The Googles tell us that 'synapse' is defined as "a junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter." This, however, is one of the rare instances where The Googles are wrong, because what Synapse actually is (according to Jeremie, our tech guy) are RF engines […]
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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More sweet, sweet PICAXE goodness
It appears February 14th is almost upon us, and it's an event that holds emotional significance to the very fibre of our souls. So to celebrate GPS Day (or Oregon Day or Death of the First Cloned Mammal Day or First Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire Day or Department of Commerce Day) we decided […]
Solarbotics at Calgary Comic Expo 2013
Whelp, many moons have passed since we posted last time (er, maybe that's a slight exaggeration), and many a thing have happened. We went to Las Vegas to the Magento conference, lasered some ukuleles, but mostly were in a mad rush preparing for the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo 2013. We teamed up with a […]
GM10 Modifications
Grant has taken some time to document how to turn a standard 81:1 GM10 pager gear motor and turn it into a 9:1 version. Why would you want to do that? You tell me - I'd love to know what project you build with a speed demon like that! Read More...
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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.