Full kit, discovery kit, radioshack kit comparison

ande

I was in radio shack yesterday, and saw the cool-looking "What's a Microcontroller BASIC Stamp Kit". I held off on buying it, though, because I saw that it had what was called the "homework" board, versus the full "board of education" board. I used to do microcontroller programming in college, so I am thinking I will probably quickly regret not having any missing functionality between the two. I haven't yet been able to determine the difference between the various product offerings, if any.

So my question is, what's the difference between
the discovery kit: www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=27207
the full board of education kit
and what is being offered at RadioShack: www.parallax.com/html_pages/resources/RadioShack.asp

Subtext: what's the most complete starter kit available?

boeboy

The BOE (board of education) has a appmod header for interfacing various items from parallax, and the BS2 is in a socket so you can upgrade to a different 24 pin stamp module or a javelin stamp.

the most complete set is the BOE I would get that one if I were you

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lets see what this does... KA BOOM (note to self do not cross red and black)

Chris Savage

The most complete starter kit we have is the Discovery Kit, which is available in USB and Serial versions as well as a Serial/USB version. The Discovery Kit contains the BOE, BS2 Module, Complete Syntax & Reference Guide, What’s A Microcontroller Tutorial (same as the Radio Shack Kit) and all the parts needed to complete it. You can find it at the link below. I hope this helps. Take care.

http://www.parallax.com/html_pages/products/kits/starter_kits.asp

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support

Steph Lindsay

Hello Ande,

In the second post at the link below, I listed some comparisons between the Board of Education with BS2 (also in the Discovery kit and Boe-Bot kit) with the HomeWork Board (in the Activity Kit that RadioShack also carries.)

The post was written to help a teacher decide how to outfit his classroom, but it might be useful to you.

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=622203

If you have previous microcontroller experience and want variety, you might be interested in the Professional Development Board, which can use·any of the·BASIC Stamp family of modules as well as SX28 chips (sold separately):

http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=28138

If you want to try·the cutting-edge true multi-tasking microcontroller, check out the Propeller Chip.

http://www.parallax.com/propeller/index.asp

The·Propeller chip PE Kit is the same price range as the kit you saw in RadioShack.· The labs for it are free downloads.

http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=32305

Whatever you choose, have fun!

-Stephanie Lindsay
Editor, Parallax Inc.

ande

Thank you all for the responses, very helpful.

Bill Chennault

ande--

I am a newbie, as well. I have the BOE complete kit (BOE, BS2, parts, and "What's a Microcontroller"; which is EXCELLENTLY written). I also have TWO Professional Development Boards, one of which I bought by mistake but I am not sorry one bit. Additionally, I have the BS2p40. I have learned an enormous amount with this equipment. I have a couple more Parallax books and am working my way through one of them after finishing the "What's a Microcontroller" book. All are great.

If you decide to get the complete BOE, along with the bound text, I think you will be very happy.

By the way, the best resource Parallax offers is this forum and their customer/tech support.

Have fun and good luck!

--Bill





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You are what you write.

Kevin Wood

If you have some experience already, also consider StampWorks. It's a bit more advanced, but you will have a lot more room to grow with the Professional Development Board. You could still use it with the Stamps in Class kits, but you would need to translate the wiring diagrams to the PDB.