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| 1st SuperSTAMP - marriage of Stamp & Propeller |
The SuperSTAMP is a very powerful BASIC Stamp "module" made from a Parallax BS2 Board of Education and a Propeller Proto Board. The added features and resources create added capabilities and power that go far beyond the original Stamp.
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| SuperSTAMP sets on the green work pad |
How was the SuperSTAMP born? During the 2010-2011 time period, the Big Brain project developed a Brain Stem. As it was receiving more wiring, a transformation took place. Upon completed, it became a fully functional integrated module inside the giant brain and it also became the world's first SuperSTAMP built from Big Brain technology!
PHOTO: In November of 2010, the first Brain Stem was completed and tested. Seen here it sets on the green pad for further analysis. At that time, the Brain did not exist and was only a vision in the mind's eye!
The SuperStamp was first blogged within the Parallax Forum "Fill the Big Brain" thread. It was a transformation from a working Big Brain Stem. The duality of Stamp and Propeller enabled the creation of a SuperSTAMP, much more powerful than a single stamp, more powerful than a single Propeller, with 9 cores instead of 1 or 8.
A nine core machine
Communications was developed and tested on the first Propeller positioned above the first BS2 which became known as the SuperSTAMP. The SuperSTAMP is another project developed to give maximum power to a BASIC Stamp. The SuperSTAMP mates to the PPPB and consists of both Tx and Rx programs along a common protected BUS. It's essentially a BASIC Stamp enhanced with the addition of one propeller chip that adds eight additional cores.
Robotic Brain Stem Discovery Thread
http://forums.parallax.com/showthrea...611#post955611
Overview
The Brain Stem is one of the most important parts of the Brain. It resides below the Brain Base. The Stem passes signals like a nerve center for reflex, muscle and primarily mobility control. It harnesses mobility software to give the brain motion control.
Compatibility
The Brain Stem has another purpose. It serves as a commonality compatibility interface with other processor-based robots, for example, Parallax robots using BASIC Stamps. It is also compatible with Propeller-based robots, including the Boe-Bot, SumoBot, S2, Stingray, QuadRover, and is an ideal candidate for the Robot Base Full Kit.
SuperSTAMP
Communications was developed and tested on the first Propeller above the first BS2 which is known as the SuperSTAMP. The SuperSTAMP is another project developed to give maximum power to a BASIC Stamp. The SuperSTAMP mates to the PPPB and consists of both Tx and Rx programs along a common protected BUS.
COMMUNICATIONS
Revealing SUPERSTAMP test code
This chronicles the development of test code, phase I, for the Brain Stem. Note, the Brain Stem is made up from two boards, a BOE and a PPPB.
Wiring
Important wiring note. The schematic shows a Propeller to Stamp connection but does not show the lines running from Vss to Vss. Note that Vdd to Vdd is not implemented as the Propeller is a 3.1-volt device and the Stamp is a 5-volt device. The actual feed is from the Stamp regulator to gain the 5-volts and from the external power supply to gain the 3.1 volts.
Programming Code
Brain Stem code consists of one folder with three files.
PROP-BS2 LEVEL5.bs2
PROP-BS2-LEVEL5.spin
BS2_Functions.spin
Load the first program into the BS2. This will act as the receiver. Load the second "Propeller" program and run it. This is the transmitter.
Testing
In the test, the Propeller is continually talking to the Stamp and the Stamp is listening. The Stamp code makes use of the the Debug screen for output.
Error Detection
The code also has error detection. If the system hangs, a timeout occurs and a message is given. Following this, the loop will continue looking for the next character.
Prop to STAMP Voltage Levels
The BUS data transmission from the Prop to the Stamp is a compatible voltage level.
ORIGINAL DISCOVERY THREAD
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/124495-Fill-the-Big-Brain?p=982969&viewfull=1#post982969
CODE DOWNLOAD
brainstem code.zip
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