Well, the pile of stuff we've just got in finally fell on me, forcing me to deal with it. Got some neat new stuff!: GMTT Traction tires for our GMPW and SW wheels. Ideal for mini-sumo robots! GMWW02 Wheel Watcher Encoder kits for the GM2/3/8/9 series gear motors, and GMWWS spacers (needed for GM2 & […]
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.
We'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:
- They're inexpensive. Most of us BEAMers are a cheap lot, scavenging for parts.
- They're SIMPLE. Plug in a USB cable, draw flow-charts, and download the code!
- 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.
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
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We've come across a variety of small batteries that are splendid for the small types of robots we're used to building! A variety of 3.6V and 4.8V packs ranging from 50mA to 300mA capacity means we have something ideal for almost any battery-powered BEAM bot. Check them out in the "New Items" link under "Products", […]
SOPA / PIPA - Slingshots from Abroad
We're a Canadian Company, but the impact of the over-zealously worded American Legislation H.R.3261 "Stop Online Piracy Act" and S.968 "PROTECT IP" will affect foreign Internet sites. Being a central backbone to the Internet, the USA has an uncomfortably large influence on the rest of the English-speaking web, and so it's of our Canadian interest […]
New TINY Pogo Pin Probes
We had some requests for some really, really small Pogo Push Pin Probes (Hmmm...shoulda named them PPPPs...). Anyway, here's the PP8s and the PPH2, which are the "short" version of the PP8 and the necessary holder to mount them. If you have really tight spaces you need to test, these are the probes you'll need!
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!
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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.