| First-time BASIC Stamp customers ask about the following:
p.s. You may want to check out our new BASIC Stamp Programming Kit Comparison Page.
What is a BASIC Stamp microcontroller?
A BASIC Stamp microcontroller is a single-board computer that runs the Parallax PBASIC language interpreter in it's microcontroller. The developer's code is stored in an EEPROM, which can also be used for data storage. The PBASIC language has easy-to-use commands for basic I/O, like turning devices on or off, interfacing with sensors, etc. More advanced commands let the BASIC Stamp module interface with other integrated circuits, communicate with each other, and operate in networks. The BASIC Stamp microcontroller has prospered in hobby, lower-volume engineering projects and education due to ease of use and a wide support base of free application resources.
Choosing your BASIC Stamp module
Our web site has a tremendous amount of technical information, possibly asking more questions of the newcomer than answering them! The web site is full of customer applications, interesting projects, and research papers which can help you realize what is possible with our products. Although you're curious about the BASIC Stamp module, I want you to be aware that if you ever develop an interest in embedded Java or even assembly-language programming , we have products to support you in those areas as well. For the time being, let's get back to the BASIC Stamp microcontroller. The key is that you NEED a BASIC Stamp microcontroller, a programming/development board (such as the Board of Education? carrier board), and parts (sensors, components, wires) to experiment with. Each BASIC Stamp module has different features. Shouldn't we just buy the newest BASIC Stamp module to get the largest feature set? Here's the answer.
The original BASIC Stamp microcontroller came out in 1992 - the BASIC Stamp Revision "D" module (same as the BS1-IC). This BASIC Stamp microcontroller has little RAM and EEPROM - limiting your program to about 80 lines of PBASIC. It also doesn't have some of the neat commands in the BS2 series like SHIFTIN/SHIFTOUT (synchronous serial communication) or FREQOUT (multiple sine waves). If it seems so limited then why is the Rev. D. still so popular? It's cheap. Also, because many customers choose it to match the size of their projects. Many of our customers who buy the more expensive BASIC Stamp modules might be able to get by with much less of a BASIC Stamp microcontroller to read simple inputs and control motors, LCDs, etc. But we haven't done a good job supporting the BS1-IC/Rev. D with software - you still need DOS to program the device.
By reading the BASIC Stamp discussion group postings from our customers and talking to most of our technical staff, we'd suggest that you start with the BS2-IC . The BASIC Stamp 2 module is pin and (mostly) code compatible with the BS2SX-IC, BS2e-IC, BS2p24-IC, and BS2pe except these newer modules have additional speed/features and commands. The BASIC Stamp 2 module has a tremendous base of educational support material through our Stamps in Class? program. Current draw is minimal, EEPROM and RAM is often plentiful, and the amount of web support from our customers is immense.
Our product line advancements for the BS2SX-IC and BS2e-IC consisted of additional RAM, EEPROM and speed. The next set of major improvements occurred when the BS2p-24 and BS2p-40 were released. The BS2p has commands for HD44780 LCDs, Dallas Semiconductor 1-wire protocol, Phillips I2C protocol and a polled I/O interrupt feature. Internally, we view the BS2p as replacing the BS2SX-IC and BS2e-IC since it has all the RAM and EEPROM of those modules without the same penalty for current draw. The BS2pe was designed specifically for data logging projects, so the program execution speed is half as fast as the BS2p, but has very low current draw and more EEPROM. If you have a demonstrated need for the BS2p's feature set and have already used a BS2-IC then we suggest you buy it, otherwise stick with the BS2-IC. By the way, if your computer doesn't have a serial port, you will need to purchase a USB to Serial Adapter.
If you still can't make up your mind then review the following information:
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Matching My Budget with a Starter Kit: The type of customer who buys the BASIC Stamp is as diverse as their applications. Considering a range of uses that includes everything from wastewater treatment plant blower control to your typical hobby robot, it's no surprise that we've got about 12 "getting started" solutions! If $169 seems about right then choose the BASIC Stamp 2 Educational Starter Kit with Board of Education programming board and skip this section.
We know that getting started can seem a bit daunting, but trust us, many people have gone before you and are now successfully implementing their design ideas with BASIC Stamp modules , Javelin Stamp? modules , and SX microcontrollers using Parallax training materials and all the support we mentioned above. We do hope you choose to join the adventure too, and are here to serve you if the need arises.
E-mail us and we'll answer your question and update this page at the same time!
What about the other companies that sell a "BASIC Stamp clone" for less? If you've looked into other products that compare themselves to the BASIC Stamp microcontroller dig a little deeper before you get out your credit card. There's much more to buying a product like a BASIC Stamp module than a feature list could possibly demonstrate. Ask about support documentation, user base, reliability and track record in industrial applications, returns, free technical support, customer service and everything else that matters (mostly after the package has arrived!).
Parallax has prospered in the single-board computer business because we have a simple, reliable and well-supported core product and we run an honest business. Parallax is the only place where we'll spend twenty minutes answering your questions and not ask if you're using one or 1,000 BASIC Stamp microcontrollers. Everybody gets professional service and we will continue to offer a very generous warranty/repair and support program.
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