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Moving from Stamps to the Propeller — Parallax Forums

Moving from Stamps to the Propeller

ihmechihmech Posts: 179
edited 2011-11-18 20:09 in Propeller 1
I have been in the last year building up my courage and resources on getting started learning the Propeller. I have sold off a lot of my Stamp stuff, but still have several things.

Is it worth keeping Stamps around if I'm moving into the Prop?

Comments

  • JonnyMacJonnyMac Posts: 9,198
    edited 2011-11-17 16:13
    Absolutely, they're great tools. My company, EFX-TEK, sells nearly 1000 BASIC Stamp 1 based controllers (the Prop-1, not to be confused with the Propeller I) a year. We also have a BASIC Stamp 2 based (Prop-2, not to be confused with the forthcoming Propeller II). Up soon is a Propeller-based controller called the HC-8+ and next year the Prop-Pro (because calling it Prop-Prop would just be silly).

    BTW, the Prop-1 and Prop-2 controllers were created before anyone started calling the Propeller "Prop"
  • RonPRonP Posts: 384
    edited 2011-11-17 16:20
    ihmech,

    I kept all my Stamp stuff just in case, of what I have no idea. I haven't used any Stamps since moving on to the Propeller.

    Should probably send the Stamps on down the line to someone who will use them. A donation to a school or something would be nice.

    Ron
  • 4x5n4x5n Posts: 745
    edited 2011-11-17 16:25
    ihmech wrote: »
    I have been in the last year building up my courage and resources on getting started learning the Propeller. I have sold off a lot of my Stamp stuff, but still have several things.

    Is it worth keeping Stamps around if I'm moving into the Prop?

    I just started using the propeller a few months ago and have not only kept my basic stamp stuff and have even got another "education" board and a few other basic stamp things. There's a time and a place for the basic stamp but I have to admit they're getting fewer and farther between. The price of a proto board and the gadget gangster board and other options make the prop cheaper then a basic stamp.
  • ihmechihmech Posts: 179
    edited 2011-11-17 16:44
    4x5n wrote: »
    I just started using the propeller a few months ago and have not only kept my basic stamp stuff and have even got another "education" board and a few other basic stamp things. There's a time and a place for the basic stamp but I have to admit they're getting fewer and farther between. The price of a proto board and the gadget gangster board and other options make the prop cheaper then a basic stamp.

    Cost was one of the deciding factors for me along with more pins. I wrote a multi slot program for a BS2e and about pulled my hair out. I don't know how anyone keeps anything straight on those stamps.

    I'm fascinated with the prop and look forward to moving ahead with my learning. I would have been farther along, but having your first child tends to bring hobbies to a halt for a bit. I think I have all of the prop books Parallax offers right now, plus two proto boards, a prop PDB and a PE Labs kit.

    So, I'm set up pretty good for learning.
  • RaymanRayman Posts: 14,851
    edited 2011-11-17 17:28
    I started with BASIC Stamp stuff too. I still have a very sad BS2 in my closet somewhere...
    But, once you get going with Propeller, you'll never go back!
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2011-11-17 21:34
    When I switched to the Propeller, I sold off most of my Stamp stuff simply to buy more Propeller items upfront. However, I still have 2 homework boards, a BOE, and BS2 to use. I use the BOE to test my SHT11 modules (I still sell them on a per order basis) and I have a homework board destined to become an RFID garage door opener.
  • RiJoRiRiJoRi Posts: 157
    edited 2011-11-18 07:22
    The "problem" with being an engineer is that we have a little voice that says, "Keep that! You might need it some day!" And of course, there's the law that says "If you get rid of something, you WILL need it -- DESPERATELY -- within the next month."

    --Rich
  • 4x5n4x5n Posts: 745
    edited 2011-11-18 08:11
    RiJoRi wrote: »
    The "problem" with being an engineer is that we have a little voice that says, "Keep that! You might need it some day!" And of course, there's the law that says "If you get rid of something, you WILL need it -- DESPERATELY -- within the next month."

    --Rich

    With me there's an OCD element involved! I need a "lifetime" supply of just about everything!
  • bsnutbsnut Posts: 521
    edited 2011-11-18 09:12
    Is it worth keeping Stamps around if I'm moving into the Prop?
    It is nothing wrong of keeping the Stamps around at all and just remember that some apps may not need the power of the Propeller.
  • ihmechihmech Posts: 179
    edited 2011-11-18 09:41
    RiJoRi wrote: »
    The "problem" with being an engineer is that we have a little voice that says, "Keep that! You might need it some day!" And of course, there's the law that says "If you get rid of something, you WILL need it -- DESPERATELY -- within the next month."

    --Rich

    I have the same problem with getting rid of stuff. I always think I will need it. Thankfully since my shop and my desk in the house have a very limited amount of space. I can't keep "everything", plus it keeps my wife happy. ;-)

    I love stamps, I thought about keeping one stamp and my PDB to test new circuits. I figure that I can just buy more prop stuff with the money I get out of my stamp stuff.

    I think my biggest challange will be diving into the 3.3V world.

    I have been having a blast in the last week working with my PE kit and hope to have my one stamp project I built upgraded and controlled with a prop. I would really like to be able to bring it to UPENE next year.
  • ihmechihmech Posts: 179
    edited 2011-11-18 20:09
    Thanks for the input guys!
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