Starter Kits

Jeremy French

Like many, I'm new to the stamp world, but familiar with programming. I'm leaning heavily toward the Javelin, because I much prefer the java language to BASIC, among other things, and secondly, I wish to play with the robotics end, as that's primarily my interest.

However, I'm looking for the cheapest way to get into this. I'm looking at two options:

A) Buy a Javelin Starter Kit and a Robotics Kit

or

Buy a BOE Bot and a Javelin stamp.

The thing is, It would seem that option A is about $120 more when, aside from the manuals (which can be downloaded for free) the components are the same, as far as I can tell. In investigating further, I found that the BASIC Starter Kit is only $149 while the Javelin Starter kit is $239, when the stamps themselves are only $50 different in price, and the Basic Starter Kit seems to have a few more extras.

So I'm assuming there must be something in the Java Starter Kit that I don't understand/recognize that is significantly better than its BASIC counterpart.

Can anyone show me /explain what I'm missing so I can make an informed decision?

Peter Verkaik

One big difference is the development board. The javelin development board in the

javelin starterkit has an onboard rs232 level shifter chip plus DB9 female connector.

For serial communication with other devices or pc programs (eg. hyperterminal) this

extra comport is a must because the javelin program port is not suitable for

communication with other devices than the javelin ide program. Unfortunately this

board is not obtainable seperately. You could of course add your own rs232 level

shifter chip to a basic stamp development board (that comes with the boe-bot).

I think·the difference is mainly due to sales numbers, the basic stamp·has higher

sales rates than the javelin (unfortunately).

regards peter

Chris Savage

Jeremy,

·· Peter is correct.· Another different is the price of the modules...$49.00 for the·BS2 and $89.00 for the Javelin when sold separately.· There are other factors, for example the BASIC Stamp 2 Starter Kit is more popular and therefore less costly to manufacture.

·· In any event you can purchase the BOE-Bot kit and add a Javelin.· One thing to keep in mind is that you will need to use Alkaline Batteries, not rechargeable unless you add an extra cell, since they run at 1.2V.· Another thing is that the Javelin uses a lot more current than the BS2, and therefore will run the batteries down faster.· I hope this information helps.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support
csavage@parallax.com

bulkhead

For the cheapest way, get the javelin stamp($90), super carrier($20), solderless breadboard($8), wire+resistors+switches+leds ($10), several continuous and regular servos ($7 each for continous, $13 or $14 each for regular-you can find cheaper ones for $10 at hobbyshops). Make your robot frame out of angled aluminum or acrylic/plexiglass/lexan, using screws if you have experience with drilling, or just double sided tape and zip ties if you're just experimenting (home depot/lowes is your friend). For additional things like sensors and stuff, you can probably find them at RadioShack (along with the wire and other parts mentioned). If you go this way, you will be doing lots of things yourself (soldering from super carrier board to your breadboard), and you should have a basic knowledge of both programming and electronics.

I was in a similar situation a few weeks ago, and I chose to go this route. The only regret I have is that I bought my USB-serial adapter locally and I could not get it to work with my stamp (even after downloading new drivers). Other than that, everything worked out fine, and I saved a lot of $$$. However, if you don't have any experience with electronics or soldering, just go for a BOE bot or at least the BOE instead of the super carrier.

Jeremy French

Thanks to all of you for your help. I'm not 100% sure yet about my soldering ability. I have soldering skills, but not with electronics - with copper pipes. Certainly I would think some of the skilsets involved would carry over - the basic idea, heating the thing you want soldered instead of the solder, etc. but I also assume there will be differences between soldering 3/4" pipes together and soldering 1/32" of wire to a circuit board. Plus I'd be using a soldering iron instead of a propane blow torch [noparse]:)[/noparse]

Chris Savage

Jeremy,

·· You should definately get some practice first in electronics soldering before working with sensitive components.· A little too much heat on a pin can damage sensitive ICs.· I think Radio Shack has some inexpensive kits that can let you practice.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support
csavage@parallax.com

Kevin Wood

You can get the HomeWork Board What's a Microcontroller Kit for $79 or the Boe-Bot Full Kit for $149 at RadioShack, which are excellent prices. Despite the fact that the BS2 uses PBasic, if you look at the kit documents you will quickly realize that they are teaching much more than just programming.

Here is a link to some soldering resources, including a tutorial:

www.elecraft.com/

It's under the Builder Resources section.

When you buy soldering equipment, resist the urge to buy a $10 iron at RadioShack, and spend ~$35 dollars for a temperature controlled station. You will learn and eventually solder much better. Also, solder in a well ventilated area, and at a minimum get a little desktop fan to blow away the flux fumes.

If you want to get really good at soldering, look for a job doing electronic assembly work, even part-time, for awhile. You'll pick up a good range of skills. One last note, you will also want to get a good set of de-soldering tools. Here is a good source for both:

www.techni-tool.com

They will send you a catalog if you request one.