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BS2 compared to Javelin? — Parallax Forums

BS2 compared to Javelin?

Tom FTom F Posts: 59
edited 2005-08-22 14:49 in General Discussion
I’m a newbie. I’m going to do a small, hobby project, with Hall Effect, GPS, temperature, accelerometers, LCD, maybe even the touch-screen someday! I want it to run on batteries, be fairly rugged (biking in·40F temperature) ·and possibility be able to collect a lot of GPS points for download to Excel…

I’m told that the BS2 is a good place to start, but, ·I’m not excited about learning YAB (Yet Another Basic, my first, GE/Dartmouth Time-shared at 10 cps!, being almost 40 years ago)· I have some Java experience, spend my days in Delphi, and am excited about the possibility of working through the Javelin exercises.

I have some Heathkit experience (WA3HDV/AF7Q), can solder and use a· VOM, but can’t design or repair hardware.

Does the Javelin make sense for a beginner like me, considering my needs and experience? Is there adequate sample code Java code for these devices?

What would be a good starter kit for me to learn and to breadboard all this stuff?

Comments

  • Steve JoblinSteve Joblin Posts: 784
    edited 2005-08-20 18:49
    I would go the BS2 route first... that way, you can download all of the Stamps-in-class curricula.· Start with the "What's a Microcontroller" course.
  • allanlane5allanlane5 Posts: 3,815
    edited 2005-08-22 14:49
    Yes, use the BS2 first. It takes less power, has more examples, and is MUCH easier to program than Java. The PBasic language is a very nice, non-line-numbered version of Basic. It has subroutines, but no local parameters (all variables are global).

    On the other hand, if you use the Javelin, you get Java bragging rights. It uses a subset of Java (no tasks, no garbage collection), and has a single-stepping debugger (which is awfully nice).

    On the whole, I'd still want to build my first prototype with a BS2, then swap in a Javelin if it seemed appropriate.
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