memory and keeps it all when not powered.
1: Note that even powerful computers have trouble running big programs, and can easily mess them up. There exist many third-party systems for both RCX and NXT. Full list on Wikipedia.
mindstormsboi
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Pubby
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Don't both systems have a graphical programming language and how is the NXT more advanced? – Ambo100 Nov 01 '11 at 17:12
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From what I remember, NXT is more event based and allows you to connect blocks non-linearly. It's hard to explain, but contains more features. – Pubby Nov 01 '11 at 17:14
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Two things: 1) RCX can also use pins, but as only 4 connection points. 2)You can use more than the graphical programming with RCX. You can use NQC (C like programming) or straight C code (if I remember correctly, by using a third party library) – pcantin Nov 01 '11 at 17:30
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3@pcantin Please add that as an answer and delete the comment. – daviesgeek Nov 01 '11 at 17:32
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@pcantin I've always wondered, why can't NXT use other languages? – Pubby Nov 01 '11 at 18:29
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@Pubbuy The NXT most certainly can use other programming languages, some of them even let you do it with the original firmware unlike the RCX! :) – HaydenStudios Nov 01 '11 at 18:51
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@daviesgeek I don't know anything about NXT. This is why I didn't add this as an answer but it would prefer to add it to this answer (I will edit it, since it's a CW) – pcantin Nov 01 '11 at 19:17
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@HaydenStudios: Are you mad? The standard RCX firmware (the one loaded by the provided Lego-branded software, as opposed to the preloaded stub) was used with RCX code, NQC, and one other textual Lego-provided language that has been almost completely forgotten. – Kevin Cathcart Nov 01 '11 at 19:24
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@Kevin Cathcart: I stand corrected. I have never actually used the RCX with other programming languages before, but I really thought someone said on the MindBOARDS that you needed different firmware for NQC. Maybe it was just that there is an optional enhanced firmware like with NXC. Oh well. Anyway, that's besides the point. The point that I was trying to get across to Pubby was that there are alternate programming languages for the NXT as well. P.S. Would that "forgotten" programming language to which you are referring be LeJOS? – HaydenStudios Nov 01 '11 at 20:02
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1No, I'm pretty sure the "forgotten" language I am refering to is "MindScript", part of the retired Mindstorms SDK (back in the RCX only days). If I recall correctly, it was more capable than RCX Code, but less capable than NQC, so NQC quickly supplanted it. But it has most (all?) of a decade since I last did much with my RCX's so my memmory is a bit fuzzy on those details. – Kevin Cathcart Nov 01 '11 at 20:30
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Where does the adapter cable come from for using RCX motors with the NXT brick? – Sep 13 '12 at 21:35
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@JamesLauer - They were previously sold by LEGO themselves. You may have better luck on BrickLink or Amazon. – Zhaph - Ben Duguid Sep 13 '12 at 23:05
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The NXT can, with the use of an adapter cable, use the RCX sensors and motors, however the RCX can not use the NXT sensors and motors. The NXT brick, motors and sensors are larger than the RCX counterparts which makes them harder to implement into a size constrained construction. However as said, you can use the RCX motors/sensors instead with the NXT brick if wanted.
The NXT programming possibilities are far greater than the RCX, both in the official and third-party languages. It has far more RAM and CPU to work with, where the RCX is a bit limited in this regard.
There is a large selection of 3rd party NXT sensors, from highly sensitive light sensors to touch screens, WIFI and GPS sensors. The NXT simply more possibilities as it provides both an analog and digital interface to sensor developers. (And it can use all the RCX custom sensors too of course.) The NXT wires are however thicker and less flexible than the RCX wires, so they are a bit harder to hide/control in your construction. You can also get some pretty long RCX wires, up to 1.5m in length iirc.
Sebastian Wahl
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RCX was a surpise hit. For NXT, TLG approached a select set of individuals in the community and picked their brains.
The NXT is very open; schematics are available for sensors, 3rd-party sensors are available, etc.
retracile
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RCX also had third party sensors (sonic range finders, IR range finders, ...). I'll try to find a reference (...it was ten years ago) – pcantin Nov 02 '11 at 09:32