I need some direction on where to start.

MikeSab

Hey folks, I'm a total noob who'd like to do a fairly simple project with the BASIC Stamp. I'd try a search, but I don't even know what to search for.

First, I'll tell you what I need: On/off switch, 1-2 buttons for input, 1-2 LEDs, sound device (beeps?). I'd go out today and get the Board of Education but I need the device to be integrated into a self-powered portable container with the I/O devices somehow integrated on the container itself without exposing the Stamp module and components, this goes for battery access also. The container will see some abuse, I intend to use it outdoors in many weather conditions.

Maybe the BOE can be used in this case, I don't know, like I said I'm a noob. But I thought maybe a BASIC Stamp in a configuration intended for a singular purpose might be cheaper to build or be more efficient design-wise than the BOE, which is intended for learning via multiple examples.

Suggestions/directions welcome, thank you!

T&E Engineer

A BOE-BOT from Radio Shack or directly from Parallax I beleive would fill your requirements giving you all the extra parts (e.g. LEDs, pushbuttons, speaker, etc.). However, you would need to get a watertight case or whatever type is required for the BOE circuit board.

However, if size is not a problem and you want to save some $$ then you may want to consider this BS2 OEM board. Keep in mind this is not expandable (e.g. can't upgrade to a faster chip like a BS2px if you need additional speed or EEPROM space) - but it may·fill your needs fine at $30 total sale price + you need to buy the extra components (breadboard, LEDs, speaker, etc.)

http://www.parallax.com/search_results.asp?PAGE=1&txtsearchParamCat=ALL&txtsearchParamMan=ALL&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&txtSale=1

Thanks.

Bruce Bates

Mike -

As you note, this is not a learning venture, rather it's a dedicated use project. Based on that, I see three choices based on your own capabilities, and which Basic Stamp you are planning to use.

If you have the equipment and the knowledge, you could certainly make your own Stamp carrier board, using your own specifications, all of which reflect the requirements of your project, and the specific Stamp you're planing to use. If you don't have such abilities, then you're left with two choices.

If you use a Parallax development board, these choices are fairly well layed out here on their web site:
http://www.parallax.com/html_pages/products/boards/programming_boards.asp

If you're planning to use any of the following Stamps:
BS-2, BS-2SE, BS-2SX, BS-2P24, or BS2PE
you can use either the BS-2 Carrier Board (CB) (#27120) or the BS-2 Super Carrier Board (SCB) (#27130), the latter being the more appropriate choice if you have greater ampacity needs, since it has a separate, larger onboard voltage regulator. The SCB also has a bit more wiring area than the CB. The CB is $24.00 and the SCB is $19.95 but it's unfortunately backordered at the moment.

Lastly, you may wish to purchase your board elsewhere, but you must keep in mind that it must have certain characteristics which will make it appropriate for Stamp use. It must support a DIP-24 socket for the BS-2 module, it must have a power feed which permits the appropriate Stamp voltage, an area for the resonator, an area for the EEPROM, and whatever areas you will need for your ancillary equipment (pushbuttons, LEDs, etc). Then you can purchase the separate Stamp OEM components to mount on such a board from here:
http://www.parallax.com/html_pages/products/basicstamps/oem_components.asp

It should probably also be noted that Parallax offers OEM kits as well, but they generally lack sufficient wiring and mounting space which would need to be provided on a separate board:
http://www.parallax.com/html_pages/products/basicstamps/basic_stamps_oem.asp

Here is a typical board which might work for such an application, which has ample wiring area, provisions for the Basic Stamp (non-OEM). View the PICProto Dual Board ($14.95):
http://www.melabs.com/products/picproto/18pproto.htm

Here is a different approach altogether, using expansion boards:
http://www.bipom.com/bscb.shtm

Regards,

Bruce Bates

Post Edited (Bruce Bates) : 1/20/2006 2:45:46 PM GMT

MikeSab

Lots of good info, thanks guys!

Kevin Wood

I suggest that you consider getting the "What's a Microcontroller" kit from RadioShack, which includes a Homework Board. It comes with pushbuttons, LEDs, a piezo speaker, and more.

The HW board uses a 9v battery, and although the board itself doesn't have an on/off switch, you can easily wire one between the battery & the battery terminal. There are holes on the board to wire-tie the battery, and the BS2 is soldered to the board.