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alex-builder

LEGO enthusiast

Contributing author for Brick by Brick

Articles by alex-builder (13 articles)

Programming

Hacking LEGO's LPF2 Connector: Complete Protocol Guide for Makers

The LPF2 connector is LEGO's proprietary interface for Powered Up devices. Understanding this protocol is essential for building custom sensors, intercepting motor data, or creating...

Programming

Raspberry Pi Build HAT: Complete Python Guide to LEGO Motor Control

The Raspberry Pi Build HAT is a game-changer for LEGO robotics. This add-on board connects to the Pi's 40-pin GPIO header and provides four LPF2 ports, natively accepting LEGO Technic, SPIKE, and...

Programming

LEGO Home Automation: ESPHome and Home Assistant Integration Guide

ESPHome offers a "no-code" solution for LEGO smart home integration. By defining your project in a YAML configuration file, you can create BLE clients that connect to LEGO hubs and expose them as...

Programming

GBC Watchdog: Building a Safety System for Great Ball Contraptions

Great Ball Contraption (GBC) builders know the pain of burnt motors. A single jam can destroy an expensive motor in minutes. This guide shows you how to build a universal safety module that detects...

Programming

Building an AI LEGO Sorting Machine: Raspberry Pi + OpenCV Tutorial

The automated LEGO sorting machine is the "holy grail" project for LEGO hobbyists. This guide covers building a complete vision-based sorter using Raspberry Pi, OpenCV for image processing, and...

Programming

ESP32 + LEGO Powered Up: Complete Wireless Control Guide with Legoino

The ESP32 has emerged as the premier choice for LEGO integration, primarily due to its dual-core architecture, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stacks, and exceptionally low cost. This comprehensive...

Programming

Smart LEGO Train Network: ESP32, RFID, and MQTT Automation

Transform your LEGO train layout from a simple loop into a fully automated transit system. Trains automatically stop at stations, obey traffic signals, and avoid collisions—all without a smartphone...

Programming

Power Management for LEGO Robots: The Complete 9V vs 5V Guide

Power management is where most hybrid LEGO/electronics projects fail. LEGO motors need ~9V, microcontrollers need 3.3V or 5V, and getting this wrong can melt your bricks, fry your electronics, or...

Guides & Tips

Building a Line-Following Robot: Complete Tutorial with Python Code

Line following is the foundation of autonomous robotics and a core skill for FIRST LEGO League and World Robot Olympiad. This comprehensive tutorial covers mechanical design, sensor calibration,...

Programming

Integrating External Sensors with SPIKE Prime: Expand Your Robot's Capabilities

Expanding the capabilities of your LEGO SPIKE Prime robot with external sensors opens up a world of possibilities, allowing it to interact with its environment in more sophisticated ways. This...

Buying Guides

10 Beginner Python Projects for LEGO MINDSTORMS: Learn by Building

The best way to learn Python is by building real projects. This guide provides 10 progressively challenging MINDSTORMS projects—from displaying messages to building autonomous line-following...

Programming

Advanced Motor Control Techniques in MINDSTORMS: PID, Acceleration, and Precision

Take your MINDSTORMS programming to the next level with advanced motor control techniques. This guide covers PID controllers, acceleration profiles, gear ratio calculations, and precision...

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