Connecting Compass and Accelerator modules to Super Carrier Board

DomB

Hi all,

I have bought the following:

1 x BS2
1 x Super Carrier Board
1 x H48C tri-axis accelerometer module
1 x HM55B compass module

I would like to connect the modules to the SCB but it's not making much sense to me and I'd like to ask if there's an image anywhere demonstrating how the module pins are connected.

From what I can tell from the modules' data sheets, the pin numbers relate to the numbered holes on the SCB. Does this mean I need to attach wires to the modules in order to connect them to their corresponding numbers on the SCB? This seems the only way to do it, which kind of defeats the point of having the pins in uniform rows that synch with the holes on the board.

I know this is a very basic question but I don't want to mess up.

Many thanks in advance.

Dom.

Mike Green

Have you looked at the documentation for the HM55B and the H48C? These show examples for connecting them to a Stamp. The SCB just brings the Stamp connections to the prototyping area (along with regulated power). The prototyping area is designed for mounting a few ICs so that they straddle the power connections that run down the left center of the prototype area. This is intended so that they are easily accessible to the ICs with short (or no) jumpers. The two sets of rows of connected triplets of holes are intended to allow easy wiring to the IC pins and the Stamp pins are to the left of these.

1) I strongly suggest that you make a copy of the layout of the prototype area of the SCB that's on the schematic (www.parallax.com/dl/docs/prod/schem/supercarrierbd.pdf) and use that to draw out how you'd mount your ICs and how you'd make connections.

2) Use sockets (0.1" header sockets) for the HM55B and H48C and solder the sockets to the prototype area. If you should ever want to remount the sensors remotely, you will be able to do it. If you solder them in place, you'll have a tough time removing them. I believe Parallax can sell you the header sockets. Lots of other vendors also sell them in strips.

3) It is very rare that the numbering of IC pins would match the way they need to be connected to adjacent circuitry. You will need wire jumpers. I like to use wire-wrap wire. It's fine, comes in several colors, takes solder well. The insulation doesn't melt when heat is supplied although you really need a wirewrap stripper to take it off cleanly ... I have a cheap one that works fine ... has a slotted piece of spring steel that you just slide the wire into and pull.