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BASIC Stamp Supercomputer

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  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2009-01-19 09:32
    BSS Stache Code Xfer
    The Stache is a u-programmer for the Basic Stamp 2.
    I'm experimenting with ways to utilize the Stache as a
    way to transfer all programs to the Basic Stamp Supercomputer.

    attachment.php?attachmentid=58085
    The Stache simply attaches to the serial DBM on the Basic Stamp Super Carrier Board.

    More product information is at the Parallax web site:
    www.parallax.com/Store/Microcontrollers/BASICStampModules/tabid/134/txtSearch/stache/List/1/ProductID/45/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName%2cProductName

    and here:
    www.emesystems.com/

    Target stamps in the BSS that are functional with the
    Stache include BS2, BS2sx, BS2e, BS2p, and Bs2pe.

    BS2sx, BS2e, BS2p, and BS2pe are special cases that
    can hold more than one program in up to eight program
    banks. The stache is capable of handling this code.

    This method will open up new ways to store BSS apps and
    more readily and conveniently download the code set to all
    Basic Stamps.

    humanoido

    Post Edited (humanoido) : 1/19/2009 9:40:12 AM GMT
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  • SRLMSRLM Posts: 5,045
    edited 2009-01-19 09:44
    It only works if all your boards are serial, not the usb. Unless if you're willing to add some hardware to the boards that bypasses the USB, but that sounds like more effort than it's worth. I'm sure you've thought about this, so what's your solution? Perhaps program a serial BS2, which then reprograms the USB versions from the stache? Cool! Can't wait to see the code...
  • David BaylissDavid Bayliss Posts: 58
    edited 2009-01-20 00:41
    This is a fairly incredible project; I am impressed.

    I think you will find though that if you really wish to scale this thing upwards (after all 200 SXs cost the same as a dozen stamps) you will need to automate the construction and distribution of the individual slave code.

    This patent details how this one done on one major supercomputer:

    http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/7240059/fulltext.html

    in that instance 'libraries' of functionality existed on each node and the specific code for a particular task was compiled in one spot and then distributed out to the slaves. Obviously that particular approach is patented, also it would not be ideal for PBASIC anyway, but you may wish to think of something appropriate for you system ...

    HTH

    David
  • EzsynnEzsynn Posts: 119
    edited 2009-01-22 05:59
    COOL!!!
    How much did that the supercomputer cost?
    I'm thinking of building my own computer. (Not that it has to be a BS2 powered computer)
    But how fast is it?
    The laptop I'm using has
    1.8GHz CPU speed Intel. FTL
    Intel Internal Graphics FTL
    1GB RAM. FTL
    Annoying viruses
    Annoying Bugs
    Annoying Windows Vista
    Major Crashes
    and it LAGS!!!
    I think your Computer is a great idea. Some guy built a laptop out of Propeller chips. Check him out on the Parallax website, in the Propeller Contest results.

    Post Edited (Ezsynn) : 1/22/2009 6:09:18 AM GMT
  • EzsynnEzsynn Posts: 119
    edited 2009-01-22 06:13
    Can you make the computer look neat and Tidy? And try to make it more compact and install some cooling into it for performance.
  • SRLMSRLM Posts: 5,045
    edited 2009-01-22 06:24
    @Ezsynn

    As mentioned in the previous 5 pages, the 'supercomputer' aspect should not be confused with 'desktop pc'. There was quite a bit of debate about what constitutes a supercomputer, but it is clear that the strength of the setup lies in the I/O pin count, rather than enormous processing power. Therefore, cooling won't really change the performance at all.
  • EzsynnEzsynn Posts: 119
    edited 2009-01-22 09:15
    SRLM said...
    @Ezsynn

    As mentioned in the previous 5 pages, the 'supercomputer' aspect should not be confused with 'desktop pc'. There was quite a bit of debate about what constitutes a supercomputer, but it is clear that the strength of the setup lies in the I/O pin count, rather than enormous processing power. Therefore, cooling won't really change the performance at all.

    Just saying it. Cooling Systems ROCK!!! Soon there'll be Liquid Nitrogen Cooling!!! Muahahahaha!!! devil.gif
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2009-01-23 07:05
    SRLM said...
    It only works if all your boards are serial, not the usb. Unless if you're willing to add some hardware to the boards that bypasses the USB, but that sounds like more effort than it's worth. I'm sure you've thought about this, so what's your solution?
    The BSS is originally made up of Basic Stamp boards which are all serial. The Stache is serial. It's a match made in Heaven. For the PC side, which is usb, the photo below shows the setup using a Parallax serial-usb converter and cable. The gender changer is supplied with the Stache.

    attachment.php?attachmentid=58171
    How to connect the Stache to a PC with only USB ports

    attachment.php?attachmentid=58172
    This is the correct screen shown when the Stache is plugged into the Stamp board.

    To illustrate the working functionality, posted below is a simple test for the BS2sx on a Parallax Basic Stamp Super Carrier Board.

    humanoido

    Post Edited (humanoido) : 1/23/2009 7:28:21 AM GMT
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  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2009-01-23 12:08
    Automate Construction/Distribution of Worker Code
    [b]David Bayliss said...[/b]
    This is a fairly incredible project; I am impressed.
    I think you will find though that if you really wish to scale this thing upwards
    (after all 200 SXs cost the same as a dozen stamps) you will need to automate
    the construction and distribution of the individual slave code.
    This patent details how this one done on one major supercomputer:...
    
    


    Thank you. The software is written for 20 Basic Stamps so there's not much concern
    about automating the writing of code. For 200 or more stamps, that could be a different
    story. However, lower cost chips are available that do MIPS processing each, which can
    be interfaced in large quantities. In bulk pricing, 100 chips cost less than $100. These
    give up the ease at which they can be hardware interfaced and software programmed,
    compared to the Basic Stamp.

    The new extended supercomputer in succession could be an array, in three dimensions,
    such as 10x10x10. I find it interesting you mentioned the automation of the construction
    and distribution of individual worker code. In a past project, an AI program was written
    that generated over 25,000 programs in another language - the AI did its own computer
    programming. To accomplish this, it took several languages, and used a special
    translator, etc.

    A similar project is envisioned, where a PC and a given language can create a thousand
    PBASIC programs and then automate their download with some extra hardware. I have
    ideas for the software. Some guru help may be needed with the hardware.

    humanoido
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2009-01-24 07:14
    Wire With a Purpose
    [b]EZsynn said...[/b]
    Can you make the computer look neat and Tidy?
    
    


    Here's the historical view of the BSS without any wires at all!
    It looks neat and tidy... but wait, there's a purpose and reasoning
    behind all those wires.

    attachment.php?attachmentid=58191
    No wiring yet. The Basic Stamp Supercomputer is just a dream beginning to take shape at this time.
    A newly completed rack is tried out for the first time to verify spacing and dimensional performance.
    Visible are six levels with ten original Basic Stamp HomeWork boards setting in place.


    Aside from circuit wiring, there's groups of wire with a purpose -
    to stop, prevent, eliminate, and reduce the harmful effects of
    impinging RFI (Radio Frequency Interference), EMI (Electro Magnetic
    Interference), EME (Electro Magnetic Effects), NE (Narrow Band
    Emissions), BE (Broadband Emissions), and maintain EMC (Electro
    Magnetic Compatibility).

    The shielding effects are beneficial to operating all those basic
    stamps at the same time through all those wires! The shield wires (SW)
    are strategically placed with references to ground and power. This helps
    not only reduce incoming noise, but outgoing as well.

    The effects can be verified with a radio station offtuned and compared
    to the BSS with and without shielding.

    humanoido

    Post Edited (humanoido) : 1/24/2009 7:20:17 AM GMT
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  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2009-01-25 13:40
    EZsynn said...
    Just saying it. Cooling Systems ROCK!!! Soon
    there'll be Liquid Nitrogen Cooling!!! Muahahahaha!!!
    

    Your enthusiasm for cooling is appreciated. Generally,
    the higher the speed of a chip, the hotter it runs. Of course,
    the more chips, the more power is required and this
    equates to more heat generated.

    The low power consumption of the Basic Stamp (2)
    HomeWork boards are at a cool pace. The supporting
    rack is an open concept for the ultimate in natural cooling.
    I was prepared to install miniature cooling fans initially
    but these were unnecessary. The entire BSS draws minimal
    power. You can see some of the photos and movies where
    it's at only 320ma. The first construction had each board
    running on a 9-volt battery, and these never even became
    warm.

    attachment.php?attachmentid=58211
    Every one of these Basic Stamp boards is operating
    at a cool pace on its own single 9-volt battery.


    Some of the other brand Tera chip collectives run so hot
    they need liquid nitrogent cooling and tanks larger than a
    room. It's possible to use forced air fans and water cooling
    too. Other boards have the processor chips mounted on
    Peltier cooling devices, which are like small electric
    refrigerators.

    This is technology spun from super-cooled CCD cameras
    used for astronomical imaging (to reduce noise and increase
    sensitivity). Using a system like this, some years ago
    I discovered a new star in the M27 Vulpecula region of space
    that was not on the 10-million object Hubble Space Telescope
    Star Catalog. So I can verify the cooling effectiveness of
    these devices.

    humanoido

    Post Edited (humanoido) : 1/25/2009 1:55:25 PM GMT
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  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2009-01-26 14:38
    Cost Analysis – 5 Package Approaches
    The First Basic Stamp Supercomputer
    (10 Basic Stamps)


    attachment.php?attachmentid=58229

    (1) For a supercomputer modeled using ten Basic Stamp 2
    Boards, the price tag falls under the $500 mark. Not bad
    considering full scale supercomputers have price tags that
    range in the millions of dollars!
    
    10 – Basic Stamp 2 HomeWork Board    450.99    
    01 – Serial LCD                      029.99
    10 – Piezo Speaker*                  005.00
    10 – Batteries*                      003.55
    10 – Red LED*                        002.00
    01 – Package Wire*                   002.50
    *local purchase                     --------
                               Total$    494.03
    
    (2) However keep in mind, one should not need to pay the
    full “new” price tag, as undoubtedly the hobbyist will have
    a parts box filled with wire, LEDs, piezo speakers,
    batteries, LCD, and several Basic Stamp boards. This
    will cut costs considerably.
    
    (3) The next consideration, mentioned previously, is the
    sharing of stamp boards by friends - another way to cut
    project cost.
    
    (4) The third cost cutter is for schools. It’s likely the
    school already invested in ten HomeWork boards.
    
    (5) Finally, if enough students can contribute their
    Basic Stamp HomeWork Boards, the cost will be nearly
    nothing.
    


    humanoido

    Post Edited (humanoido) : 1/26/2009 3:01:49 PM GMT
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  • Cole LoganCole Logan Posts: 196
    edited 2009-01-27 02:48
    Using the propeller board at 450 for the set price you could get 15 boards which gives you 120 processors and 480 I/O

    A more realistic comparison is the Demo Board you could only have 5 boards which means you would have 40 processors and 40 general use I/O but you gain 5 vga connectors 5 tv outs 5 usb to serial convertors 5 audio in and outs and last but not least 10 ps2 connectors.

    So if you can guess. I would love to see a PSC( Propeller Super Computer)
  • SRLMSRLM Posts: 5,045
    edited 2009-01-27 03:06
    Cole Logan said...
    and last but not least 10 ps2 connectors.

    Hmmm, what would you want ten keyboards for? This presents all sorts of interesting possibilities... Maybe a million monkeys can type out Shakespeare in a million years... I wonder how long it would take ten monkeys to do it? Sounds like a good experiment. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
  • Cole LoganCole Logan Posts: 196
    edited 2009-01-27 03:15
    My thought was that they would make a good connector to use for doing the serial comunication.

    And it should take the monkeys 10 million years
  • UghaUgha Posts: 543
    edited 2009-01-27 13:25
    I'm curious why so many homework boards are required... why not use a few homework boards and a bunch of OEMs or normal stamps? Each board could have 3 stamps on it...

    humanoido: Have you considered using some third-party product or maybe a prop to add a keyboard/monitor interface? Maybe you can figure out some way to make a prop program
    or at least command the stamps... I don't know much about the prop.

    Of course, if you used a prop, it wouldn't be a stamp super computer anymore... oh well.
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2009-02-02 04:07
    BSS Hard Drive?
    It was suggested to add more storage capacity to this project
    so this was on my mind and last night I went shopping to look
    at USB external drives.

    It was strange - I could not find the Gb rating on any of the boxes
    and there was this TB logo on everything. Suddenly I realized we
    are now living in the age of Tera-Byte!

    I think "THAT many Bytes" is really amazing. When I built my first
    computer, software could always fit into 1/4th K = 256 bytes.
    Makes you wonder, what happened? [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    It looks like the Parallax Memory Stick Datalogger (27937) can be
    used as a Basic Stamp interface to USB Flash Drives. I don't know
    if there is compatibility with large capacity USB drives. Some of these
    drives do not use the FAT formatting.

    humanoido

    Post Edited (humanoido) : 2/2/2009 4:27:16 AM GMT
  • MikerocontrollerMikerocontroller Posts: 310
    edited 2009-02-02 04:38
    · Nice work, humanoido.· How will you be interfacing with the USB drive?· I'm experimenting with the VMusic2 and it seems to have all the fuctionality of the VDrive2.· Just curious.
  • ProcessingData...ProcessingData... Posts: 208
    edited 2009-02-03 01:43
    Good work humanoido, If you can build this with Homework Boards,
    Imagine what you could do with 16 Pin Propeller Boards....



    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Basic Stamp,···· Propeller,·· · SX,·· FUN!


    START:·
    >Proccessing Data. . . .··
    >Task Complete. . .·.
    >Saving Data. . . .
    >Entering SLEEP Mode. . . .
    >Signing OFF


    ·
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2009-02-05 11:34
    HomeWork Boards
    Ugha said...
    I'm curious why so many homework boards are required... why not use a few
    homework boards and a bunch of OEMs or normal stamps? Each board could
    have 3 stamps on it...
    There are several reasons why homework boards were used. 1) They were on
    hand and readily available. 2) They fit the concept of school experimentation
    with supercomputer models. 3) The board is fully functional for expansion with
    its own solderless breadboard that can be dedicated to several sensors. 4) The
    goal was to have a "conventional" supercomputer rack, and individual boards which
    could be treated as computers. Putting extra stamps on the breadboards instead
    of sensors would limit the sensor space. (Although the idea of putting extra stamps
    on each board is a good one - see below paragraph for a development of this
    concept.)

    attachment.php?attachmentid=58463
    A Basic Stamp Homework Board used in the Basic Stamp
    Supercomputer. Note the thermometer sensor wiring and
    mechanical amplifier on the piezo speaker.


    As an item of BSS interest, I have designed a modest little single board that holds
    24 stamps. I don't know when and if it will be manufactured at this time. I think the
    first step will be etching ten printed circuit boards, populating some, and see how
    that goes. Plus, we'd need to do a small survey to see if it generates any interest.
    The second board version uses the prop chips.

    humanoido

    Post Edited (humanoido) : 2/5/2009 12:05:32 PM GMT
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  • Cole LoganCole Logan Posts: 196
    edited 2009-02-05 16:55
    I think that I might give this a go with the propellers. I got a spin studio and 4 more proto boards showing up today I might have to see what I can come up with.
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2009-02-08 16:50
    Shopping For BSS Drives
    It was a challenge just getting to the store to shop for the drives.
    I took this photo at the top of the bridge before walking down to the sidewalk.

    attachment.php?attachmentid=58541
    Shopping for groceries and Flash Drives for the Basic Stamp
    Supercomputer is a challenging experience.


    attachment.php?attachmentid=58542
    All department store checkout lines were full and waiting takes hours
    to pay for your purchases.


    I finally got the drives I wanted. Some are Gb flash Drives and one is a third
    TeraByte USB drive. I'm currently working on various BSS interface circuits
    and software.

    humanoido

    Post Edited (humanoido) : 2/8/2009 5:22:47 PM GMT
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  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2009-02-09 15:18
    More Storage Capacity - USB Flash Drives
    The flash drives attach to a four distribution hub and add more storage
    capacity to the Basic Stamp Master. This initially has a Parallax data logging
    interface and new software gives it storage capacity to use as a sequential
    hard drive. In back of the USB hub is a one third TeraByte Seagate USB
    drive.

    attachment.php?attachmentid=58571
    Four flash drives, ranging from 1 to 2Gb capacity, attach to the
    BSS Basic Stamp Master. This gives a total of 6Gb capacity.


    The market currently has 32Gb flash drives, but the 1 and 2Gb solid state
    drives are are real bargain. You'll probably want to stock up on DT Mini
    Slim 2Gb drives as their very small footprint matches the Basic Stamp
    microcontroller in micro miniaturization.

    humanoido

    Post Edited (humanoido) : 2/9/2009 3:40:43 PM GMT
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  • EzsynnEzsynn Posts: 119
    edited 2009-02-13 06:33
    Hmm... You might consider making the Mass Production Type BS2-SCPU. One Question, (Attempted THE 3RD TIME!!!), WHAT DOES IT DO?
    Oh yeah, One Idea. Try using one BOE or HOBO to make a pocket pc. It'll be completely easy for you because you already built the BSS.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    BWIN ON DA POWAH WIFIN U!!!

    Post Edited (Ezsynn) : 2/13/2009 6:43:39 AM GMT
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2009-02-13 07:15
    What Does It Do? The Famous Question!

    The famous question, "what does it do?" has been addressed
    earlier in the page posts. This is the famous question often asked
    about new products. When the microcomputer was first introduced
    in the 1970s, people asked the same question. How could anyone
    know at that time, a machine with some switches and blinking
    lights would evolve into megalithic proportions in almost every
    aspect of today's society?

    Given a single Basic Stamp, one may also ask the same question.
    "What does it do?" But the real answer is within the multitude of
    stamp users, when they take the product and forge their own ideas
    with it, using creativity and ingenuity.

    Much of my time is focused on developing the BSS, upgrading it,
    giving it greater strength and flexibility, so that users may adopt it
    to create as many new inventions and product ideas as possible.

    Some apps mentioned and/or developed include a super security
    system, a seeing eye, a simulation of part of the human brain,
    and multiple brains for a robot.

    The original purpose of the BSS is to serve as a model
    supercomputer within the reach of hobbyists using low cost
    components, as a learning tool and instrument in the overall
    understanding of many of the concepts of supercomputers,
    in software, clustering, programming, and interfacing.

    Another thing it does well is handle many sensors at the same
    time. I'm sure you can think of some things you'd like to try
    using the sensors mentioned in the previous pages, and maybe
    include some of the new sensors offered by Parallax.

    humanoido

    Post Edited (humanoido) : 2/13/2009 7:38:43 AM GMT
  • SRLMSRLM Posts: 5,045
    edited 2009-02-13 07:29
    Here's an interesting idea: how about you have half a dozen (or so) independent robots that have a wireless link to the BSS. You use the BSS to coordinate and master control each of the robots. So you get a hive style with a master queen and semi-independent drones. Reminds me of the movie Independence Day: all the aliens relied on a central authority for their control.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2009-02-14 12:52
    I am impressed. Very VERY impressed.

    Many of us fidget with one or two interfaces rather than try to envision larger integration.

    The main point is that the Basic Stamp is a powerful building block and in a modular open architecture it can begin to do sophisticated things that one Basic Stamp could never achieve.
    There will NEVER be an end to the BasicStamps useful life in the digital world.

    Happy to see the origin is in Taiwan too.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    How do you like my name change?

    aka G. Herzog [noparse][[/noparse] 黃鶴 ] in Taiwan

    Post Edited (Loopy Byteloose) : 2/14/2009 12:57:35 PM GMT
  • Just JeffJust Jeff Posts: 36
    edited 2009-02-16 15:57
    humanoido,

    I have been following your work since you first posted and you have inspired me to try several new things on my own projects.· Your a very creative person!!

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

    Currently working on "Omnibot v2" - A "rejuvenated" 1980's Tomy Omnibot 2000 Robot

    "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2009-02-19 05:59
    Thanks! I'm happy to hear this project can inspire and
    I agree about the great and continuing usefulness
    of the Basic Stamps.

    Wireless applications are growing - it appears from ideas in
    the posts that a transmitter placed on the Master could relay
    the data and processing info to one robot or many robots.
    Likewise, each robot can transmit to the Master (Queen?).
    What would you call this process? The BORG hive? [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    A quick update - work is progressing with the usb drives and
    flash drives. I notice that formatting is different with several
    drives, such as FAT, FAT32, and another standard for the
    large USB drives. I run into a snag where a USB drive
    cannot copy a folder with over 512 files. I planned a half
    million files management in the supercomputer and will need
    to examine this to see where the bottleneck is coming from.

    Another aspect of the BSS project is getting a smaller pc
    to interface as part of the collective. This could be a tiny
    Asus EEE PC running LINUX or XP-Lite. Just throwing out
    some ideas for discussion. Probably the USB drivers will be
    a considerable challenge.

    humanoido

    Post Edited (humanoido) : 2/19/2009 6:07:53 AM GMT
  • EzsynnEzsynn Posts: 119
    edited 2009-02-22 04:35
    Since it's this awesome, can you give me the circuitry schematic for it?

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    BWIN ON DA POWAH WIFIN U!!!
    (This means the Plutonium Isotope Nuclear Fission And Fusion Reactor Battery Pack you've been hiding inside your jacket!!!)
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