MacNQC is a stand-alone version of the Not Quite C (NQC) compiler for the Macintosh OS. Not Quite C is a simple language with a C-like syntax that can be used to program Lego's RCX programmable brick (from the Mindstorms set).

Description:

MacNQC was originally written by Dave Baum and when he was not able to keep it maintained I took it over. The main window of the program is an editor for the NQC language. The editor color-codes the syntax of the language. Multiple files can be edited at the same time. From the editor you can call the compiler and download the code to the robot. There are many other functions, like windows to watch what is going on in the robot, to control the robot directly, to control the robot with a joystick, diagnostics, to let the RCX make music, and tools for downloading firmware, etc. Online documentation is also avaiable for both MacNQC and the NQC language.

News:

9/28/2004 MacNQC 4.0 b4 released.

3/15/2004 MacNQC 4.0 b3 released.

3/11/2004 MacNQC 4.0 b2 released.

1/28/2004 MacNQC 4.0 b1 released.

10/10/2003 MacNQC 3.0 r2 released.

4/21/2003 MacNQC 3.0 r1 released.

1/11/2002 MacNQC 2.2.4 released.

Current release: MacNQC 3.0 r2 (10/10/2004)

Version 3.0 is my second major released version.

• Added syntax coloring for NQC source code in the Editor Window.
• Made the preference window multi-paned. It now has a Compiler Pane, a Communications Pane, an Editor Pane, and a Text Colors Pane.
• Added an option to not save the source file when compiling it.
• Added a new command to check the syntax of the program.
• Added a new command to run the program selected from the menu.
• Added a Joystick Panel to control the motors of the robot.
• Added a Raw Data Panel to send raw data to the rcx.
• Added the Piano Panel to help generate song programs.
• Added the ability to send remote commands to the Miscellaneous Panel.
• Cleaned up the look of the other panels Information Panel, Motor and Sensor Panel, and Variables Panel
• Added online documentation for MacNQC as well as updated the NQC documentation.
• Added an OSX version.
• Added support for the USB tower.
• Added the capability to save, download and disasssemble program images.
• Added the capability to send a stop command to the RCX.
• Added a Toolbar with tooltips.
• Updated the NQC compiler to 2.5 r1.
• Fixed a problem when clearing the score in the Piano Panel. (Version 3.0 r2)
• Fixed a problem in the Raw Data Panel where the results of the command were not getting displayed until the next window refresh. (Version 3.0 r2)
• Modified the code that did the syntax coloring to make the flicker less noticeable. (Version 3.0 r2)

Known Bugs:

System Requirements:

MacNQC Requires:

• System 7.1 or later.
• Color-Capable Macintosh (any Mac with a 68020, 68030, 68040 or PowerPC).
• 4 MB RAM available.
• 3.0 MB Disk space available.
• Quicktime 2.5 for the "Piano Panel" playing notes on the Mac.
• The Macintosh USB & Ghost communication package for USB tower support.

MacNQC X Requires:

• System 9.0 or later.
• System OSX 10.0.4 or later.
• 10 MB Disk space available.
• The Macintosh USB & Ghost communication package for USB tower support on System 9.0.

Download MacNQC 3.0 r2 as Stuffit/BinHex file (1.5 MB)

Download MacNQC X 3.0 r2 for OSX as Stuffit X/BinHex file (1.6 MB)

If you want to build MacNQC yourself or see what the source code looks like:

Download MacNQC 3.0 Source and NQC project files as Stuffit 5.x/BinHex file (3.6 MB).

    MacNQC is built as a FAT application using Metrowerks CodeWarrior Pro6 and relies on one external support package:

• Macintosh USB & Ghost communication package - Lego's SDK for USB tower communication

    MacNQC X is built as an application bundle using Metrowerks CodeWarrior Pro8.

Pre-Release:

Version 4.0b4 has arrived and includes a Memory Map Panel and a simulator of the RCX!

If you have any suggestions for features that MacNQC is missing, please send them to me.

Previous Version: MacNQC 2.2.4

If you want to get the previous version of MacNQC click on this link.

Links:

Send Comments to: K. Robert Bate