Mindboards

Ok. So the brick is likely 100% functional - great. Thank you.

I am on a Mac. And old is 9/28/2004 - http://homepage.mac.com/rbate/MacNQC/.
As I remember certain emulated programs (PPC, OS9, 32b?) had a limitation that stopped the USB tower from working. I think it is the driver. Source code is available, somebody could get it working again.

I can install Windows in a partition or VM, run BrickCC, and get it firmwared and programmed.

That will be cheaper than buying MindSensors NXT Legacy Motor Multiplexor. I am using up my old RCX sensors/motors in my train layout (smaller, studded, long cables, analog is fine, own many). I could then use the RCX as the controller of these things, and let the NXT just control the trains (IRLink) and talk back to the desktop computer.

I don't have access to a windows computer, any idea how to download the firmware to an old rcx on a recent 64 bit Mac computer?

Any suggestions?

That was the original question

I would like to get my old RCX working again as well
Given the transitions:
MacOS9 -> MacOS10
68K -> PPC -> Intel32 -> Intel64
When did support for the RCX die? And what was the technical block?

There is a part of me that is itching to get the old NQC software (source available) compiled and updated. I have a feeling I would be implementing the entire protocol! The itch isn't that strong.

VirtualBox is free.
Can you get a hold of Win95 or later?
I am trying it now in Win7 - installed RIS 2 drivers from CD and BrickCC.
Froze all of Windows on initiating communication link
Rebooting and trying again...
Windows froze during boot...
Safe mode...
Shutdown...
Boot...
Capture LEGO tower...
Launch Brick Center
Same thing. darn

There is a big honkin' scratch on the CD.

That was the original question

Exactly! Hahaha...