Remote Control (Using "Commander")
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The EV brick connects really well via blutetooth to tablets and phones using the Commander app. The bad news is that this app is no longer available to download! I am finding this quite common with robotics resources... that apps become extinct.
If you happen to still have the app, (and you can open it!) Then here are some tips: The important thing to remember after the app is installed is that the bluetooth must be turned on, for both devices, to connect. On the brick, click on the spanner icon (top right) and under the bluetooth settings, make sure everything is 'ticked'. On the tablet or phone, go to settings and make sure bluetooth is on. Look for the brick's name and 'pair'. The brick in this image is called EV3. During the pairing process, you will have to tick a box on the EV Brick to confirm that you want to pair it. You can change the name of the brick two ways. 1.When it is connected to a computer and the EV program is open, then look for a text field next to the "Brick Information" icon at bottom right in the code editor. (You may have to click the small triangle to the left of the three vertical EV3 buttons to expand the info window). Default name is "EV3". Just click in that text field and edit. OR better still, 2. You can rename the brick on the brick, itself, when it is not even connected, by scrolling to the "SPANNER" tab. |
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Alternatives to the Commander App.
I am an Apple person, but it seems PC's and android tablets are the better option nowadays to remote control EV3's. Lego no longer supports Mindstorms. So even the latest computer version of the coding apps from the Lego web site, will no longer available after July 2026. And even some of those may not be compatible with the lastest iMac IOS. Having said that, I don't think there are remote control options with the latest Word block version.
You should still be able to control it via the arrow keys through the older "icon-based" older computer versions. I believe the original PC version can be downloaded from this web site.
I found a PC and Mobile remote-controller (NOT Apple) that may work here
Or another one from Google Play (NOT Apple) that may work here
The software for EV3's is a bit of a mess. If you have something that works, make sure you keep a back-up copy of the installation files. There is a chance they will one day become obsolete as operating systems change and they become incompatible. If you are using tablets or iPads it's good to create a backup image of your device, then at least you can access them later... but be careful to avoid updating the IOS, or your backed up apps may not work on the new version. My theory is, if all your apps are working with your current operating system, don't update it!!!
You should still be able to control it via the arrow keys through the older "icon-based" older computer versions. I believe the original PC version can be downloaded from this web site.
I found a PC and Mobile remote-controller (NOT Apple) that may work here
Or another one from Google Play (NOT Apple) that may work here
The software for EV3's is a bit of a mess. If you have something that works, make sure you keep a back-up copy of the installation files. There is a chance they will one day become obsolete as operating systems change and they become incompatible. If you are using tablets or iPads it's good to create a backup image of your device, then at least you can access them later... but be careful to avoid updating the IOS, or your backed up apps may not work on the new version. My theory is, if all your apps are working with your current operating system, don't update it!!!
Alternative for geniuses
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It is possible to connect a Play Station controller to the EV3 hub, but it is a complicated process. One of your brightest students might like to complete this challenge! |
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