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SpinStudio Game Stacker now available — Parallax Forums

SpinStudio Game Stacker now available

parts-man73parts-man73 Posts: 830
edited 2009-04-13 17:45 in Propeller 1
SpinStudio Game Stacker.

What is SpinStudio Game Stacker?

It's a circuit board that fits down on top of the SpinStudio MainBoard and plugs into all 4 SpinStudio IO Sockets. The Game Stacker contains all requisite components and connectors to support composite video, stereo sound, SD card, Keyboard, Mouse, RGB LED and 2 NES compatible controller jacks.

What is needed to use the SpinStudio Game Stacker?

You'll need a SpinStudio Mainboard and a PropPlug to program it. You'll also need the peripherals you plan to connect, such as a TV with composite inputs (RCA Jacks) your own SD Card, Keyboard, etc.
You'll also need some basic soldering tools, as this is an un-assembled kit. The SD Card connector is already soldered for you, but the through-hole components must be added.
* if you'd rather not solder, Assembly is available for a modest charge on all of my products. *

What can you do with SpinStudio Game Stacker?

Game Stacker is an ideal platform to run a Propeller based OS, Simple on-board programming with a Basic Language interpreter, or to play some of the currently available Propeller based games.
OldBitCollector has compiled a list of games that is compatible with Game Stacker - view it here --> http://forums.parallax.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=57451


What the cost of SpinStudio Game Stacker?

The Game Stacker board is priced at $34.99 - When you add the cost of a SpinStudio MainBoard and a PropPlug and my standard $5 shipping charge. You can have a complete set-up for $100, Even if you have no other Propeller hardware on hand already.

And! now uController.com carries individual Propeller chips and PropPlugs so you won't have separate shipping charges from multiple sources.

Attached are a few photos of SpinStudio Game Stacker.

I have 4 kits ready for immediate shipment. Another batch is 2 weeks away. I'll post notice if my on-hand supply is depleted or down to the last one.

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Brian

uController.com - home of SpinStudio - the modular Development system for the Propeller

PropNIC - Add ethernet ability to your Propeller! PropJoy - Plug in a joystick and play some games!

SD card Adapter - mass storage for the masses Audio/Video adapter add composite video and sound to your Proto Board
600 x 449 - 56K
600 x 450 - 44K
600 x 450 - 44K

Comments

  • parts-man73parts-man73 Posts: 830
    edited 2009-04-13 02:31
    Also...learn1thing.blogspot.com/ a review of this new product from a beta tester. Thanks Jeff!


    A few small notes -

    When RCA cables are plugged in, the power switch on the SpinStudio is covered, you can still operate it, but it's not visible. Not a show-stopper and I think it's a minor enough not to impede it's use.

    You must have the SpinStudio Mainboard on hand when assembling. You use the MainBoard as a jig to attach the 20 pin female headers to the Game Stacker. Putting them in perfect alignment. If you assemble the Game Stacker without using the MainBoard as a guide. It may be difficult to plug in, as the connectors are not in perfect alignment.

    The tall 1000 uF cap on the Mainboard is close to the Keyboard connector. A 10uF cap can be substituted for the larger 1000uF cap if you are assembling the MainBoard at the same time. Another minor issue that's not a show-stopper, It fits.

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    Brian

    uController.com - home of SpinStudio - the modular Development system for the Propeller

    PropNIC - Add ethernet ability to your Propeller! PropJoy - Plug in a joystick and play some games!

    SD card Adapter - mass storage for the masses Audio/Video adapter add composite video and sound to your Proto Board

    Post Edited (parts-man73) : 4/13/2009 3:07:21 AM GMT
  • Nick McClickNick McClick Posts: 1,003
    edited 2009-04-13 16:35
    I think it looks awesome, Brian! I would point people to Parallax, if you need an NES controller (or the flea market). I especially like the built on SD card reader, which makes the board especially convenient. Also, looks like most of the pins map straight to the demoboard, which makes it easy to share / port software. Did you decide to run the NES controller at 5v or 3.3v? The RGB is a nice touch, too. I find that extra LED great for debugging.

    I would also add that the NES controller is useful for a lot more than just games. I've been working (slowly) on a sound synth controlled by joypad, and (1) it's incredibly easy to interface with it, and (2) it works perfectly for navigating setup menus, controlling servos, or whatever.

    Regarding soldering - If you're comparing this to the protoboard, you're going to have to do soldering either way, right? If you're comparing this to the hydra, just send a few bucks Brian's way and it will come pre-soldered, and you'll also be getting an incredibly flexible development platform.

    Good stuff!

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    Gadget Gangster - Share your Electronic Projects - Sign up as a Designer and get a free 4-pack of Project Boards!
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-04-13 17:45
    As stated in the blog, this is a neat development platform!
    Compact enough to haul from my bench to my upstairs computer
    in a moment's notice. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    I'm working on a little hardware project for it based on Make's Truth Detector.
    (using RCTIME for lie detection. Should be a fun project for the RGB LED.)

    OBC

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    New to the Propeller?

    Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
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