The whole 'duino thing is just so much to say, we've got to do it three times. Blame Jerome, our intern... We've got Freeduino version 2.2 back from the assembly line today, and all tests out beeeautifully! New features include an SMD-mounted 16MHz crystal, better power-consumption circuit routing (for battery-operated projects), and "hacking pads" for […]
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!
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Reset Addresses
Hey everyone, just a quick heads-up - there's was a bit of a technical hiccup with some account data, so we've had to clean out any stored addresses. We just know how much fun it is to type it in again, but fortunately any address that's used with an order will automatically get saved to […]
Wednesday Cool Links: Laser Beam RC Tank...
I'm back from vacation! And to celebrate that exciting occasion, we are going to celebrate! With celebratory… celebrations… festivities! And with redundant repetition of words which signifies lack of vocabulary and general brain melting. Looks like it while take a while to completely return, because apparently my brain is still vacationing. I think some science […]
New Catalog!
We've just printed off our latest catalog, and if you've ordered from us in the last year, or asked for one, expect a copy in the mail shortly! Or if you can't wait, download a copy in PDF format now (1.9Mb)!
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.