How to combine Lego with other bits and pieces, including electronics.
Here are the results of my search for 'competitors' (not really 😁) - or better put - for alternatives, sources, ideas, possibilities.
Are there any?
The whole idea behind Frankenblocks was that I wanted a base platform to easily combine different hobby electronical and mechanical projects. Before I designed my first block I looked around for something to adopt, and couldn't find what I was looking for.
Now that I'm a bit further down the road I do find some 'crossover' creations, or elements that I might incorporate. Well, at least I'll keep the links for further investigation.
Common terms
Some of the terms / brands / products I ran into, and that didn't mean that much to me at first...
- STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Lego Mindstorms (1998) - A Lego controller with external devices
- NXT (2006), NXT2 (2009), EV3 (2013) - later versions of Mindstorms, all discontinued
- Lego Wedo (2009) - A subset (?) of / alternative to Mindstorms, discontinued
- Lego Spike - The followup (?) to Mindstorms, will be discontinued in 2026
Note that chinese clones may use different connectors!
Micro controllers
I have a few (not all) of the controllers below in my drawer:
- AT Tiny - perhaps too limited to be called a real micro controller
- Microbit - directed towards education and beginner friendliness
- Arduino - nice but pricy
- Raspberry Pico - I'm actually quite impressed with these little guys
- ESP32 - a cheap powerhouse, but a bit steeper to get into
- Raspberry Pi - not really a micro controller, for more challenging applications
I haven't had the change to experiment much with the ones I own Something I hope to correct in the nearby future.
Microcontrollers and Lego
The competition 😅
I tried to find some decent links and examples of combinations of Lego... and something else. Typically, I either googled for: Lego Compatible <controller name>, then followed some rabbit holes. It's amazing how old some of these projects are.
AT Tiny
Not for the faint of heart. These projects can be quite complex.
ATtiny84 drop in replacement for Parallax Basic Stamp 1 - Rudi Niemeijer
Reviving 30 year old Lego Buggy - Luke Beales
Microbit (aka Micro:bit)
I've found several combinations of Microbit and Lego. Here are a few products and links. Don't expect too much organization or structure here... I'm just collecting links and ideas. Some of these links may point to commercial products, and a. I don't make a penny on them, and b. those products may no longer be available...
However, Microbit may be a good first step to take...
I've seen that base build pattern before. Is that some kind of standard? (Actually, it is. It's a Lego Technic standard build plate, or something that comes very close to it.)
(Click any image to enlarge)
Nezha Inventor's Kit - YouTube
Lego Microbit RC Tank - Instructables
Crazy Circuits Bit Board Kit - no longer available
Elecfreaks Microbit Space Science Kit - Kiwi Electronics
Nezha Pro Breakout Board - Elecfreaks
I've seen this board in several different projects. It's baseplate is designed to be compatible with both Lego and Fischertechnik.
Lego compatible Motor - Kiwi Electronics
You'll find these in many places, as motors, servos, 360 servos, and in many different sizes. They are way cheaper than the original Lego products. Google your way around and try AliExpress as well.
Microbit Sensor Kit - AliExpress
There's some interesting stuff on AliExpress, but it's not always exactly clear what you are getting. Look at these:
World of Module - AliExpress
Something Microbit / Lego compatible, but the description isn't very clear.
Micro Server Mount - Adafruit
When looking for Microbit compatible stuff I found this one. I wonder if you can even print them for that price... but be aware of shipping costs!
Arduino
The Arduino is as educational as it gets 😅 (or got, a few years ago), but I didn't find many Lego integrations.
A chinese take on STEM, both available for Arduino and Pico. Looks actually pretty interesting, to be honest.
Lego Rover using Arduino - YouTube
Lego and Arduino Projects - Yes, a book
Raspberry Pico
Still looking, there must be more...
A chinese take on STEM, both available for Arduino and Pico. Looks actually pretty interesting, to be honest. The Apitor stuff may be quite similar.
Nothing's going to stop you to bolt together some PCB and Lego bits yourself...
ESP32
Cheap yet powerful.
RBX - Chewygummy on Reddit
Unforunately, source etc. disappeared from the Internet...
Raspberry Pi
The largest set of brains... The Raspberry Pi is a bit of overkill, but it would allow for very, very complex applications.
Lego case for Raspberry - by ThatGuyWithThatFace on Reddit
Lego case kinda thingy... The redneck version of my attempt? 🤔😅 But... if it works...
Other
A universal, brick compatible servo? Other bits and pieces?
Systems
Apitor - ready to use, Lego compatible, weird colors...
... but interesting. At first glance it's a rahter mature product, though it may have borrowed quite a bit from the original Lego Wedo or Spike product line.
I need to look a bit deeper into this one. It's not clear what drives this thing. Once I found out, I'll move it to one of the listed controllers above.
Servos
Note that there are several types of servos and motors, and they can be a little confusing. Read the descriptions carefully!
- Regular (proportional) PWM servos - think of the ones used in RC models - are controlled with a PWM signal, and mode to a specific position, mostly 180 or 270 degrees.
- 360 Servos - these are pretty much combined PWM speed controllers and motors, connected to a servo controller
- Motors - have no servo logic, and are basically a motor, duh!
- Non-propotional servos - typically a motor with an attached reduction gear, unfortunately often called 'servos'
- Worst of all... on the outside they may all look the same!
360 Servo - Kiwi Electronics
270 Servo - Kiwi Electronics
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