Project 0 - My own wireless Lego Power Functions Hub

I bought a Lego Crawler and wanted to connect it to my phone, tablet and PC. Now Lego has deleted my Cuusoo entry because It doesn't meet the new Cuusoo guidelines.

So I wondered if I could create my own Wireless Lego PF HUB. Three months ago I had no programming nor any electrical experience. So forgive for inefficient code and clumsy electric schematics.

I have 3 wishes for the Hub:

it has to be Wireless and able to connect to the internet

it as to small enough to fit into most models

it has to be affordable and even better be cheap.

it has to be Open Source. Front end and back end.

While searching the web for a cheap Arduino Wifi shield I bumped into the Electric Imp (or Impee).

The Electric Imp Website

The Imp is great. It is small, cheap and wireless!.
During my searches around the net I bumped into the Electic Imp. I use this instead of my beloved Arduino now.

PROS

pretty small

cheap

open source for the front end as well as the back end

control up to 8 motors separately

Use as many tablets, Iphones and Desktops as you want at the same time

use one Imp to control multiple models. For instance if you have 3 models. 3 people can use there smartphone to control their models individually. The hub doesn't have to be inside a model.

CONS

not a lego original part

still uses the chunky ir receivers

You need a internet connection and Wifi router.

It took me some time but I managed to get the Imp + IR Lego Reciever to work.
See my next project for the schematic and the code.

Project 1 - Lego IR transmitter with Electric Imp