Switching Power Supply 6VDC @ 500mA CAD15.72/USD11.95 Switching Power Supply - Perfect for Arduino Uno projects! Raspberry Pi NoIR Camera Board v2 - 8 Megapixels CAD52.55/USD39.95 8MP Camera without Infra Red Filter for Raspberry Pi Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2 CAD53.50/USD40.00 New! This 8MP Camera Module replaces the older 5MP unit! 4-channel Relay Arduino Interface […]
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
Motors Are Back!
Just a quick note to announce that we have GM3 and GM9 motors back in stock, which means that Yellow Drum Machine Bundle and Let's Make Robots Start Here Kit are both available again.
New ESP Offerings at Solarbotics
ESP8266 ESP-32 CAD 13.50/ USD 9.99 The much anticipated ESP32 is here!! Bluetooth, Wifi, Dual Core, IoT just became doable! ESP-12F AP+STA Remote Serial Port WIFI Controller / Module CAD9.38/USD6.95 You can't turn over an internet-connected rock without finding an ESP8266 of some sort wired to it. This ESP-12F AP+STA is a solid way to […]
Turkey Time! (and new product too)
Woohoo! It's early October, and that means it's TURKEY TIME for us Canadians! We know, Americans have their Thanksgiving in November, but it's so cold here already that it might as well be November. So to celebrate we're releasing the following items: Make: The Fourth Year Collector's Box Set Breadboard Jumper Wire Bundle LilyPad Slide […]
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.