This DIY Version of the Classic LEGO Computer/Console Actually Works!

from hackster.io

Dyoramic wanted a working version of the classic blue LEGO computer/console, but couldn't find anybody selling one so built one himself. His 3D-printed version consists of three operational buttons and is six times larger than the original.

It also includes three different display modes on the 1.5" color OLED screen: the original white cross on a green background, time, date, and game.

Dyoramic 3D-printed the panel as well, which has six 6x6mm push buttons. — only three of which are connected. The entire system runs on an ESP32 microcontroller that connects to the OLED screen.

Once you turn on the device, a small space console animation plays. Then, the screen changes to a white cross, just like the original version.

Even though the screen isn’t very bright, users can still view it under normal conditions. The top-left button alternates between the three different modes. Mode one places a tiny animated ship on the white cross-screen, behaving like radar. Who wouldn’t love mode two?

It reveals random space facts that change every four seconds. Mode four provides the user with a game where they control the ship to avoid falling objects. The other two functioning buttons allow the user to move it from side to side. Lastly, mode three displays the current time and date.

What's more, Dyoramic is designing a second, larger version of this LEGO console. Even though the buttons are operational, the device doesn’t perform much just yet. It serves as a small dashboard, which was developed via Smashing, on the creator’s desk and displays the weather, cryptocurrency prices, and the time/date.