Utilizing the BS2pe40 Module...

Mitch

I am working on a project consisting of a control module that can control up to 5 remote Halloween displays. I am using STAMP controllers in the main control unit as well as in the remote controllers for each display. Communications between the main unit and the remotes will be handled by the Bluetooth appmods.

In addition to the APPMOD I would also like to control a serial LCD display, a Sony IR Remote Controller decoder (1 pin) and a bi-color LED and a 7-segment LED (in the main control unit only). It appears that there are not enough I/O pins to go around on the BS2, or any of the 24 pin modules.

Are any pins that are not used by the APPMOD "fair game" to be used by the other devices?

If I needed to use the BS2p40 module, is there a development board available (it appears that it has been discontinued)? One that will support the APPMOD?

Is there an eqivalent to the Super Carrier board available for use in the final product?

Thanks for your help...

Mitch

Chris Savage

Mitch,

Not enough I/O pins is really a subjective term…But the actual available amount on the module doesn’t limit you. If you need an additional 32 I/O lines you can get them using four 74HC595 shift registers. The cost will be 3 of the I/O pins from the BASIC Stamp Module. Adding an additional 32 inputs will cost you only 1 more pin using four 74HC165’s. As for a development board for the BS2p40, the Professional Development Board handles all BASIC Stamps, including the BS1, BS2 (all 24-pin models) and the BS2p40 as well as the SX28. While the Super Carrier Board is for 24-pin Modules only, with the scope of your project you would almost certainly need to create a custom PCB. Take care.

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

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support

jcolonias

Chris,

·You would please refresh my memory as to where I can find a diagram to connect
the 74HC595's to my BS2sxs. Is it enough to get the specs·for it or someone might have written
some programs to interface them?

Thanks for providing this info.

John

Chris Savage

John,

No problem…The Stamp Works Manual covers both the 74HC595 and 74HC165 interfacing, including multiple units. A PDF of the manual and the source code can be found at the following link.· Remember, these additional pins can be used for output or input, respectively, but would not be used for I/O pin specific functions such as PULSIN, PULSOUT, SERIN, SEROUT, etc. I hope this helps. Take care.

http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=27297

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support

Mitch

Chris:

Thanks, thats perfect! I bought a PDB, a power supply and the Stamp Works book; thought I might save a few bucks since I already had servos, 4 line displays, etc. I'm beginning to wish I had bought the full kit with the parts.

I ordered a few of the 595 ICs and a couple of the 165 chips to "play around" with

Thanks for the advice. I'm a very amteur electronics person with 20+ years in the computer field (including LOTS of programming). I'm finding that I have the same zeal for learining this electronics "stuff" as I did computers 25 years ago! I'm like a kid in a candy shop and Parallax and MicroChip (the PIC people) are my favorite candy shops <BWG>.

My goal for the weekend, getting 2 BOE boards talking to a third, central one via the embedded blue AppMods. I'm interested to see the delays associated with closing one connection and connecting to the other Bluetooth module...fun...fun...fun!

Thanks for the help!
Mitch

Chris Savage

Mitch,

I also moved from computer programming (Apple IIc, C= VIC-20, C= C64, etc.) to embedded controllers. If you can wrap yourself around the limited resources microcontrollers have compared to a PC you can accomplish a lot. Often careful planning before building can save hours of frustration. I also find that a flowchart saves me some hair when I get to programming a complex system. But this stuff can be fun if you want it to be. Enjoy and Take care!

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support