OT: Language for the ages

[Tony Duell]

> 
> > Actually, I got a set of Fischer-Technik after I saw it 
> > used in a demo for some industrial control system at
> > a German computer fair in the late seventies.
> 
> Here's a longshot, but entirely on topic...
> Anybody know how to drive the Fischertechnik Computer Interface
> (Art-Nr.30570P*) directly from 'c'?

Is that the modern-ish one with an 8051-series microcontroller in it? Is 
there any way to look at the firmware?

Alas(for you) the Fischer Technik robotics kit I have didn't include an
interface.  Just 2 mini-motors, an electromagnet, 2 pots, 3 lamps, and
mechanical bits. You could buy interfaces for it, or build your own. You
can guess what I did (even 20 years ago...)

Talking of Fischer Technik, there was a thing sold in the UK called a 
'BBC Buggy'. It was a Fischer Technik frame with stepper motors bolted 
(!) to it driving the wheels. On top was a PCB containg the driver 
circuits. As the name implies, it connected to a BBC micro, to the user 
port for the motor drive signals and the bumper switchs and to the 
analogue port for the light sensor, etc.

I have one. What I don't have is the original software for it. Does anybody?

-tony