SMARTBEAM! Ok, it's really microcontroll...

Dave Hrynkiw
October 2, 2008

It's been in the coming for a while, and now is the time to release it to the webosphere (yes, I said "Web-o-sphere").

Since Solarbotics Ltd. took over HVW Technologies, we simply couldn't ignore some of the benefits of microcontrollers. Really, they're not that scary. Many of them even look like our good friend the 74AC240 IC.

PICAXE Starter kitWe're starting our blending of technologies with the PICAXE line of microcontrollers. These have some specific features that make them very usable with BEAM projects:

  1. They're inexpensive. Most of us BEAMers are a cheap lot, scavenging for parts.
  2. They're SIMPLE. Plug in a USB cable, draw flow-charts, and download the code!
  3. They offer suitability. With over 13 types from very simple and small (08 series) to the powerful 40X1 series,  you can pick the right tool for the job, without overkill. How BEAM-ish.

So if you've become too comfortable with your latest techniques, try something new. Stretch your brain, and check out the PICAXE. We've even got starter packs, and a book!


Besides the PICAXE, we're also dabbling with the Freeduino SB. This is a project spawned from the Arduino project out of Italy. It's an open-source hardware and software project using the Atmel ATmega168 microcontroller.The really cool thing is that that it's open-source, there's a huge world-wide community of developers and users, so there's lots of help, source-code, and examples to start with.Freeduino SB

It's more expensive than the PICAXE, but it's a different beast. Where the PICAXE is generally just the chip, Freeduino is a full system. Besides the microcontroller, the Freeduino includes:

  • USB interface (so you just plug it into your PC to use it. That's it!)
  • Programming software usable on Windows, Mac, and Linux,
  • Programming language that is C-like, but simpler
  • Built-in voltage regulation, indicator LEDs and a FUSE. How beginner-friendly is that? (Very!)

So if you're more programming savvy than flowcharts and BASIC, check out a Freeduino SB, and do some web-searches. It's an very useable, handy platform!

MORE POSTS

March 21, 2018
Project: Experiments in Watermelon Filam...

It takes a while to get to know all the quirks of your 3D printer and filament well. We thought we'd add to the knowledge base and share what we've learned about using the eSun 1.75mm PLA filament in Glass Watermelon Red on our Kossel Pro delta style 3D printer.

April 30, 2007
Dave Hylands is only a marginal friend o...

Although he has purchased from us, and used our products (the "Secret Motor Driver") in his prize-winning minisumo "Stinger", we, as Solarbotics officially declare Mr. Hylands only "marginal" friend. You see, Solarbotics sent a few of our robots to the University of Northern Idaho's mail-in minisumo contest, and again he's served our own tuckus back […]

June 1, 2012
New Product Friday: Introducing the Sola...

Lights. They're so purdy. Whithout 'em, we'd have one heck of a time to find things that would hypnotize us so effectively. So this week we have a few different LEDs that we're now carrying as well as... A NEW KIT! That's right, we're releasing a brand-new Solarbotics item with built-in blinky light technology. The […]

February 27, 2013
Wednesday Cool Links, and Thanks for the...

Hello!  Today I actually have stuff to say, and this time these are the news on the Useless Box. Looks like it's time to receive thanks! Remember back in November 2012 when we decided to donate $1100 to Plan Canada from a percentage of past sales of Useless Boxes? They sent us a nice thank […]

Solarbotics Ltd Logo
Solarbotics has been operating for more than 25 years, bringing electronics know-how and supplies to both the electronics professional and hobbyist. We'll be happy to help you too!

Solarbotics, Ltd. is not responsible for misprints or errors on product prices or information. For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.

Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information. This item was manufactured prior to August 31, 2018.

Copyright © 2024 Solarbotics Ltd. All Rights Reserved
cart