We've managed to dig up enough parts to get six ScoutWalker III's together in time for Christmas. We'll have them ready by the end of the week for shipping, so if you don't mind waiting for your order to go until then, feel free to pre-order now!
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 that possess a 3 mile line of sight outdoor transmission range and 1000ft indoor transmission range (as opposed to Synapes, which is a synchronized swimming team formed from a family of larger primates). You're probably thinking that XBee is a pretty great wireless communications system with lots of support, and you'd be right. Synapse Wireless is just as great, though, and has longer range at really affordable pricing. Plus, they were used for remotely controlling the costume lighting in Tron Legacy, which adds, like, at least 50 cool points.
One of the problems of using Synapse Wireless modules, however, is that they don't quite have the catalogue of accessories and add-ons (like XBee modules have) to make them easy to use. Well, you're in luck - Solarbotics is here to make them more usable and accessible with two new kits and some documentation to match. If you're more of a visual person, check out this three part video for a rundown of what these modules are, how they work, and what you can do with them:
Solarbotics Synapse-to-FTDI Adapter Kit Want a board that can breakout the Synapse RF module pins, gives you a USB port/FTDI chip to program, supplies it with a regulated 3.3V, integrates a reset switch (for updating & erasing), and also gives you mounting options? Well the Solarbotics Synapse-to-FTDI Adapter Kit can do it all. |
Solarbotics Synapse-XBee Adapter Kit If you want to use Synapse modules in an XBee application, this will let you adapt it to work. With a few extra parts, you can even go back the other way (Xbee modules for Synapse setups). |
We'll keep putting items on discount over the next week, so keep an eye on the Clearance category. That's it for now. Keep in mind that we'll be closed to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving on October 10th. It's still just over a week away, so we'll give you another heads-up next week.
We've managed to dig up enough parts to get six ScoutWalker III's together in time for Christmas. We'll have them ready by the end of the week for shipping, so if you don't mind waiting for your order to go until then, feel free to pre-order now!
Remember those bad-boy wheels you saw on Strongbad? Well, they're now available! But be warned - we don't have the sleeve to fix the 2mm shaft to 1/8" hole diameter gap, so you'll have to improvise something yourself. Otherwise, your robot will have a bit of a lope to its roll!
Updated for May 15, 2020The pickings are getting slim, but we've got more coming shortly. Should be here by the end of the month!
Just a quick addition for now - there was a link submitted from the BEAM mailing list regarding Rod Brooks' papers at MIT. Some very worthwhile reading for those long, summer afternoons in the shade... 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.