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Question about the Propeller Mini — Parallax Forums

Question about the Propeller Mini

LegonigelLegonigel Posts: 12
edited 2013-09-23 10:43 in Propeller 1
Hey all,

I am looking at using the propeller mini in a board and would like to know what is the row spacing between the two headers is? I was trying to figure it out. It seemed, based on my best guess, that the spacing is 0.7in. Standard IC spacing is 0.6in. I would like to mount it in a socket, such as this.

Thanks,
Nigel

Comments

  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2013-09-19 08:24
    Spacing is 0.7" (700 mils).
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2013-09-19 08:56
    Chris Savage wrote: »
    Spacing is 0.7" (700 mils).

    Chris,

    wasn't this supposed to be a replacement for the SpinStamp that had a form factor of .1 x .6" but with different pinouts?

    (I don't have one to measure)

    Jim
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2013-09-19 09:01
    Not a drop-in replacement. Just a small form-factor module with optional headers, so you're not forced into plugging it into a socket or breadboard. On the other hand, it has both 5V and 3.3V regulators on board.
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2013-09-19 09:19
    Chris Savage wrote: »
    Not a drop-in replacement. Just a small form-factor module with optional headers, so you're not forced into plugging it into a socket or breadboard. On the other hand, it has both 5V and 3.3V regulators on board.

    But wouldn't same form factor, ie pin spacing, mean 0.6" width ?

    If it is 0.7", that's non-standard and should be mentioned on the product page.
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2013-09-19 11:22
    That is why the following is on the product page on our website. :innocent:

    CAUTION: Although it is of a similar size and form factor, the Propeller Mini is not pin-compatible nor code-compatible with the discontinued Spin Stamp (Parallax #SS1-IC). Do not attempt to plug a Propeller Mini into any socket meant for a 24-pin BASIC Stamp module.
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2013-09-19 11:25
    As for the original poster, you can use two SIP sockets in your board to install the Propeller Mini into. I hope this helps. Notice this is done with the PPDB for the Propeller Chip, even though it does have standard 0.6" spacing.

    ppdb.jpg
    ppdb.jpg
    700 x 383 - 63K
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2013-09-19 11:52
    CAUTION: Although it is of a similar size and form factor, the Propeller Mini is not pin-compatible nor code-compatible with the discontinued Spin Stamp (Parallax #SS1-IC). Do not attempt to plug a Propeller Mini into any socket meant for a 24-pin BASIC Stamp module.

    Well, to be perfectly honest, I think that disclaimer needs to be more clear. Nothing about it indicates that it won't fit in a standard socket. I read the description at least three times before I bought one and was still unaware that it had non standard pin spacing. Not "pin-compatible" usually just means pin order or function differences.
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2013-09-19 15:00
    RDL2004 wrote: »
    Well, to be perfectly honest, I think that disclaimer needs to be more clear. Nothing about it indicates that it won't fit in a standard socket. I read the description at least three times before I bought one and was still unaware that it had non standard pin spacing. Not "pin-compatible" usually just means pin order or function differences.

    Thanks everyone for your feedback. I have passed on this information to the person who handles this product.
  • Nick ErnstNick Ernst Posts: 138
    edited 2013-09-19 15:18
    Hey All,
    The Propeller Mini was not designed nor intended to be a drop in replacement for the Spin Stamp. In fact, it was specifically widened so as not to lead people to the assumption that they could plug it in like the old Spin Stamp, and to allow for the added functionality and components. The Mini was designed to be a standalone device, as I am currently working on adapter/proto boards for the Mini that allow you to make a 6DOF IMU as well as other modules out of it. All in all, the Mini does not fit and conform to a 0.6" socket because it was never intended nor designed to. I will be sure to add a dimensional drawing to the available downloads for the module, as I hope this will help prevent any future confusion.
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2013-09-19 16:22
    Chris Savage wrote: »
    CAUTION: Although it is of a similar size and form factor, the Propeller Mini is not pin-compatible nor code-compatible with the discontinued Spin Stamp (Parallax #SS1-IC). Do not attempt to plug a Propeller Mini into any socket meant for a 24-pin BASIC Stamp module.

    Everything about the above makes it sound like it does fit. Why explain the above when the module will not even physically fit? I would suggest the following as being more clear.

    Note: The Propeller MIni has 0.7" row spacing while the Basic Stamp modules have a 0.6" row spacing. The Propeller Mini will not fit into any socket meant for a 24-pin BASIC Stamp module.
  • pmrobertpmrobert Posts: 675
    edited 2013-09-20 07:00
    Exactly. If the point is made that it's purposely physically incompatible that's clever and prevents expensive disasters. As worded it's not even vague; it's not addressed at all. Although the caution is accurate it's not complete.
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2013-09-20 08:26
    Actually, this seems a little more clear to me:

    Note: The Propeller MIni has 0.7" row spacing. The Propeller Mini will not fit into a standard 0.6" wide DIP socket.



    I understand the need to disambiguate the Propeller Mini from the Spin Stamp and that caution should remain, but probably reworded. All that really needs to be stated is:
    The Propeller Mini is not pin-compatible nor code-compatible with the discontinued Spin Stamp (Parallax #SS1-IC).
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2013-09-22 01:19
    I am not sure how much the OP really desires to socket the Propeller Mini. It can be done.

    While it won't fit into a standard 24pin DIP socket (0.6" spacing), the end-user can make a board that will have the right spacing (0.7" spacing) and install two 12 pin strips of sockets to make in remove-able.

    If you can't find appropriate strips, you can cut a 24 pin DIP socket in half a Dremel saw and remove the stubs.

    Be sure to check the size of the header pins that you solder to the Mini as some are just too fat for working well with any socket arrangement.
  • LegonigelLegonigel Posts: 12
    edited 2013-09-23 10:43
    Thanks everyone for the responses. That clears everything up. As Chris said, I'll just use two sets of headers with the correct spacing. Even if I decide I don't want it in a socket, when I make a board I would need to know the spacing for through holes.
    I do think that the different physical factor is good to reinforce the incompatibility with the spin stamp.
    One thing though: the phrasing of "Although it is of a similar size and form factor" made me want to think that the two devices were the same form factor. Maybe if it were to say that 'the device is not physically-compatible, pin-compatible, or code-compatible' then it would be more clear .

    Again, Thanks for the help,
    Nigel
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