So, like, it's that magical time of year where we of Albertaville, Canada get a long weekend. We don't even have a reason anymore. We just figure that we ought to have one, so we come up with a name that sounds semi-official and run with it. "Quick, we need to figure out what to […]
Sumovore Brainboard - the PICAXE!
Dave Hrynkiw
November 5, 2008
It's been a bit long in the coming, but it's finally here: The Sumovore PICAXE Brainboard for the Solarbotics Sumovore!
One of the biggest tripping points we see from going from the pure digital/analog realm of BEAM to microcontrollers is learning the ins-and-outs of microcontrollers. The PICAXE nicely fills this void by offering a programming interface that is ...just a flowchart! Draw your logic diagram, hit program, and you're off and running!
We initially designed the PICAXE Brainboard to support both the 18X and 28X1 chips, but we've decided to simply package the kit with the PICAXE-28X1, which is a $10.50 chip itself. The 28X1 has enough I/O to support all the sensors (the 18X only supports 3 edge sensors), plus it has more memory and support for I2C (handy with several I2C-It sensors).
Here are the specifics:
- Support for the PICAXE-18X, 28X/28X1 microcontrollers
- Easy PICAXE 1/8” jack programmer interface
- 5 indicator LEDs
- Official PICAXE PWM Interface IC to drive motors
- Microprocessor reset switch
- Standard 0.1” expansion interface holes for breadboard add-ons
- Spot for optional resonator for more accurate timing
It's another convenient way to expand the capabilities of your Sumovore!
MORE POSTS
Shok Circuits
Here's a little something from Grant in the development lab - a very simple pair of circuits based on Mark Tilden's Bicore Shok architecture. This circuit makes for a very simple, effective Photovore robots, or even a photo-head. Take a look - schematics & parts listed included! We've also added a gallery entry for these […]
More new stuff?
What's going on here? We haven't had this much new product come online so quickly since... since... well, let's just say "in quite a while!" Here's a book to add to your bookshelf: "Building Robot Drive Trains" by Clark & Owings. It's an excellent text on anything you need to know about putting power & […]
University BEAM Projects
The University of of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been running a BEAM-style mechatronics program (GE100) for the last few years. The purpose of the class is to build a self-powered device that can propel itself over both smooth and rough terrain, using a pair of servos and a BEAM-style servo-controller circuit (similar in function to […]
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.