Documentation effort: BASIC Stamp 2 OEM Module (Kit Form)

NewStamper

Dear Members hello:

I am volunteering teaching robotics for a non-profit youth group. The products are Lego and of course Stamp. Before, we start soldering the OEM Stamp 2 board, I am interested in sharing knowledge with the kids regarding why various transistors/capacitors etc are used and what function each component has in the circuitry.

With that basics in hand the kids would enjoy assembling the parts kit, inching towards making their first programmable robot. I have asked Parallax, and they do not have such a document. I have also sent an email to Parallax education. My thought is, with all of us involved, I would be less burden on Parallax education. At this point I am not sure if they would even throw their hat into the ring. Thank you.

Regards,
NewStamper

MSDTech

Actually, there isn't much to the Basic Stamp 2 oem. I assume you downloaded the schematic from the Parallax website.
U1 is the processor loaded with the Pbasic interpretor.
U2 is a serial EEPROM that stores the tokenized Pbasic program, with R2 being a pull up resistor on the data line.
The LM2940-5.0 and C1 are used to regulate the Vin from 6-9 VDC to a stable 5 VDC.
The 20 MHz Resonator and R3 provide the master clock for the processor.
The remaining transistors and resistors are used to condition the RS232 signal to a level acceptable to the 5V TTL used by the processor. This circuit also connects to the MCLR pin U1. I believe that this is used when you download a program to interupt the running program and signal U1 to start the storage of a new program.
Finally, U3 is a low voltage detector that pulls the reset line low to stop the Pbasic interpretor on low voltage - keeps the EEPROM from having its contents corrupted.

NewStamper

Thanks MSDTech:
Yes, I did look at the schematics and I did map out each component with the BOM and some other documentation about how to assemble. Looks like you have covered all parts. Thanks, indebted to you.