Very old Milinst Stambug
Carol Hazlett
Posts: 312
I have one of the old Stambugs made by Milford Instruments in the early 1990s. I still have everything, including software and programming cable and the robot still works though it is walking backwards instead of forwards. I tried to use the old software but it will not work on my Window 7 64 bit machine even in Windows 98 compatibility mode. I tried the current IDE but it says it no longer communicates with the Basic Stamp ver 0. Does anybody have an idea how I might talk to this board. The Basic Stamp circuitry is built into the board so I can't just replace it and I would like to keep it as is if I could.
860 x 816 - 73K
1024 x 723 - 71K
Comments
WANT! Never seen one of those. A neat little piece of history there IMO. Please share some video of that when you can.
I wonder if the old DOS version of the editor might work for you. Parallax doesn't officially support it, but I (and probably others) have copies. You might need to dig up an old monochrome laptop with a floppy drive!
http://forums.parallax.com/archive/index.php/t-117387.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXrg2iZL5Kc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwWcomy7kMI
Different Parallax-controlled hexapod with address & link to Milford Instruments:
http://www.davidbuckley.net/DB/HextorCD/HextorManual/Manual.htm
Looking at your photos, it is most likely a BS1 because there is a 3-pin programming header (next to the <<<) and the 18-pin DIP chip is the OEM BS1. If you have the source code, you might be able to replace the chip with a current BS1 OEM chip and then the editor should work. You'll also need a BS1 serial programming adapter.
Maybe if you swapped L/R AND added a servo reverser to the middle legs, which probably controls the lean.
But I think that programming that BS1 old school with a 1992 Compaq LTE laptop, DOS, a floppy disk, and a REAL serial port is the bee's knees. You up to the task, Miss Carol?
Well if it's a BS1 you should be able to program it on a new PC with our USB to Serial adapter (#28031) and the BS1 serial adapter (#27111). The newest (current) version of the BASIC Stamp Editor should work just fine with that hardware combination.
Let me know if you ever want to sell that Stamp Bug, Carol. I still say it's bad mojo. Get rid of it. Save yourself!
Carol,
Please use the DOS software to get the firmware version. If it is not V1.4 this could be why this is happening. If that is the case a simple solution would be the replace the DIP interpreter chip with a new one.
AAACK! That's heresy! Must retain the original hardware at all costs! Therein lies its appeal!
Would you paint a modern dress on the Mona Lisa?
Would you gut a Victrola phonograph to install an iPod?
Never! For the love of Chip and all that's holy, please retain the stock configuration!
I guess you better hope that DOS box never fails then.
Many classic paintings have been restored using moden technology.
That's been done! Jukeboxes, old console sets. People love the retro look but need functionality as well.
Or as Jeff Goldblum said in JP2: "Just because you can doesn't mean that you should...!"
And there's no conceivable shortage of DOS computers. There's one or two in every closet/garage/attic of every house in America.
Of course if you ever want to donate it the the church...
No, no, no. In addition to emitting gamma radiation, those early Stamp Bugs are all posessed by demons. 'Tis fit neither for Carol nor church. As I said earlier, I have a disposal site near me where the demons can be exorcized... the only fit place for those accursed things. Get thee behind me, Stamp Bug!
@carol - I second erco's comments about your youtube channel. It is fantastic. You are one robot-building-woman! Keep up the great work.
Here is some interesting old info I found on the Dallas Personal Robotics Group site - http://list.dprg.org/archive/1998-August/006377.html
The first version of this style of robot actually came from a SoCal robotics club - I forget the name of the designer, but it was the "club robot" design. Just like the Penguin's inspiration was David Buckley's walkers, there's usually a predecessor to these ideas.
Looks like everybody is helping you get this programmed, but if there's anything you need from Parallax just drop me a message. We're happy to support this15 year-old product with a programming adapter or whatever else you may need. Chris could also dig up the code from our network, too.
Found this - http://www.jehudahdesign.com/my-robots/stampbug.html
Maybe a gold AND a blue Toddler AND a Stamp Bug 1 AND a Stamp Bug 2.
I don't need anything else.
I need this chair. And this remote.
But I'd trade it all for a plaid thermos.
The world's last remaining Toddlers sit in my office at Parallax. There must be about five or six left, but they slowly disappear because they're not under lock-down. And these are the USA-made versions with the 3-axis ball mill CNC-manufactured legs. Parallax paid $17 a piece for these legs - they're amazing! There was a short period of time when we made cast aluminum legs in China, but they looked cruddy to me in comparison so we brought it all back to the homeland. This took away about $60 of margin from the kit, but the improvement in quality was worth the cost to us!
Now that I know your "currency" I'll have to figure out what I need from you, erco!
Just dug up a few photos. These are the Chinese Toddler legs - they look shiny (and they are) but the precision was lacking. A close look revealed the sand-cast pock marks that kept me awake at night with robo-guilt.
The full CNC legs are more muted, a clear anodized coating. But they're precise, which was important to eliminate slop in this robot.
I better get back to work before the Parallax crew spots me spending too much time on the forums....
http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H1695.html
Off-topic, Ken, you need to play more. Might you or another Parallaxian consider fielding an entry into Jameco's robot contest?
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/149182-Jameco-Robot-Design-Contest
To get all that stuff, you'd need to invent something really great, maybe...
After reading this...
...or for you Propellerheads:
AAACCCKKK!!!
BTW I am pleased to report that a very kind soul offered me an UNBUILT Stamp Bug v1.1 today. This forum is full of wonderful people!
I didn't take the offer right away (too many projects) but I kinda have it in my back pocket, for when I have time. So I won't mention that kind soul's name, lest someone hound them mercilessly for said Stamp Bug!