Commercial Applications

JBESES

Hello,

Has anyone developed a commercial application using the Javelin stamp? Can you share some of the project details?

The reason for my question is that I see some interest in the Javelin, but are not quite sure it's viable for real-world solutions. I would really like to learn how it's being used.

Thank you!

allanlane5

The problem with the BS2 and Javelin is that there are much less expensive alternatives if you are manufacturing thousands of units. The typical scenario is to go with a MicroChip PIC or other small processor programmed in 'C'.

Using a Javelin is a wonderful way to get Java experience, and it has a superior real-time response in its 'Virtual Peripheral' code. You also get a *lot* of memory compared to a BS2.

However, for projects that you'll build a few modules, and re-programming is critically important, the Javelin should have a good niche market.

It's also a good proof-of-concept that Java *can* be used for hard real-time applications.

Jon Williams

And the big volume customers that we do sell thousands of units to tend to keep quiet about what products they use. You would be amazed at the list of corporations, from the very small to the GIGANTIC that routinely use the BASIC Stamp in their processes and applications. The Javelin hasn't quite caught on as big as the BASIC Stamp, and yet for the Java programmer who seeks trim embedded control, it is indeed a very good choice.

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Jon Williams
Applications Engineer, Parallax
Dallas Office

JBESES

Thank you for your input. However is anyone using the Javelin in a commercial application?

Jon: I really appreciate your input and participation on the borad. It shows Paralax does care.



JB

Ken Gracey

JB,

I am currently working with a customer who will be implementing the Javelin in his own PCB design. We provide the Javelin Stamp interpreter and he will source the remaining BOM on his own (probably using our sources) to keep the cost low. His unit cost should be around the same as ours for building a module. This particular customer is making some type of hand-held data-collecter/printer/RF transmitter for a kind of specialized shipping use. He will be making 5,000 to 10,000 units.

In his case, he wanted the flexibility of easy reprogrammability. This product could not have been made as easily with a BASIC Stamp. First, he was a Java programmer. Second, he is using the Javelin's UART and PWM VP's.

Ken Gracey
Parallax, Inc.

lbill

JB -

I'm not sure if this is what you mean by comercial, but I consult in a hospital research lab. I've currently got one project running on a Javelin which is a board which listens for rs232 and controls 8 D/As. It is a one of a kind thing. The Javelin with its background uarts are much easier to work with than the BS2. I've got another project in the works where the Javelin listens for clocked serial from a PC and controls the volume and tone or noise source for a test instrument. Once all the bugs are out, this will be deployed in 4 to 6 units replacing some old TTL logic. It should be more reliable and have a better start up state and idle time out (to force silence when not in use). Neither project is doing a lot on the Javelin, but the rapid development by programming in Java makes the cost of the chip small compared to the cost of coding.

lBill

Paul Baker

There is some truth to allanlane5's comments, the cost of the basic stamp and javalin can hamper the choice of them as a platform for large scale commercial production (in prototyping systems and small to medium scale commercial applications there is more leeway in cost/unit). But if your a large manufacturer and market analysis shows that your optimum cost per unit (manufacturing cost, not the sale price)·is under $10, most companies will not see either platform as being a viable solution. But I do forsee in the very near future an explosion of "basic-stamp-like" products·due to Parallax's recent release of SX/B which provides a "basic-stamp-lite" platform·for the cost of a the bare SX chip (since SX/B is free!), couple this with a very fast async SRAM which can be had for around a dollar·when purchased in·large quantities (I'm refering to Cypress's async 128KB 12ns SRAM and other memory from the same line) and you have one very powerful system for a couple dollars. Now if we can pursuade Parallax to release a SX/J (ie java compiler) to directly compile java code onto an SX (this would likely require some external memory for all but the smallest java programs) the world would be perfect (hint, hint, nudge, nudge). But seeing as it took roughly a decade between the release of the first basic-stamp and the release of SX/B.·And the javalin is thier newest pride and joy (and they have every right to be proud of it) you can expect (if thats the correct word) that they will release SX/J in say, 2015 . So don't hold your breath unless you have a serious death-wish.

Paul

Post Edited (Paul Baker) : 11/16/2004 10:21:03 PM GMT