Did Control Lab need a computer?

Yes. The serial interface and the DOS/Windows software in this sub-theme show that models were meant to be connected to and programmed from a PC.

What is the most recent Control Lab set?

Two entries date from 2002: the Elevator Kit (9702-2) and the Touch Sensor (9888-1).

Why do some sets have only one or two pieces?

They are individual components, such as a sensor, the interface or the software, listed separately from the building set.

Control Lab

Sets: 9
Since: 1995
Newest set: 2002

Control Lab answered a simple classroom question: what happens when a Technic model can sense its surroundings? The sub-theme sits under educational Technic and covers 9 sets.

Sets per decade

9 sets

2000s

1990s

About Control Lab

What the system consisted of

At its centre is the Control Lab Building Set (9701-1), a 576-piece kit from 1995. Models built with it were connected to a computer through the Control Lab Serial Interface & Adapter (9751-1) and programmed with the Control Lab Software - DOS/Windows (9705-1), released in 1997. Both of those are listed with just 2 pieces, as they are accessories rather than building sets.

Add-on sensors and a later kit

Four entries are single sensors: the Light Sensor (9890-1), Temperature Sensor (9889-1) and Angle Sensor (9891-1) from 1995, plus a Touch Sensor (9888-1) dated 2002. The same year brought the Elevator Kit (9702-2) with 160 pieces, the last Control Lab release in the catalogue. The whole run spans 1995 to 2002.

Where it fits

Control Lab belongs to the Technic branch of the Educational and Dacta range and continues the computer-control idea of the 1980s TECHNIC Control sets. If you are checking a second-hand kit for completeness, the parts list for each set on Bricoria is the quickest way to do it.

FAQ

Did Control Lab need a computer?: Yes. The serial interface and the DOS/Windows software in this sub-theme show that models were meant to be connected to and programmed from a PC.
What is the most recent Control Lab set?: Two entries date from 2002: the Elevator Kit (9702-2) and the Touch Sensor (9888-1).
Why do some sets have only one or two pieces?: They are individual components, such as a sensor, the interface or the software, listed separately from the building set.