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Wirelessly program a Basic Stamp - DONE — Parallax Forums

Wirelessly program a Basic Stamp - DONE

JustinRJustinR Posts: 6
edited 2013-01-27 20:46 in BASIC Stamp
Yes we can program our Basic Stamps wirelessly. YES WE CAN!!

What's that? You say very smart people for years have been saying it is not possible? That you can not do it because of the nature of the communication protocol when connected to the computer and because wireless protocols can't communicate the data as required?

Well hold on to your hats my friends because I just programmed a Basic Stamp II wirelessly!!

Okay, where is what I used, a wireless USB hub. It's an IOgear GUWH104KIT which included a wireless USB dongle you connect to your computer and a wireless hub you can connect 4 USB devices to (as long as they are not Webcams or speakers). You can read about the device from here: www.iogear.com/product/GUWH104KIT Currently you can purchase it from here for around $30 usd: http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/58-14255&CAWELAID=552469334 I got mine from www.ebay.com

It might be hard to see in all the mess, but connect to my robot's Basic Stamp II is the wireless USB hub, through an IOgear serial to USB converter (not the one blue one Parallax sells or used to carry, but I did try that one and it didn't work as well for some reason, go figure) which is connected wirelessly through the USB link to a Windows7 laptop. Not too bad huh? So if your dream is to program a Basic Stamp wirelessly, this might be the solution for you. The down side is it will not support webcams or speakers of any kind. I was counting on it to transmit my webcam data as well. Oh Well, can't win them all.

DSCF0698.JPG


Just wanted to share my discovery with the group.
-Justin Ratliff
http://ratliffrobot.blogspot.com/
DSCF0698.JPG
320 x 240 - 23K

Comments

  • Mike2545Mike2545 Posts: 433
    edited 2011-01-13 12:00
    I believe that the claims about wireless not working with the BS II were talking about X-bee. But hey, great thinking outside the box, nice project!!
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2011-01-13 12:18
    This is a new set of devices, a new frequency band, and new protocols. If you do some investigating, you'll find that IOGEAR sells other receivers that work for VGA video and stereo audio over the same wireless channel and with the same "dongle" on the PC end. Note that the video and audio devices require special Windows-only drivers on the PC end.

    I assume that these are fast enough to eliminate the latency that prevent other wireless connection schemes from working for programming Stamps, Propellers, etc. It would be interesting to try this with a Propeller since the timings are different. Note that some of the advertising claims a 30 ft. connection range to the USB device, but the specifications are for 15 ft. max. wireless range, maybe with a 15 ft. wired USB connection to the receiver. Beware overly optimistic advertising!
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,395
    edited 2011-01-13 13:49
    Hey Justin,

    Excellent discovery.

    OK, I am placing an order for the recommended wireless USB hub to try it myself. I'd like to see it work with the FTDI USB-Serial converter, too, since these are so common and very complete in terms of supporting the RS-232 protocol.

    Would make a nice addition to your Bubby robot, too. He looks like a pretty friendly robot.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Ken Gracey
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2011-01-13 13:56
    Great info, young JustinR. The student has become the master! :)
  • bsnutbsnut Posts: 521
    edited 2011-01-13 15:41
    Great work, you went outside the normal box. I knew it was possible.
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,395
    edited 2011-01-24 11:07
    JustinR, nice find. I confirm your conclusions right here http://forums.parallax.com/entry.php?105-Wireless-Programming-of-BASIC-Stamps-Propellers-more-details-and-feedback-request

    Question is - do you guys want us to get these in stock, knowing that they're on the I/O Gear discontinue list? Heck, for the price it's an awesome solution for close-range wireless. It worked well up to 30 feet or so.

    Ken Gracey
  • sam_sam_samsam_sam_sam Posts: 2,286
    edited 2011-01-24 11:27
    Yea why Not I would buy one
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2011-01-24 12:26
    Heck, I just ordered a refurb unit from eCost for $5.99; total with shipping to Los Angeles was $19.07. Well worth the price of admission! Thanks to Justin and Ken for confirming!

    http://www.ecost.com/prod/Networking+Hardware/USB+Hubs/Hardware/4-Port+Wireless+USB/66303590.aspx?navid=155441530
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,395
    edited 2011-01-24 13:09
    Not so fast, erco. I just called them and they told me they don't have any in stock. But somehow they processed your order. Sounds like an obsolete inventory chip broker practice. Ring 'em and find out if they actually have inventory. I kinda doubt it.

    - Ken
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2011-01-24 13:53
    @Ken: Yes, they show out of stock now, and $19.99. My coworker ordered two and said he got free shipping somehow. Did we get the last 3 units? Fortunately I printed my order confirmation!

    Edit: I called 'em and confirmed. I got one, but they are sold out now!
  • $WMc%$WMc% Posts: 1,884
    edited 2011-01-24 14:40
    Just My luck, Find something neat and they quit making it!
    '
    '
    I have two of them on the way.
    '
    Thanks JustinR
  • tdlivingstdlivings Posts: 437
    edited 2011-01-24 19:57
    Yes I would like one.
    This also acts as isolation between usb on PC or laptop and your protoboard.
    I did not look if it is a powered hub for the C3 but for Propscope and protoboard the
    hub is in danger of experimenting boo boo's not your laptop.
    Course there not being made anymore so it it a one boo boo event Ha.

    Tom
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2011-01-24 22:01
    http://cgi.ebay.com/IOGEAR-WIRELESS-USB-HUB-GUWH104KIT-/130478789039?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e612451af

    $20 or less shipped on Ebay (BIN/best offer)

    Whoever gets it, post back here! :)

    Edit 2 pm 1/25 GONE! Who got it?
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2011-01-24 22:15
    http://cgi.ebay.com/IOGEAR-WIRELESS-USB-HUB-HOME-OFFICE-SOLUTION-GUWH104KIT-/220728681957?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item33647465e5

    7 units available for $28.49 shipped
  • groggorygroggory Posts: 205
    edited 2011-01-28 00:08
    erco wrote: »
    http://cgi.ebay.com/IOGEAR-WIRELESS-USB-HUB-GUWH104KIT-/130478789039?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e612451af

    $20 or less shipped on Ebay (BIN/best offer)

    Whoever gets it, post back here! :)

    Edit 2 pm 1/25 GONE! Who got it?

    Me.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2011-07-02 15:38
    I just got a slightly different model, IOGear GUWH204KIT. Also works great, no trouble programming a Stamp or getting DEBUG data back. It behaves just like it was plugged into my desktop through the serial/USB adapter, which I still have to use between the wireless hub and Stamp.

    FYI
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,395
    edited 2012-02-09 08:51
    We'll be out of these within the next day or two. The product has been discontinued by the manufacturer and we have about four left in stock.

    Ken Gracey
  • SeattlerandySeattlerandy Posts: 7
    edited 2012-02-12 12:15
    Another great choice is wireless USB from Black Box, it's 802.11 so greater distance.
    Sorry greater cost too $150.
    No drivers needed.....
    http://www.blackbox.com/Store/Detail.aspx/Remote-Port-Wireless-USB-2-0-Hub-North-America/IC252A%c4%82US
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2013-01-27 18:12
    There's a new one on Ebay now for $15...

    But there are no win7 or win8 drivers. XP or Vista only.
  • NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
    edited 2013-01-27 18:28
    erco wrote: »

    But there are no win7 or win8 drivers. XP or Vista only.

    You might be able to get away with the XP divers in Windows 7. I have done this for some hardware and it has worked. Not sure about Windows 8 though.
  • NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
    edited 2013-01-27 18:32
    JustinR wrote: »
    The down side is it will not support webcams or speakers of any kind. I was counting on it to transmit my webcam data as well. Oh Well, can't win them all.

    -Justin Ratliff
    http://ratliffrobot.blogspot.com/

    I know this is an old thread, but I was wondering if it is possible to connect a second wireless router to the IOgear GUWH104? If it is possible you could get the web cam, etc. working.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2013-01-27 18:40
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/230917246007
  • NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
    edited 2013-01-27 18:53
    I see. So, You could connect one of the USB wirless adapters to the router, one to your computer and use an existing NIC connected to a standard router and rig it up that way. You would just have to keep all the IP addresses in the same Subnet. I think I might give it a try.

    Their web site is showing drivers for 64 Bit Vista so I am wondering if it might work on 7.

    If nothing else I guess one could try a different brand of USB Router/Adapter configuration. Since it has been proven that it works with the IOGear setup, it might be worth a try.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2013-01-27 20:38
    No router, it provides its own wireless connection. Just a single USB connection to your 'puter.
  • NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
    edited 2013-01-27 20:46
    No router, it provides its own wireless connection. Just a single USB connection to your 'puter.

    Yes, I understand this. What I am saying is to use the USB Dongle to USB Router connection and your Internal NIC connected to a wired router. Then your web cam can connect to the wired router and they will all play happily together!!!!
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