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What are my options? — Parallax Forums

What are my options?

Dr.NoDr.No Posts: 60
edited 2008-04-14 15:41 in BASIC Stamp
I need a low cost fully integrated solution (microprocessor) for commercial application
but the basic stamp @ $39 I think is way too expensive.

What options would you recommend? I haven't tried the propeller or other chips as
yet.. but I'm looking for a solution that's low cost and easy to install as this would
also reduce labor costs.

Thanks.

Comments

  • allanlane5allanlane5 Posts: 3,815
    edited 2008-04-11 16:36
    There's LOTS of alternatives. Sadly, the "initial start up cost" for most other alternatives is in the range of $300 to $500.

    The PIC chips (16F876, for example, because there's a LOT of PIC chips) are about $2.00 each -- $5.00 each once you add in the required resonator and maybe a 7805 Regulator with a couple of capacitors -- $25 each once you add in the cost of a board to mount them all on.

    Add in the $300 compiler, $100 programmer/debugger/target board, and you're good to go. This applies to the ATMEL devices and MicroChip PIC devices. The Rabbit stuff is a bit more pricey, but quite capable.

    Put that way, perhaps you can see how a $39 "complete solution with board" isn't really that expensive.

    Now, if you're building hundreds or thousands of units, then distributing that inital $500 cost over that many projects can save a lot of money.
  • FranklinFranklin Posts: 4,747
    edited 2008-04-11 19:06
    The SX chip or the propeller are good choices but it all depends on what you are building and what its needs are.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    - Stephen
  • LilDiLilDi Posts: 229
    edited 2008-04-11 19:54
    http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/picaxe/
  • Steve JoblinSteve Joblin Posts: 784
    edited 2008-04-11 20:48
    You can build a Stamp for less than $11, all with components purchased from Parallax! Check out the OEM version.
  • UghaUgha Posts: 543
    edited 2008-04-12 02:37
    If you've used a Stamp before... I highly recommend an SX.

    You can get started for under $100 and each chip thereafter is less than $3.

    The best part... is the SX can be programmed in SX/B which is a LOT like
    Pbasic used to program stamps.
  • Dr.NoDr.No Posts: 60
    edited 2008-04-12 13:20
    Yes, I saw those chips for $3! Great price too! I wish all these chips
    used Pbasic! I just love Pbasic too. So far, I only need two output pins
    to do the job. But I'll later include one or two more for LEDs so customers
    can tell what the heck is going on or not going on.

    I'd rather not build a stamp... unless some one invents a cheap plug in board.
    Just plug the components in - no wires needed to create a stamp. Soldering in
    components is just not for me. I tried that once and stuff got burnt up. Besides,
    my work is very messy and unprofessional for commercial application.

    The Picaxe is also very compatible and at $3.50 is a bargain.
    Thanks everyone.
  • Chris CChris C Posts: 50
    edited 2008-04-12 16:59
    Personally, if you're going to go PIC, go Microchip. The sales and support aren't better from anyone but the creator of the PIC architecture itself!

    Rabbit's solutions left a lot to be desired in my case, they were terrible for product support and overpriced compared to Microchip.

    Before you do anything though, soldering is a must to save on costs. It's just the best way to save.
  • Dr.NoDr.No Posts: 60
    edited 2008-04-12 18:32
    I guess I'll have to hire people to do soldering anyway but even so,
    the chip is only a timing switch, not even 10% of the product itself.
    If there was a switch that could alternate its states evenly, even that
    would work - so I don't really need a microprocessor or brain chip.

    And I know that people like to buy cheap things. Even ebay says if
    your stuff don't sell the first time around... trying lowering the price.

    I noticed that with bulk purchases, the price goes down. The thing I
    don't like about that is... if you can sell the BS1 for $20 and make
    a profit... why not sell it for $20? You still make a profit.

    We all know that lower prices generate more sales.
    Selling it for $29 is picking my profits.
  • jmalaysiajmalaysia Posts: 97
    edited 2008-04-12 18:59
    What do you mean "if there was a switch that could alternate its states evenly?" There probably IS. What are you trying to accomplish?
  • Dr.NoDr.No Posts: 60
    edited 2008-04-12 23:38
    With the pic you can control when a switch actvates & you can set how long
    it stays open or close. A rotary switch could do the same but is more
    prone to failure and requires torque to power it.
  • jmalaysiajmalaysia Posts: 97
    edited 2008-04-12 23:46
    That is true but doesn't give any insight as to what you are trying to accomplish... just trying to be helpful
  • allanlane5allanlane5 Posts: 3,815
    edited 2008-04-13 00:15
    Oh, you can also try to use the Parallax SX28 and SX48 boards. They give you an interfaceable board, WITH oscillator, WITH programming connector, WITH linear regulator for $10 each. And yes, you'll need to use the SX-Kit package to program them, but once programmed you just plug the board into your project.
  • Dr.NoDr.No Posts: 60
    edited 2008-04-14 15:41
    Yes, I've been looking into the SX but I so love the Basic stamp. You should
    be able to get them for that price!!!! I program for the PC and the stamp is so much
    easier. I never get bugs!!!!


    JM, It's not so much what I'm trying to accomplish. Computers are based on 0s and 1s
    or ON and OFF circuits. A high speed switch could accomplish both. I'm only trying to
    turn on and off circuits at high speed. If there's such as switch, I'd like to know about it.
    Until then, I'm using relays to close and break circuits.
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