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:
You can continue the tutorial with part 2 and part 3.
"That looks cool," you proclaim, "but I need some kinda step-by step written documentation so that I can follow along at my own speed." Well, we got you covered. Here are two helpful tutorials we wrote up to help you :
Hrm, we should probably show you the nifty new kits you'll need, shouldn't we?
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 have a full run-down of all the Synapse items we carry, along with most of the information in this post, which can be found right here.But wait, THERE'S MORE. Well, completely unrelated, but more nonetheless. We're doing a bit of very late spring cleaning (or very early, depending on how you want to look at it), and it turns out we have a few items that we'd like to clear out of our inventory. Today we're starting off with the following LCD modules and accessories from Matrix Orbital:
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 wrapped up our "Zendulums for Japan" support drive, and we're happy to announce we've sold 84 kits for a total of $2,396.07. A donation of $2400 is being processed to Red Cross Japan. Thanks to all for assisting in our little effort to give some help!
Well. Hello there. It's been a while, hasn't it? Have have you been doing? How did that thing end up going for you? And those mutual acquaintances of ours? All doing well, we hope. Except for that one mutual acquaintance. You know, the one with the eye patch and kangaroo. I don't know about you, […]
Well, we're already half-way through December and the days, snow, and cold temperatures keep rolling on. For those of you in need to get some last-minute shopping in before the holidays hit, you're in luck. For the next two weeks (until Dec 29th) we have two totally-awesome Arduino-type deals: Shieldpack (This promotion has ended. Better […]
This is a quick note to announce our holiday schedule, which is going to be as follows: December 24 (Christmas Eve)- 9am to 12pm (half day) December 25 (Christmas Day) - offices are closed December 26 (Boxing Day) - offices are closed December 31 (The Day Before New Year's Day) - 9am to 12pm (half […]
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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.