Loading Pybricks firmware onto Lego Buggy 42124

[OldBoyLego]

Hi Guys,

As per user name I am a fairly old bloke.

Got into Lego building a few months ago and now have the buggy which is almost impossible to control with their app.

Want to control it using an XBox controller, got the PyBricks code to do it and when I try to pair the buggy with the code interface, to install the firmware it 'sees' the hub, hub flashes purple but no connection can be made!

Any ideas what might be wrong, I have restarted laptop etc but cannot resolve this... Maybe it's an older hub?

It's a shame as I also have a Lego Audi that I want to mod to use the controller too.

Also would like to play around with the some of the Python code in the future too.

TIA for any help

[BertLindeman]

Hello,

Just to be sure of the situation:
did you follow the instructions in Install pybricks
with the correct type of hub?

If that fails, what device do you use to use the code.pybricks.com website?
Does that device support Bluetooth BLE?

If you have it available you might try another device, like maybe an android tablet with google chrome.

Please let us know,

(Not so new person here too),

Bert

[OldBoyLego]

Hi Bert,

Thanks for your quick reply :}

Yes I followed the instructions to the install firmware onto the Lego hub, it did try to connect and did, sort of, but nothing happened, sorry if not very helpful with info.

I am using a Laptop {Windows 10), not sure what Bluetooth BLE is tho, will look it up but assume laptop will support it?

Hopefully my reply is of some help?

[BertLindeman]

Bluetooth BLE is short for Bluetooth Low Energy.
BLE is implemented starting Bluetooth version 4.

But how to find out if your laptop does support it, I do not know.
You could try to look in windows device manager at the bluetooth adapter properties.
On my PC in the details tab I see something like Bluetooth radio LE local supported features
But I in no way sure that that indicates the support of BLE.

Next to this I can say that I sometimes have problems on my window pc that does support BLE.
So I have added an external bluetooth usb thinghy that gives no problems.

Sorry I can not give a definitive answer.

Bert

[BertLindeman]

Maybe you can run this command in a power-shell prompt:

wget https://github.com/Microsoft/busiotools/raw/master/bluetooth/tracing/GetBluetoothRadioInfo.ps1 -UseBasicParsing | iex

and look at discussion item #921 to see if your bluetooth adapter is shown there?

Another thing to check might be the browser, I use google chrome on windows 11 (at support level 24H2) without problem.
On firefox if I go to https://code.pybricks.com/ and try to connect a hub, I get this error:

This browser does not support Web Bluetooth or it is not enabled.

Use a supported browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Bert

[OldBoyLego]

Hi Bert,

Thank you so much for all your help and advice :)

Earlier I did the classic IT thing, restarted the laptop and now have Pybricks boot loader and code (simple version from them) working.

Now the buggy is actually controllable lol

Have to do further reasearch about downloading the code with the bootloader so I don't need to use laptop to run the program each time, sure there are you tube vids about it?

I will be away soon for a few days so won't have time to do a lot more on the lego. Hopefully will be able to tweak the code a bit when I get back.... And next is the Audi lol!!

Dave

[BertLindeman]

Thank you, Dave.

A windows restart often solved a bluetooth problem if bluetooth BLE already was supported.

Have fun,

Bert

[laurensvalk]

Dave - programs are automatically saved if you run them and turn the hub off. There is no need to flash anything again.

Just turn on the hub (one button press) and start the most recent program (again a button press).

[OldBoyLego]

Hi Laurens.

Sorry to be a pain on here, but as said before really grateful for all help :)

Will try that later, but still think I atm need to run the Pybrick program before it takes effect on XBox controller?

Flipping heck, who knew Lego stuff could be so involved, used to be in IT before I retired, getting into it now.

Just as an aside, ordered bigger rear tyres for buggy and modding the battery stuff to take a 9v one instead of the usual six batteries.

Thanks to all for your help

Dave

[zus2]

Hi DaveHow far have you got?Are your browser and BT card/dongle compatible?Have you connected to your hub and installed the Pybricks firmware following their instructions ? Then create a new file, choose your hub type and enter a simple line likeprint ("hi Dave")And then run it. ?Paul Sent from my iPhoneOn 10 May 2025, at 14:38, OldBoyLego ***@***.***> wrote: Hi Laurens. Sorry to be a pain on here, but as said before really grateful for all help :) Will try that later, but still think I atm need to run the Pybrick program before it takes effect on XBox controller? Flipping heck, who knew Lego stuff could be so involved, used to be in IT before I retired, getting into it now. Just as an aside, ordered bigger rear tyres for buggy and modding the battery stuff to take a 9v one instead of the usual six batteries. Thanks to all for your help Dave —Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or unsubscribe.You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[OldBoyLego]

Hi Guys,

Thank you all so much for the help and advice, I appriciate it 👍

Python code works fine on the buggy now and is a lot easier to drive about. Did the battery mod - to reduce weight - and awaiting bigger rear wheels and tyres to arrive.

Will do the Audi control stuff next when I get the time!