Mentioned above several times is an altitude sensor instead of GPS and it could be used for barometric pressure as well. Also mentioned above was 2.4 GHz communication modules.
Application Kit & Custom-made Module for implementing Internet Radio function by using W5100
- Real-time playing of audio files streaming from Internet Radio Station
- Supports Shoutcast, HTTP, MMS server
- Supports both of DHCP and Static IP
- Supports Firmware Update through Network
- Provides User-Friendly Configuration Program
- High Stability and Reliability by using W5100, a fully-hardwired TCP/IP Stack
- RoHS Compliant
======================================================================================
All of this is available from the website:
WIZ-iRadio Firmware & Source Code English
Configuration Tool Program for WIZ-iRadio English
WIZ-iRadio Hardware Schematic English
WIZ-iRadio Part List English
WIZ-iRadio User's Manual V1.0 English
How about a slightly modified version of the Hydra EtherX card that can be breadboarded? I suppose I could solder on some pins, but I don't want to have to replicate the hyrda pinout design. I'm not attacking the new product! No, simply expanding the target audience to all propeller users.
How about a small board that converts the Hydra Expansion Slot to a breadboard compatible pinout. It could be as simple as putting the socket on a board the size of a BS2.
Parallax needs to stock an inexpensive OLED.· It can be used across multiple microcontrollers.· AND, bring your prices down somehow on your accessories; you're getting·beat by SparkFun in that department.· Start stocking more accessories at competitive prices so we order from YOU and pay YOU the markup, not SparkFun and friends.
Post Edited By Moderator (Chris Savage (Parallax)) : 2/2/2009 6:14:30 PM GMT
From the rumblings in the SX forum I get the impression that the SX is a 'better' PIC (at least better than some of the PICs) if only because of the free full featured basic and clock speed. I suggest a document explaining WHY the SX is a better choice than the PIC and then -
a) A 'conversion' manual (if required)
b) Pick one or two of the (very good) 'projects for PIC' books and provide 'parts kits' to allow people to do the projects in the book (or possibly split the components into smaller kits to allow a lower price point)
SeX for Stampers
I fully understand that the 'extra' features of the SX mean that PBasic would not be a suitable 'primitive' langauge for the SX. However, I cannot see any obvious reason why a PBasic - SX/B translator couldn't be produced. If it could then a 'step up' for Stamp users to a system which ran hundreds of times faster and came on a $10 protoboard could be quite welcome.
Microcontrollers for Scaredy Cats
This is going to sound like the professional development board but that is not what I have in mind! What I am thinking of is a 'box' that is essentially pre-wired with a small LCD (20x2 maybe) and a few buttons (you have an appboard like this but 8x2 is too small) and piezo-electric speaker·and then the rest of the pins are exported out of the box to leads with crocodile clips. The box would also need to export a serial port to allow the microcontroller inside to be programmed. Inside the box could be any of your three chips and the kit would come with a 'starter' educational curriculum (like the microcontroller or boe-bot ones)
Project of the Week Kits
I'm going to be extremely unhelpful and not fill in what this means - because that is kinda the point. The biggest issue I have with my son presently is that he doesn't know enough of whats out there to have the ideas for what to do next. I have gone back through the Nuts and Volts columns but the few older ones I tried required parts I could no longer track down. A series of 'simple' kits that had the parts and instructions would be great. Logically they would be stamp based but I would urge you to make the available for SX (and / or propeller) because if these kits are good then kids won't want to take them apart - and $50 for a controller for each one is (IMO) too steep
If the wireless prop-plug route is taken, might I suggest that it is designed to be able to use any wireless system (within reason, of course). This way, you can have the range customizable to your situation. As long as the wireless models fit within certain parameters (9600 baud maybe, with simple serin/serout and no special commands) then you could make it fit your situation.
Also, an airspeed sensor would be nice. I'm thinking something like the ones on airplanes (a small tube type), not the three cup rotating version.
Finally, a power backup system would be useful. Something that has two inputs such as wall plug and screw terminal, and with jumper you can select the priority of which has power drawn from it.
We're all wanting bigger, better, more powerful chips... More cogs. More speed, more more more... what about less?
The reason why the SX is so nice is because of its speed and most importantly, its affordability. They are almost disposible chips.
They are, however, most of the time overkill in the extreme.
What about a new microprocessor that's akin to the small 8 pin pics? A mini-sx or maybe just one cog of a prop? Even that
could be overkill.
A small, very easily programmed (as easy as a stamp) mostly self-contained (internal memory and maybe internal clock) for
about the price, or cheaper than a SX 28 would be snatched up left and right by geeks wanting to get away from the
complexity of both pics and SX chips.
I can also see its commercial aspects as well... not just a hobby product.
Ugha said...
What about a new microprocessor that's akin to the small 8 pin pics? A mini-sx or maybe just one cog of a prop? Even that
could be overkill.
Good point! One cog of the propeller should be fairly easy (read not as difficult as 1/2 an SX) since, if I remember right, the cog of the propeller was developed first, then copied eight times and all the rest. So, give us that early prototype? With a little optimization it should work well.
While one cog from a prop would be a great product... the prop is a little hard to learn and if I read right, it requires a lot of externals as well, doesn't it?
It'd be better to create a mini-sx and use a dumbed down version of the BS2sx PBASIC language to program it... Something that cheap and easy to learn...
You could have grade schoolers programming microcontrollers!
Ugha said...
... the prop is a little hard to learn and if I read right, it requires a lot of externals as well, doesn't it?
Slight diversion from topic, but here goes:
Spin and the general Propeller architecture are certainly different, but they aren't that difficult to learn well enough to use effectively. While certainly not as easy as, say, PBASIC, spin can be self-taught. The key to remember is that the propeller is like a single knife blade: it can do anything, you just have to figure out how to do it. In contrast is the PIC, of which I had the 'joy' of working with recently. The datasheet is 400+ pages! Pins are allocated based on function, you have to figure out specialized commands to do one of a million things, it takes hours to get an environment setup and debug it, and so on. That would be the cheap knock-off Swiss army knife version.
The Propeller has lots of code/software based solutions (such as serial communications) that really allow you to customize the function. It doesn't require lots of hardware to operate. Usually, a resistor is good for operating with 5 volt devices, and for A/D you need a couple of caps too.
Those of you who saw OBC’s post about his trip to Parallax probably know that this thread was brought up in our monthly product planning meeting and those that work to bring new products to Parallax got to look over the list and discuss some of the options. I can’t go into any details, but I thought it was important to follow up with you all and let you know why I requested your input and what it was used for. We look forward to continue to provide our customers with new products and solutions. 2009 should see some new movement in the near future. Take care everyone and thanks for your input.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Chris Savage Parallax Engineering
Of course not! We are always keeping our eyes and minds open to new ideas. I just meant my initial post was directed at getting some new material for the aforementioned product planning meeting. We wanted to begin the new year with some new ideas and you all provided quote a few which we do appreciate.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Chris Savage Parallax Engineering
What it means is that you can now suggest really big ideas like a Propeller powered rocket or deep sea rover, since the idea will have to fester until next year's product planning committee...
So, that said, I will suggest something that will orbit. It doesn't have to be over the top, just something to lift a few pounds. For a reasonable price, of course. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
Maybe Some Aluminium sheets, Plastic Sheets.
Round Platforms, Square Platforms, Counter Weight (BOE-BOT is Front Heavy).
Some Shovel or Plough Kit (To Take out the Trash)
Suspension System.
Ping Advanced Bracket Kit (the sensor can "look" sideways, up and downwards in all directions)
Rear Sensors. (So It knows what is behind it's rear)
Double Stamp BOE, with more ports.
Sports Tyres for BOE-BOT.
Arms.
Longer Jumper Wires.
Alternative Frames.
For Those who want a cheaper Alternative instead of a BOE-BOT with a BOE, try a HOBO-BOT with a HOmework BOard.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
BWIN ON DA POWAH WIFIN U!!!
Some type of digital wireless audio modules, either separate transmitter, receiver pairs or transceiver modules.
The type of modules where you can input streaming audio from a microphone to a A/D on the transmitter end and a DAC and audio amp combo on the receiver end.
More in the walking category...quads, hexapods, bipeds.· I realize you had the Quad and Hex crawler and the Toddler not too long ago and that consumer demand must drive your selection.· There's nobody out there offering a balancing robot kit, albeit not sure if the demand would warrant the r&d.
Interchangeable product lines may also be a possibility toward a·consumer driven·customization.· Given the·customer embrace you have earned over the years, I woul·imagine·there would be plenty of information·that would be shared as they (the customers)·began creating unique things using Parallax components.· Kinda relates back to why the original GI Joe was so popular.
Another concept is to reinvent a formerly discontinued line.· Volkswagen made a mint when they brought back the bug.· Or, perhaps a reintroduction of a new and improved BOEbot with revised BOE features.· Maybe cosmetic covers·for BOEbot·so customers can trick em out.· Thinkin out loug.· Just some thoughts.· Maybe not good ones but hey, this aint my day job.· Personally, I think you guys rock with what you have already launched.·
A propeller coffee mug! Perfect! Cafepress could crank these out if Parallax
didn't want to set this up. (All we need is some official permission. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
Oh, something small that I've been thinking about for a while:
Can you make available those stickers that come with the PE lab that you place on the DIP package to indicate pinouts? Although certainly not a big money maker, it would help all of us poor souls who want to build a prop circuit on a generic board. It's difficult to get the right pinout from a picture when the design rotates/flips the chip.
I'm a bit slow to respond to this thread...
(Busy, busy, busy! Haven't had a chance to play with a Propeller for half a year... )
About accellerometers...
A tri-axis can be bought - assembled on a small breakout board - on sparkfun for about $45
And their '5 degrees of freedom' - twin gyro, tri-axis accelerometer - is $109
It's hard to beat those prices, particularly at the volumes Parallax would be pushing.
Alternative power generation...
Solar cells. There's a lot of small, inexpensive cells out there. Unfortunately, though, most of them are junk but we have no way of knowing before buying them. An even if one shipment is good, the next load may be Smile. Particularly if bealing with some Chinese suppliers.
A decent panel, with controller would be nice.
A decent battery CPU-controlled battery-charger for use on bots...
Possibly a 'wireless' power linkage for it, too.
(coils)
If they can build it into a electric toothbrush, how difficult can it be?
Small electronically-controlled valves, for those DIY 'flowerpot watering' system in the greenhouse, or a hundred other uses...
The inkjet kit...
I may be mistaken, but I believe that Canon makes a lot of·inkjet parts·for use in printing calculators.
(I have a few of these calculators somewhere, slated for butchering... I wonder where I put them... )
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Don't visit my new website...
A video mixer to allow Propeller output to overlay a video camera in real time. Of course, that implies providing a video camera of some sort; either analog or firewire or both.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
How do you like my name change?
aka G. Herzog [noparse][[/noparse] 黃鶴 ] in Taiwan
Post Edited (Loopy Byteloose) : 2/14/2009 12:42:00 PM GMT
First of all there has been alot of good ideas here, but I think there should be a better way to get people into the world of micro controllers/electronics since American children seem to lacking in this area. So hence the following ideas...
A basic stamp 1 or bs2 based 50-in-1 project kit, kind of like what the old radio shack 50-in1 things that radio shack use to have. That way the teachers/instructors could have the basic starter stuff all in one box, which would mean less things to keep track of when dealing with beginners. It would also prevent some one from putting those parts in their pocket and taking them home to use use in their own projects.
And another one for teaching sensors for the beginner.
For something a little more advanced but keeping things in the above format would be a project kit dealing with power supplies and bs1 or bs2 smart battery charging, AC,DC, and solar based charging. Different battery chemistry and how to charge them.
And now for something really advanced...
A boe-bot sized board with a x86 SoC(system on chip) running some form OS(operating system) DOS,linux,winXP,winXP embeded, or any os that would let you log onto your bot to make software changes on the fly.All of the main chips could be on the bottom side of the board with the replaceable i/o parts on top. A new advanced boe-bot course
to teach the more advanced people how to control a robot the way NASA does.(i.e. the mars rovers). The main goal would be to run your bot for as long as possible without touching it.
-dan
icepuck said...
A basic stamp 1 or bs2 based 50-in-1 project kit, kind of like what the old radio shack 50-in1 things that radio shack use to have. That way the teachers/instructors could have the basic starter stuff all in one box, which would mean less things to keep track of when dealing with beginners. It would also prevent some one from putting those parts in their pocket and taking them home to use use in their own projects.
I think you'll find quite a bit of what you're asking for is already here:
I suppose there could be a simplified version appropriate for younger kids, and some kind of box like what you're describing. Frankly, I don't see how Parallax could do anything to ensure that the little parts don't get separated from the kits once they're in the kids' hands: that's something the user is going to have to do.
A sound sensor that would trigger at a user specified threshold. It might also have a band-pass filter so it could respond only to sounds in a specified frequency range.
X10-related devices.
Wireless devices that would allow "nodes" around the house to communicate their status to a master "node".
An easy way to allow the master "node" to put the status of various sensors around the house onto the Internet so a person could monitor their house from anywhere.
A device to allow the home automation system to send SMS messages to my cell phone.
I got to agree with you. I would like to see something like X10. but if I remember right it has a very low data rate. What I think would be better is a cheap transceiver. That way you could have both wired and wireless units.
What about adapter devices to make Parallax products work with other common electronics out there? (Or would this violate copyrights/patents?)
Stuff like adapters to use stamps/SX/Props with the following:
X10 (mentioned above)
LEGO (Mindstorm and such)
Phidgets (Overpriced, but still commonly used)
VEX robotics (This would be a great help to some... me especially [noparse]:)[/noparse]
I guess it'd cause too many legal problems to come out and SAY that it works with these products. I've often seen things that are compatible
with lego say "Interconnecting blocks" or such... Maybe Parallax can do the same [noparse]:)[/noparse]
Chris... you guys are way ahead of me. Honest to God... it seems like all I need to do is think... "I wish ..." and before I can finish my thought, there it is on your web site[noparse]:)[/noparse]
Linear array sensor. Good robotics could be done with a couple of lines of image data.
Cheap xy table.
... a microphone. In order for me to get my PropPhone to work, I had to rip a pre-amp out of a small speaker... it works, but with the video projector and the microphone, I need a suitcase to carry it around.
Not really a new product, but I would like to see a small mod to the protoboard (or possibly just an app note explaining it all to a simple brain)... which is this: I would like an available pin that connects to the reset circuitry so I can cut the brain out of the Protoboard and easily reattach the hardware for programming. I think I found a tiny little hole on the back side that I could attach a small wire to... but it doesn't look like I should do this.
Comments
Thanks,
Grady
Main website: www.wiznet.co.kr/en/
Application Kit & Custom-made Module for implementing Internet Radio function by using W5100
- Real-time playing of audio files streaming from Internet Radio Station
- Supports Shoutcast, HTTP, MMS server
- Supports both of DHCP and Static IP
- Supports Firmware Update through Network
- Provides User-Friendly Configuration Program
- High Stability and Reliability by using W5100, a fully-hardwired TCP/IP Stack
- RoHS Compliant
======================================================================================
All of this is available from the website:
WIZ-iRadio Firmware & Source Code English
Configuration Tool Program for WIZ-iRadio English
WIZ-iRadio Hardware Schematic English
WIZ-iRadio Part List English
WIZ-iRadio User's Manual V1.0 English
=====================================================================================
MCU : ARM7TDMI 32-it RISC CPU (STR710FZ2T6) but we need a Propeller chip.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Aka: CosmicBob
Post Edited (Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL)) : 1/27/2009 4:09:25 AM GMT
Post Edited By Moderator (Chris Savage (Parallax)) : 2/2/2009 6:14:30 PM GMT
From the rumblings in the SX forum I get the impression that the SX is a 'better' PIC (at least better than some of the PICs) if only because of the free full featured basic and clock speed. I suggest a document explaining WHY the SX is a better choice than the PIC and then -
a) A 'conversion' manual (if required)
b) Pick one or two of the (very good) 'projects for PIC' books and provide 'parts kits' to allow people to do the projects in the book (or possibly split the components into smaller kits to allow a lower price point)
SeX for Stampers
I fully understand that the 'extra' features of the SX mean that PBasic would not be a suitable 'primitive' langauge for the SX. However, I cannot see any obvious reason why a PBasic - SX/B translator couldn't be produced. If it could then a 'step up' for Stamp users to a system which ran hundreds of times faster and came on a $10 protoboard could be quite welcome.
Microcontrollers for Scaredy Cats
This is going to sound like the professional development board but that is not what I have in mind! What I am thinking of is a 'box' that is essentially pre-wired with a small LCD (20x2 maybe) and a few buttons (you have an appboard like this but 8x2 is too small) and piezo-electric speaker·and then the rest of the pins are exported out of the box to leads with crocodile clips. The box would also need to export a serial port to allow the microcontroller inside to be programmed. Inside the box could be any of your three chips and the kit would come with a 'starter' educational curriculum (like the microcontroller or boe-bot ones)
Project of the Week Kits
I'm going to be extremely unhelpful and not fill in what this means - because that is kinda the point. The biggest issue I have with my son presently is that he doesn't know enough of whats out there to have the ideas for what to do next. I have gone back through the Nuts and Volts columns but the few older ones I tried required parts I could no longer track down. A series of 'simple' kits that had the parts and instructions would be great. Logically they would be stamp based but I would urge you to make the available for SX (and / or propeller) because if these kits are good then kids won't want to take them apart - and $50 for a controller for each one is (IMO) too steep
David
Also, an airspeed sensor would be nice. I'm thinking something like the ones on airplanes (a small tube type), not the three cup rotating version.
Finally, a power backup system would be useful. Something that has two inputs such as wall plug and screw terminal, and with jumper you can select the priority of which has power drawn from it.
The reason why the SX is so nice is because of its speed and most importantly, its affordability. They are almost disposible chips.
They are, however, most of the time overkill in the extreme.
What about a new microprocessor that's akin to the small 8 pin pics? A mini-sx or maybe just one cog of a prop? Even that
could be overkill.
A small, very easily programmed (as easy as a stamp) mostly self-contained (internal memory and maybe internal clock) for
about the price, or cheaper than a SX 28 would be snatched up left and right by geeks wanting to get away from the
complexity of both pics and SX chips.
I can also see its commercial aspects as well... not just a hobby product.
Any thoughts on this guys?
Good point! One cog of the propeller should be fairly easy (read not as difficult as 1/2 an SX) since, if I remember right, the cog of the propeller was developed first, then copied eight times and all the rest. So, give us that early prototype? With a little optimization it should work well.
It'd be better to create a mini-sx and use a dumbed down version of the BS2sx PBASIC language to program it... Something that cheap and easy to learn...
You could have grade schoolers programming microcontrollers!
Slight diversion from topic, but here goes:
Spin and the general Propeller architecture are certainly different, but they aren't that difficult to learn well enough to use effectively. While certainly not as easy as, say, PBASIC, spin can be self-taught. The key to remember is that the propeller is like a single knife blade: it can do anything, you just have to figure out how to do it. In contrast is the PIC, of which I had the 'joy' of working with recently. The datasheet is 400+ pages! Pins are allocated based on function, you have to figure out specialized commands to do one of a million things, it takes hours to get an environment setup and debug it, and so on. That would be the cheap knock-off Swiss army knife version.
The Propeller has lots of code/software based solutions (such as serial communications) that really allow you to customize the function. It doesn't require lots of hardware to operate. Usually, a resistor is good for operating with 5 volt devices, and for A/D you need a couple of caps too.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Chris Savage
Parallax Engineering
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Chris Savage
Parallax Engineering
So, that said, I will suggest something that will orbit. It doesn't have to be over the top, just something to lift a few pounds. For a reasonable price, of course. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
Post Edited (SRLM) : 2/4/2009 3:13:32 AM GMT
Round Platforms, Square Platforms, Counter Weight (BOE-BOT is Front Heavy).
Some Shovel or Plough Kit (To Take out the Trash)
Suspension System.
Ping Advanced Bracket Kit (the sensor can "look" sideways, up and downwards in all directions)
Rear Sensors. (So It knows what is behind it's rear)
Double Stamp BOE, with more ports.
Sports Tyres for BOE-BOT.
Arms.
Longer Jumper Wires.
Alternative Frames.
For Those who want a cheaper Alternative instead of a BOE-BOT with a BOE, try a HOBO-BOT with a HOmework BOard.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
BWIN ON DA POWAH WIFIN U!!!
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Chris Savage
Parallax Engineering
The type of modules where you can input streaming audio from a microphone to a A/D on the transmitter end and a DAC and audio amp combo on the receiver end.
Mike
More in the walking category...quads, hexapods, bipeds.· I realize you had the Quad and Hex crawler and the Toddler not too long ago and that consumer demand must drive your selection.· There's nobody out there offering a balancing robot kit, albeit not sure if the demand would warrant the r&d.
Interchangeable product lines may also be a possibility toward a·consumer driven·customization.· Given the·customer embrace you have earned over the years, I woul·imagine·there would be plenty of information·that would be shared as they (the customers)·began creating unique things using Parallax components.· Kinda relates back to why the original GI Joe was so popular.
Another concept is to reinvent a formerly discontinued line.· Volkswagen made a mint when they brought back the bug.· Or, perhaps a reintroduction of a new and improved BOEbot with revised BOE features.· Maybe cosmetic covers·for BOEbot·so customers can trick em out.· Thinkin out loug.· Just some thoughts.· Maybe not good ones but hey, this aint my day job.· Personally, I think you guys rock with what you have already launched.·
T-man
"Propeller Inside" stickers -- as well as "Stamp Inside" and "SX Inside", etc.
Parallax Coffee Mugs? (Or Propeller, etc.)
--Rich
didn't want to set this up. (All we need is some official permission. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
OBC
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
New to the Propeller?
Check out: Protoboard Introduction , Propeller Cookbook 1.4 & Software Index
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS
Can you make available those stickers that come with the PE lab that you place on the DIP package to indicate pinouts? Although certainly not a big money maker, it would help all of us poor souls who want to build a prop circuit on a generic board. It's difficult to get the right pinout from a picture when the design rotates/flips the chip.
(Busy, busy, busy! Haven't had a chance to play with a Propeller for half a year... )
About accellerometers...
A tri-axis can be bought - assembled on a small breakout board - on sparkfun for about $45
And their '5 degrees of freedom' - twin gyro, tri-axis accelerometer - is $109
It's hard to beat those prices, particularly at the volumes Parallax would be pushing.
Alternative power generation...
Solar cells. There's a lot of small, inexpensive cells out there. Unfortunately, though, most of them are junk but we have no way of knowing before buying them. An even if one shipment is good, the next load may be Smile. Particularly if bealing with some Chinese suppliers.
A decent panel, with controller would be nice.
A decent battery CPU-controlled battery-charger for use on bots...
Possibly a 'wireless' power linkage for it, too.
(coils)
If they can build it into a electric toothbrush, how difficult can it be?
Small electronically-controlled valves, for those DIY 'flowerpot watering' system in the greenhouse, or a hundred other uses...
The inkjet kit...
I may be mistaken, but I believe that Canon makes a lot of·inkjet parts·for use in printing calculators.
(I have a few of these calculators somewhere, slated for butchering... I wonder where I put them... )
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Don't visit my new website...
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
How do you like my name change?
aka G. Herzog [noparse][[/noparse] 黃鶴 ] in Taiwan
Post Edited (Loopy Byteloose) : 2/14/2009 12:42:00 PM GMT
A basic stamp 1 or bs2 based 50-in-1 project kit, kind of like what the old radio shack 50-in1 things that radio shack use to have. That way the teachers/instructors could have the basic starter stuff all in one box, which would mean less things to keep track of when dealing with beginners. It would also prevent some one from putting those parts in their pocket and taking them home to use use in their own projects.
And another one for teaching sensors for the beginner.
For something a little more advanced but keeping things in the above format would be a project kit dealing with power supplies and bs1 or bs2 smart battery charging, AC,DC, and solar based charging. Different battery chemistry and how to charge them.
And now for something really advanced...
A boe-bot sized board with a x86 SoC(system on chip) running some form OS(operating system) DOS,linux,winXP,winXP embeded, or any os that would let you log onto your bot to make software changes on the fly.All of the main chips could be on the bottom side of the board with the replaceable i/o parts on top. A new advanced boe-bot course
to teach the more advanced people how to control a robot the way NASA does.(i.e. the mars rovers). The main goal would be to run your bot for as long as possible without touching it.
-dan
I think you'll find quite a bit of what you're asking for is already here:
www.parallax.com/tabid/182/List/0/CategoryID/67/Level/a/SortField/0/Default.aspx
I suppose there could be a simplified version appropriate for younger kids, and some kind of box like what you're describing. Frankly, I don't see how Parallax could do anything to ensure that the little parts don't get separated from the kits once they're in the kids' hands: that's something the user is going to have to do.
A sound sensor that would trigger at a user specified threshold. It might also have a band-pass filter so it could respond only to sounds in a specified frequency range.
X10-related devices.
Wireless devices that would allow "nodes" around the house to communicate their status to a master "node".
An easy way to allow the master "node" to put the status of various sensors around the house onto the Internet so a person could monitor their house from anywhere.
A device to allow the home automation system to send SMS messages to my cell phone.
Stuff like adapters to use stamps/SX/Props with the following:
X10 (mentioned above)
LEGO (Mindstorm and such)
Phidgets (Overpriced, but still commonly used)
VEX robotics (This would be a great help to some... me especially [noparse]:)[/noparse]
I guess it'd cause too many legal problems to come out and SAY that it works with these products. I've often seen things that are compatible
with lego say "Interconnecting blocks" or such... Maybe Parallax can do the same [noparse]:)[/noparse]
Linear array sensor. Good robotics could be done with a couple of lines of image data.
Cheap xy table.
... a microphone. In order for me to get my PropPhone to work, I had to rip a pre-amp out of a small speaker... it works, but with the video projector and the microphone, I need a suitcase to carry it around.
Not really a new product, but I would like to see a small mod to the protoboard (or possibly just an app note explaining it all to a simple brain)... which is this: I would like an available pin that connects to the reset circuitry so I can cut the brain out of the Protoboard and easily reattach the hardware for programming. I think I found a tiny little hole on the back side that I could attach a small wire to... but it doesn't look like I should do this.
Thanks for asking
Rich