We're still digging out the new inventory, and the next addition to the Solarbotics lineup is the RW2i, which is the same profile and rolling size as our very popular RW2, but is designed with a narrow hub.We're able to do this by moving the set-screw hole inside the hub, so to cinch the screw […]
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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So ya think you can buy stuff, huh?
When it rains, it pours! We're addition to the IT position search (some good candidates BTW, thanks very much), we're now also looking for somebody to slide in behind the purchaser desk. Here's what the job entails: Watch stock levels (physical and in Quickbooks, because bits can't always be trusted over bytes), and reorder necessary […]
Calgary ProtoSpace Open House
Calgary's fledgling hacking group is hosting an open-house at the ProtoSpace on October 27 November 3rd. We're planning to be there - come on down!
Closed Friday, November 11th (Remembranc...
Usually when it comes time to do these find-a-witty-way-to-describe-why-we-won't-be-in-the-office-for-a-holiday posts, we like to ponder the deeper meanings of the universe while mixing in a healthy dose of the absurd with a side helping of (rather questionable) humour. But this time around, we have nothing. Remembrance Day is an important event, and we have nothing but […]
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Please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information. This item was manufactured prior to August 31, 2018.