List of BASIC Stamp Supermachines

Left to right supermachines: BSS, SEED, 4DSC, Penguin, 2 Stamp, Tricore, TSS

Baby Stamp Supermachine

LIST OF BASIC STAMP SUPER MACHINES 
BASIC Stamp Super Machines: it's all in the name... designed to represent the nature of super computing by comparing the power of one stamp to the increased power of a machine with many stamps.

The BASIC Stamp Supermachine
is a demonstration of basic principles to take some characteristics of a supercomputer, in particular the notion of larger multiples of relatively simple processors communicating over a common bus, each doing a portion of a task in parallel.

BASIC Stamp Supermachines range from the smallest 2 Stamps machines all the way up to the largest Giant 81 Stamps machine and the behemoth 140 Stamps machine.

The index/list includes the entire family of (fifteen) BASIC Stamp Supermachines and a brief summary of the the key points of each machine. BASIC Stamp Supermachines range from low cost simple to construct machines all the way up larger units built over a decade in time. So there's a project within everyone's grasp in terms of affordability and level.

BSS - BASIC Stamp Supermachine
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/06/basic-stamp-supercomputer.html
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765140
1st hobby supercomputer using BASIC Stamps. Popularized putting together many processors to make a more powerful machine. Improved and upgraded to contain over 20 stamps.

Penguin with 12 Brains - World's Smartest Parallax Penguin Robot
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/penguin-with-12-brains-basic-stamp.html
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765509
In this project, Penguin's mono brain was connected to the BASIC Stamp Supercomputer. This created the potential to add on more processor brains, write 16,000 programming instructions, add all the resources of the Basic Stamp Supercomputer, include 176 controlling ports, color uOLED display, green screen LCD, ultrasonic vision, presence sensors, more memory, speech in English and Chinese... 

SEED - Baby BASIC Stamp SEED Supermachine
Self Enumerating Evolving Deterministic
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2012/07/seed-supercomputer.html
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2012/07/seed-supercomputer-part-2.html
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=817126
World’s 1st living stamp supercomputer. Ten Stamp processors - each is a life form. They are born, develop a unique personality, talk to neighbors, remember conversation, recall information, do work, nap, sleep, and dream. Includes wireless transceiver. SEED was originally named the Baby Stamp Supercomputer and contained a crown bearing the logo.

TRICORE Stamp Supermachine
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/tricore-basic-stamp-supercomputer.html
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=822511
With three cores, for testing and developing other supercomputers. Three Stamp processors equal the minimum requirement to test and develop the Stamp SEED Supercomputer. Capable of rapid load/test for multiple processor code. Includes lite version of Tiny AI life form code from Stamp SEED Supercomputer.

MSS - MINUSCULE Stamp Supermachine
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/minuscule-stamp-supercomputer.html
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=821451Minimal Two Core Machine. Smallest possible supercomputer, lowest cost, increases power of one processor. Contains two processors. Used for testing/writing code related to connecting Stamps together, establishing baud rates, timing/syntax, and exploring various network configurations.

TSS - Tiny BASIC Stamp Supermachine
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/tss-tiny-stamp-supercomputer.html
January/Feb. 2011 issue of Robot magazine, page 16 in the LERN section 
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/126245-Tiny-Stamp-Supercomputer-TSS

The world's 1st first hand-held BASIC Stamp Supermachine. Absolutely most powerful, considering it has the smallest footprint with many tiny networked processors. Has its own book with 30 fun projects. Includes Architecture, Assembly, Programming, Tutorial, Applications, Complete Code. The TSS has multiple computers, LCD green screen output monitor, radio transmitter, receiver, speakers for sound output, breadboard real estate and a 64K EEPROM memory board interfaced to a tiny Hub. The TSS Stamp supercomputer is so small, it will fit into a soup bowl or coat pocket. Includes special features such as hardware programming "on the fly."

MOM - Master Offloader Machine (10 BS1s)
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2012/01/master-offloader.html
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765140
The Master Offloader Machine was conceived from the need to offload intensive duties of the Master Computer in the BASIC Stamp Supermachine (BSS). MOM was the first supercomputing project to show that connecting together multiple BASIC Stamp 1s and Stamp 2 flavors was possible. Contained ten processors.

TWO STAMP BSS (BS2sx + BSpx)
Two-Stamp BASIC Stamp Supermachine
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/2-stamp-bss.html
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765140
Established the wiring for connecting a BS2sx to a BS2px BASIC Stamp processor. Amplified the power of one Stamp. This is entirely different from the Minuscule Stamp Supermachine which used the same BASIC Stamp processors. Discovered the interaction of two dissimilar Stamps wired together.

AM - The Algorithm Machine (Two Stamp 1 Project Boards)
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2010/08/am-algorithm-machine_24.html
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2010/09/brain-build-1_13.html

3DSC - Three Dimensional Stamp Supermachine
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/3dsc-worlds-1st-3d-stamp-supercomputer.html
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=799604
World’s first 3D Stamp Supermachine to explore a multi-dimensional universe. Initially designed for simple space-time simulations. Includes three networked BASIC Stamp 1’s using Dx boards. Upgraded to include two servo-driven moving cores. Many applications developed for advanced hobbyists, students, teachers, designed for classrooms, high school Physics and advanced university level experiments with sound, light, time, motion, heat, etc. Upgraded with a Stamp 2 coprocessor.

4DSC - Four Dimensional Stamp Computer Morphing Supermachine
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/4dsc-4d-stamp-computer.html
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/112082-World-s-1st-3-Dimensional-Stamp-Computer-(3DSC).-Upgrade-4D-Morphing-Computer?p=801051&viewfull=1#post801051
With the invention of the ASP, Automatic Space Positioner, the 3DSC was upgraded to the 4DSC by adding on additional dimensions, such as sound, light, and space simulations. From a hardware perspective, the 4DSC added servos to each BASIC Stamp computer for motion. This results in the first morphing moving core processor with full featured Spatial Motivators.

QUADLYZER - Quantum Analyzer
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2012/10/quadalyzer-quantum-analyzer.html 
four BASIC Stamp 2 HomeWork Boards - 4 Deterministic Parallel Clustered Cores with LCD Display,  Enumerators, Speakers, LEDs, 8-Bit Parallel and 4-Bit Micro I/O Interfaces. THE QuadLyzer is a machine that can reflect representative states of the Quantum World. It accomplishes this inside four processors representing at least four space dimensions. These are held as algorithmic states and parameters located inside multiple networked clustered parallel processors. Like the example of two real world mirrors of reflective dimension facing each other which represent infinity reflections, the QuadLyzer too can reflect more dimensions from baseline to infinity and states in between.

SUPERSTAMP 
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/superstamp.html
(9 cores, BS2 + Propeller 1) 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.

GSS - Giant Basic Stamp Supermachine
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/giant-basic-stamp-supercomputer-gst.html
Adds together all previous Stamp Supermachines for a grand total of 81 Stamps.

BBSS - Behemoth Basic Stamp Supermachine
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/behemoth-basic-stamp-supercomputer-bbst.html
Takes the GST Supermachine with 81 stamps and adds another 59 Stamps to make a 140 Stamps total behemoth machine. 

Handbook of Basic Stamp Supermachines
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/basic-stamp-supercomputer-book.html
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=841541
This book is written to answer many questions about hobby BASIC Stamp Supermachines and offer a starting point for construction of your own Stamp Supermachine. Includes apps, programming and many details to get you started immediately. Delves into Stamp AI Artificial Intelligence and many aspects of Stamp supermachines. Includes an outstanding reference to useful Basic Stamp educational material. The electronic version is posted and available for download free of charge.

OTHER LINKS
Compare Stamps
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/basic-stamp-compare.html

Supercomputer Supermachine Naming
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/10/supercomputer-supermachine-name-change.html

Why create a BASIC Stamp Supermachine? 
I'm a hobbyist that loves BASIC Stamps. I have fun and enjoy learning new things by making interesting and challenging projects. All the information is offered free of charge so the projects can be duplicated and customized by others. I hope it will lead to many enjoyable learning experiences.

A Parallax BASIC Stamp Supermachine is a fun hobby project that connects together multiple BASIC Stamps, in a network, to make "the many, more powerful than the one." The name Supermachine is in context of making one Stamp computer into a super Stamp machine with more capability not possible with just one Stamp. The comparison of "superness" is within the genre of BASIC Stamps.

The gains are significantly more ports, faster speed, more programming code statements, more sophisticated programming, paralleled operations, increase in sensor and peripheral abilities, and numerous techniques available to Parallax BASIC Stamp Supermachines.

More About Basic Stamp Supercomputers

MORE ABOUT BASIC STAMP SUPERCOMPUTERS
If you're looking for an interesting Stamp Spring project, here's an index to BASIC Stamp Supercomputers and a brief overview of each. (by request)

BASIC Stamp Supercomputer
Demonstration of basic principles to take some characteristics of a supercomputer, in particular the notion of larger multiples of relatively simple processors communicating over a common bus, each doing a portion of a task in parallel

Why create a BASIC Stamp Supercomputer? I'm a hobbyist that loves BASIC Stamps. I have fun and enjoy learning new things by making interesting and challenging projects. All the information is offered free of charge so the projects can be duplicated and customized by others. I hope it will lead to many enjoyable learning experiences.

Intro: a Parallax BASIC Stamp Supercomputer is a fun hobby project that connects together multiple BASIC Stamps, in a network, to make "the many more powerful than the one." The name Supercomputer is in context of making one Stamp computer into a super Stamp computer with more capability not possible with just one Stamp. The comparison of "superness" is within the genre of BASIC Stamps.

The gains are significantly more ports, faster speed, more programming code statements, more sophisticated programming, paralleled operations, increase in sensor and peripheral abilities, and numerous techniques available to Parallax BASIC Stamp Supercomputers.

BASIC Stamp Supercomputers range from a simple low cost two processor unit (Minuscule or Two Stamp) on up to larger units (Basic Stamp Supercomputer BSS) with 20 to 30 processors. So there is a project within everyone's grasp in terms of affordability and level.

Brief Overview - Basic Stamp Supercomputers

BASIC Stamp Supercomputer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765140
1st hobby supercomputer using BASIC Stamps. Popularized putting together many processors to make a more powerful machine. Improved and upgraded to contain over 20 stamps.

Stamp SEED Supercomputer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=817126
World’s 1st living stamp supercomputer. Ten Stamp processors - each is a life form. They are born, develop a unique personality, talk to neighbors, remember conversation, recall information, do work, nap, sleep, and dream. Includes wireless transceiver.

TriCore Stamp Supercomputer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=822511
For testing and developing other supercomputers. Three Stamp processors = minimum requirement to test/ develop the Stamp SEED Supercomputer. Rapidly load/test multiple processor code. Includes lite version of life form code from Stamp SEED Supercomputer.

Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=821451
Smallest possible supercomputer, lowest cost, increases power of one processor. Contains two processors. Used for testing/writing code related to connecting Stamps together, establishing baud rates, timing/syntax, and exploring various network configurations.

Tiny Stamp Supercomputer
Appeared in Robot Magazine, Learn Section. The world's 1st first hand-held BASIC Stamp supercomputer. Absolutely most powerful, considering it has the smallest footprint with many tiny networked processors. Has its own book with 30 fun projects. Includes Architecture, Assembly, Programming, Tutorial, Applications, Complete Code. The TSS has multiple computers, LCD monitor, radio transmitter, receiver, speakers, breadboard real estate and a 64K EEPROM memory board, interfaced to a tiny Hub. The TSS Stamp supercomputer is so small, it will fit into a soup bowl or coat pocket. Includes special features such as hardware programming "on the fly."

Two-Stamp BASIC Stamp Supercomputer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765140
The wiring for connecting a BS2sx to a BS2px BASIC Stamp processor - how to amplify the power of one Stamp. This is entirely different from the Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer which uses different BASIC Stamp processors.

Handbook of Basic Stamp Supercomputing
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=841541
This book is written to answer many questions about hobby BASIC Stamp Supercomputers and offer a starting point for construction of your own Stamp Supercomputer. Includes apps and programming and many details to get you started immediately. Delves into Stamp Artificial Intelligence and many aspects of Stamp super computing. Electronic version is posted and available for download free of charge.

Penguin with 12 Brains (aka Penguin on Supercomputer)
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765509
World's smartest Parallax Penguin Robot. In this project, Penguin's brain was connected to the BASIC Stamp Supercomputer. This created the potential to write 16,000 instructions, added all the resources of the Basic Stamp Supercomputer, 176 controlling ports, color uOLED display, green screen LCD, ultrasonic vision, presence sensors, memory, speech in English and Chinese.

Master Offloader Machine (MOM)
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765140
The Master Offloader Machine was conceived from the need to offload intensive duties of the Master Computer in the BASIC Stamp Supercomputer (BSS). MOM was the first supercomputing project to show that connecting together multiple BASIC Stamp 1s and Stamp 2 flavors was possible. Contained ten processors.

3DSC (4 Dimensional Morphing Computer)
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=799604
World’s first 3D Stamp Computer to explore a multi-dimensional universe. Initially designed for simple space-time simulations. Includes three networked BASIC Stamp 1’s using Dx boards. Upgraded to include two servo-driven moving cores. Many applications developed for advanced hobbyists, students, teachers, designed for classrooms, high school Physics and advanced university level experiments with sound, light, time, motion, heat, etc. Upgraded with a Stamp 2 coprocessor.

Stamp SEED Supercomputer
Basic Stamp Supercomputer
TriCore Stamp Supercomputer
Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer
Tiny Stamp Supercomputer
Penguin with 12 Brains
BASIC Stamp Supercomputing Book
Three Dimensional Computer StampOne News!
Penguin Tech *Penguin Robot Society 
Toddler Humanoid Robot Project
Ultimate List Prop Languages 
Prop-a-Lot 
Prop SC Computer
Prop IB Hypercomputer
Robotic Space Program

Supercomputer Supermachine Name Change

BIG BRAIN DICTATES AND INITIATES WIDE SWEEPING NAME CHANGES TO THE SERIES OF BASIC STAMP SUPERCOMPUTER MACHINES

Introducing
the

Name Genre

The Big Brain AI Machine has spoken and it's suggesting sweeping future changes regarding the naming pool of the array of Basic Stamp projects named supercomputers. The Big Brain says that it's own self machine has qualified as a supercomputer in the Top 500, but Stamp machines may not. Therefore, a new naming convention is suggested for the genre of future Stamp machines.

SELECTING A GENRE
After some study, it's noted the genre is in the pool of "super machines" (coined supermachines by the Big Brain). Supermachines are not exactly supercomputers as they do not qualify in terms of top speed compared to current multi-million and multi-billion dollar supercomputer projects, yet they share other super designs. For example, they exhibit a demonstration of basic principles to take some characteristics of a supercomputer, in particular the notion of larger multiples of relatively simple processors communicating over a common bus, each doing a portion of a task in parallel.

TRADITIONAL SUPERCOMPUTER ELEMENT
The traditional defining element of a supercomputer is top speed at the time the supercomputer is current, measured and benchmarked. The stamp machines are indeed super, and have top speed compared to each other, i.e. a single Stamp, but they do not have top speed when compared to the current world supercomputer.

MEASURE OF SPEED
As an example, the BS2 stamp rapidly clicks along at 4,000 IPS while the 81 BS2 stamps machine will average 324,000 IPS, still considerably slower than the Big Brain, which is an actual supercomputer. With a lot of BS2px modules, one of the fastest stamp modules created by Parallax and used in Penguin robot's motherboard, the speed is closer to 19,000 x 81 = 1,539,000 IPS.

Clearly in this case, the speed around 2 MIPS is really amazing for a group of Stamps! However, the Stamp machines are slow by comparison to other computers and are not competing for speed outside of their own genre.

Their power comes within their own Stamp comparative genre, i.e. Stamp to Stamp, inclusive of speed, micro controlling ability, simple-quick programming ease, and the benefits of parallel processing. For example, these assets include approximately 81 x 16 = 1,296 ports, and 81 parallel deterministic processors.

SAME ACRONYMS APPLY
Therefore, names such as Tricore Basic Stamp Supercomputer will also be synonymous with Tricore Basic Stamp Supermachine as referenced in the future. This will prevent current and future misconceptions that could prevail outside the Lab when publishing and presenting Stamp projects. For convenience, the same original acronyms will still apply as supercomputer and supermachine are "S" prefixed the same. It is not our intention to change previous historical posts.

SUPERMACHINES
Basic Stamp Supermachines, by definition, have two or more Basic Stamps, chips, modules or boards.

NAME EXAMPLES
Some name examples are as follows: (the first name is the original, the next line in red is the future suggested name)

BSS - BASIC Stamp Supercomputer
BSS - Basic Stamp Supermachine

Penguin with 12 Brains
(no change)

SEED - Baby BASIC Stamp SEED Supercomputer
SEED - Self Enumerating Evolving Deterministic Supermachine

TRICORE Basic Stamp Supercomputer
TRICORE Basic Stamp Supermachine

MSS - MINUSCULE Stamp Supercomputer
MSS - MINUSCULE Stamp Supermachine

TSS - Tiny BASIC Stamp Supercomputer
TSS - Tiny BASIC Stamp Supermachine

MOM - Master Offloader Machine
(no change)

TWO STAMP BSS BASIC Stamp Supercomputer
TWO STAMP BSS BASIC Stamp Supermachine 

AM - The Algorithm Machine
(no change)

3DSC - Three Dimensional Stamp Supercomputer
3DSC - Three Dimensional Stamp Supermachine

4DSC - Four Dimensional Morphing Stamp Supercomputer
4DSC - Four Dimensional Morphing Stamp Supermachine

QUADLYZER - Quantum Analyzer 
(no change)

SUPERSTAMP
(no change)

GST - Giant Basic Stamp Supercomputer
GST - Giant Basic Stamp Supermachine

BBSS - Behemoth Basic Stamp Supercomputer
BBSS - Behemoth Basic Stamp Supermachine

Handbook of Basic Stamp Supercomputing
Handbook of Basic Stamp Supermachines

BSS BASIC Stamp Supercomputer

The BASIC Stamp "Super Computer" BSS
PART 1

The BASIC Stamp Supercomputer is now 5 years of age, since it was introduced to the community in 2008. Let's revisit this machine and see exactly what's happened recently.

This is the Lab's first large scale parallel designed super computing experimental workhorse and testbed that was used for testing and years of experimenting prior to the Big Brain. This new series of posts will detail how it was built, evolved, and what it can do in terms of demonstrations and paving the way for more super machines.

The BSS led to at least fifteen more super computers (see genealogy) and evolved from the use of multiple single-core BASIC Stamp modules into multiple eight-core Propeller chips. It has led to the current supercomputer with over 100,000 processors. The BSS paved the path, enabling parallel computing and making the Big Brain possible.

Resources

http://www.p-robot.com/
http://www.p-robot.com/index.php/basic-stamp-supercomputer.html
Download software (22 programs)
Self Adjusting Master Code (New!)
Read the article in Penguin Tech 4
View the Schematic (page 6)
Watch the movie
Parallax Source Basic Stamp Supercomputer

BSS 22.zip‎ (55.6 KB) Software Downloads

(NOTE: This is a demonstration of basic principles to take some characteristics of a supercomputer, in particular the notion of larger multiples of relatively simple processors communicating over a common bus, each doing a portion of a task in parallel)




Edition 4 of Penguin Tech Magazine featured the BSS Supercomputer

My Supercomputer! I got the idea to make a model supercomputer at the basic hobby level to demonstrate the concept. It's super fast compared to single BASIC stamp, but be forewarned, it only beats out the worlds fastest supercomputers in ten other categories!

* Smaller
* Lighter
* Portable
* Field Operable
* Runs on Batteries
* Has the Greatest Number of (I/O)
* Has the greatest Number of Sensors/Variety
* Lowest Power Consumption
* Lowest Unit Cost
* Easiest to Program

It's a simple hobby project for fun and experimentation, using 11 Parallax Basic Stamp microcontrollers. (It was later expanded to 12, then 22 stamps). These "computers" are connected together for hardware/software clustered parallel processing. It's a fantastic learning tool and can control 176 peripherals/sensors. One application is for the more rapid development of robotic sensors and software.

it.youtube.com/watch?v=huukEEwy-3E
Some tips on watching the youtube vid. Select "Watch in high quality." Turn off sound, let the vid load in first by leaving for a break. When you come back, it will be loaded, turn up the sound, and watch it. It will run smoothly.

This is the World's First talking Basic Stamp Hobby Supercomputer!!! (and the World's 1st Supercomputer built from hobby microcontrollers) It communicates by English and Chinese voice (EMIC TTS board), lights (21 LEDs), vision, sound (12 speakers), motion (PIR), ports (176), infrared, Vibra Tab Mass detector, accelerometer, temperature chip, ultrasonics [PING)))], LCD Liquid Crystal Display, and a tiny uOLED color monitor. Attachments include a keyboard, 3D space mouse, and other goodies under development.


Final Rack Wiring Phase and Grounding Field Experiment

There's 22 switches, 11 are toggle and 11 are pushbutton. Fully loaded, it's only a few pounds weight, so it's very portable. The only concern is one wire popping off, as the breadboards, as handy as they are for rapid proto, are less than permanent. I prefer to keep it this way as the entire supercomputer can be disassembled for moving and for international travel.

It uses a one wire interface and has unlimited computer expansion. Additional stamps connect to the interface by routing only P0, Vdd, and Vss. It can be operated on batteries or a power supply. The basic boards only draw 18 to 30ma each. Even with attachments, such as the EMIC text to speech board (peaks at 157ma while talking) and the uOLED color monitor (peaks at 52ma), the current draw of all boards average around 340 ma. Computer 9 starts talking and the hive peaks at 360 ma.


All boards and sensors are shown working, drawing 311 ma at 9-volts DC. Eleven programs are running in parallel, controlling multiple sensors at the same time.

It runs well on batteries. I have used 11 zinc carbon batteries which cost about 29 cents each. It may be advisable to use alkaline batteries for the uOLED and EMIC as these draw more current. The uOLED can be programmed to consume less current, based on the colors it displays.

Individual Basic Stamps are able to switch on and off, for various special configurations. For example, a quick test of a sensor on one computer is possible just by toggling a switch and running software. Board combinations can also be run, for example, in combining sensors from computers #2, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 11.

Software sets up a Master Computer MC that's in charge of the remaining workers. The Master, or Boss, decides how to handle business, when to talk, who should talk, how to talk, and what to talk. In summary, it queries the Workers to gain data and information, which can be computational related or sensor related. With the 11-Stamp configuration, there are 10 worker programs and 1 Master program running in parallel. The hardware parallel computer cluster runs in parallel also. This can achieve some incredible power, especially when considering the availability of 176 ports, many of which can contain sensors and circuits.


Earlier wiring stage, showing use of clips to hold
boards and wiring

The youtube video shows all 11 computers communicating. You will see the Master send out individual "wake-up" calls to the computers it wishes to speak to. For example, to wake up computer 8, it sends out "c8." Computer 8 will respond by saying, "I'm computer eight." It lets the Master know when it has finished data transfer by sending its signature, a c8. All computers can simultaneously perform calculations and take sensor readings, however, they must report their data to the Master one at a time.

A nice feature is the LCD that monitors traffic on the supernet. The LED Traffic Monitor is connected to the supernet without any computer requirement. It runs by itself, although its formatting is best controlled by Stamp PBASIC. It's quite fascinating to sit back and watch these computers talk back and forth to each other.

Supercomputer Self Diagnostics SSD are also built into the software. At startup, the LED array bus bar lights a single LED data light for each of the working computers, and a piezo speaker provides check data from an alternate pin. This routine works well for immediately knowing which computer is available and ready. Troubleshooting, for debugging software purposes, is a gold mine. There's access up to 21 LED data lights, LCD text and numerical output, Piezo sound pin data, and uOLED monitor output for text streaming and numerical data logging output information.


Three bus lines - Data LEDs, Toggle
Switches, and Power Control are made
from clothes hangers machined with a
hobby tool.

There are 10 workers and one master. The master handles the parallel network traffic and polls workers for information. I originally planned 10 BS2 computers. Curiosity got the best of me when I wondered if other stamps could easily interface. The answer found was yes, when the 11th computer, a BS2px on a BOE, was connected. Most of the remaining computers are Basic Stamp HomeWork boards. I now have computer number 12, a BS2sx that I'm working with.

Why Build a Supercomputer? Here's some reasons:

• Learning experiences & challenges
• Expanding education & knowledge
• Gaining useful background for career
• Research Benefits
• Extending Basic Stamp power
• Creating new inventions, ideas, applications
• Own your own, prestige
• School project, credit
• Involvement, sense of great accomplishment
• Psychological relaxation, Symbolic Value
• Sharing, making new friends
 
A lengthy writeup appears, with plans, more photos, schematics, build instructions, and software, in Penguin Tech Magazine.

The BSS has led to many other styles and types of Basic Stamp Supercomputers, each with a specific purpose. It also led to many supercomputer Propeller platforms.

• Basic Stamp Supercomputer
• Handbook of Basic Stamp Supercomputing
• Stamp Seed Supercomputer
• A.I. for Basic Stamp Seed Supercomputer & TriCore
• 3D Stamp Computer
• Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer
• TriCore Stamp Supercomputer
• Penguin's Big Brain Supercomputer

BASIC Stamp Supercomputer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765140
1st hobby supercomputer using BASIC Stamps. Popularized putting together many processors to make a more powerful machine. Improved and upgraded to contain over 20 stamps.

Stamp SEED Supercomputer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=817126
World’s 1st living stamp supercomputer. Ten Stamp processors - each is a life form. They are born, develop a unique personality, talk to neighbors, remember conversation, recall information, do work, nap, sleep, and dream. Includes wireless transceiver.

TriCore Stamp Supercomputer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=822511
For testing and developing other supercomputers. Three Stamp processors = minimum requirement to test/ develop the Stamp SEED Supercomputer. Rapidly load/test multiple processor code. Includes lite version of life form code from Stamp SEED Supercomputer.

Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=821451
Smallest possible supercomputer, lowest cost, increases power of one processor. Contains two processors. Used for testing/writing code related to connecting Stamps together, establishing baud rates, timing/syntax, and exploring various network configurations.

Tiny Stamp Supercomputer
Not released. The world's 1st first hand-held BASIC Stamp supercomputer. Absolutely most powerful, considering it has the smallest footprint with many tiny networked processors. Has its own book with 30 fun projects. Includes Architecture, Assembly, Programming, Tutorial, Applications, Complete Code. The TSS has multiple computers, LCD monitor, radio transmitter, receiver, speakers, breadboard real estate and a 64K EEPROM memory board, interfaced to a tiny Hub. The TSS Stamp supercomputer is so small, it will fit into a soup bowl or coat pocket. Includes special features such as hardware programming "on the fly."

Two-Stamp BASIC Stamp Supercomputer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765140
The wiring for connecting a BS2sx to a BS2px BASIC Stamp processor - how to amplify the power of one Stamp. This is entirely different from the Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer which uses different BASIC Stamp processors.

Handbook of Basic Stamp Supercomputing
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=841541
This book is written to answer many questions about hobby BASIC Stamp Supercomputers and offer a starting point for construction of your own Stamp Supercomputer. Includes apps and programming and many details to get you started immediately. Delves into Stamp Artificial Intelligence and many aspects of Stamp super computing. Electronic version is posted and available for download free of charge.

Penguin with 12 Brains (aka Penguin on Supercomputer)
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765509
World's smartest Parallax Penguin Robot. In this project, Penguin's brain was connected to the BASIC Stamp Supercomputer. This created the potential to write 16,000 instructions, added all the resources of the Basic Stamp Supercomputer, 176 controlling ports, color uOLED display, green screen LCD, ultrasonic vision, presence sensors, memory, speech in English and Chinese.

Master Offloader Machine (MOM)
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765140
The Master Offloader Machine was conceived from the need to offload intensive duties of the Master Computer in the BASIC Stamp Supercomputer (BSS). MOM was the first supercomputing project to show that connecting together multiple BASIC Stamp 1s and Stamp 2 flavors was possible. Contained ten processors.

3DSC (4 Dimensional Morphing Computer)
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=799604
World’s first 3D Stamp Computer to explore a multi-dimensional universe. Initially designed for simple space-time simulations. Includes three networked BASIC Stamp 1’s using Dx boards. Upgraded to include two servo-driven moving cores. Many applications developed for advanced hobbyists, students, teachers, designed for classrooms, high school Physics and advanced university level experiments with sound, light, time, motion, heat, etc. Upgraded with a Stamp 2 coprocessor.


http://www.p-robot.com/
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=10
http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=huukEEwy-3E

Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer

The updated and revised schematic shows additions including a peizo speaker and LED on each core. BASIC Stamp One Boards are now used, and for running tests with new parallel projects, TINY BUS is added. This creates a total of six parallel lines for data communications.

MINUSCULE STAMP SUPERCOMPUTER
Demonstration of basic principles to take some characteristics of a supercomputer, in particular the notion of larger multiples of relatively simple processors communicating over a common bus, each doing a portion of a task in parallel

Build a Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer
Pump up the array with your BS1 stamp collection! This is a preview of the new Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer, comprised of only two BS1 boards. It’s main purpose is for testing various software in developing the Stamp SEED Supercomputer, without the need to load ten programs into ten processors. The two core Minuscule needs no tower and the boards can set next to each other on a desk next to the PC. The provided transmitter and receiver software is minuscule and serially enables one core to text communicate with the other at 2400 baud. The application is included with the Stamp SEED Supercomputer because most of the applications, principles and programming are the same. Plus, the Minuscule has no manual, so it gets its own featured space.

Introducing the Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer! It’s a perfect example of multiple BS1 boards connected together for sending and receiving serial signals (text) according to the transmit and receive programs listed below. The 2X boards chosen for this Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer, MSS, include the Carrier Board with a BS1-IC Basic Stamp Module, and the Stamp 1 Project Board Rev. B. Both boards are programmed through the PC’s USB port using Parallax adapters, a BS1 Serial Adapter, and a USBto232 adapter.

The MSS Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer has two BASIC stamp 1 boards networked together, and creates a very small parallel processing machine. The primary purpose is for rapid development of software and hardware testing where only two cores are required. The MSS was a vital tool in developing programs for the SEED BASIC Stamp Supercomputer and it stands on its own as a Stamp super computing machine.

Each board has an output LED for a display and a piezo speaker for sound prompting, signaling and debugging. Wiring is a one line interface and both processors compute in parallel.

New Schematic & Upgrade
Create a BS1 array with multiple cores designed for testing Stamp supercomputer designs. Instead of one data line, six are now possible. The entire port array is now filled and dedicated to processing. This opens up numerous options for testing parallel computing and communications. Programming apps can also be tested and developed in simple forms i.e. with two paralleled twin processors. The Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer is upgraded to a Parallel Computing Machine. This is the first upgrade posted since project thread inception on July-6-2009. Primarily this upgrades satisfies several conditions for testing the UltraSpark 40 Propeller-based Parallel Computing Machine, and series, found in the link. It has paved the way for the development of the Propeller powered Big Brain with over 100,000 processors.
 
Specs for One Stamp
Processor Speed: 4 MHz
Program Execution Speed: ~2,000 instructions/sec.
RAM Size: 16 Bytes (2 I/O, 14 Variable)
EEPROM (Program) Size: 256 Bytes ~80 instructions
Number of I/O Pins: 8
PBASIC Commands = 32

Specs for Two Stamps Minuscule
Processor Speed: 8 MHz
Program Execution Speed: ~4,000 instructions/sec.
RAM Size: 32 Bytes (4 I/O, 28 Variable)
EEPROM (Program) Size: 512 Bytes ~160 instructions
Number of I/O Pins: 16
PBASIC Commands = 32
Communication: Serial
Interface: One Wire

Initially there was no schematic for the MSS because the connections are so simple. Just follow the chart below using two BS1 boards and some wire leads. The only component required is a 1K ohm resistor.

vss - vss vdd - vdd vin - vin pin0 - pin0
vss to 1K R to pin 0 (inverted)

Build the MSS and have lots of fun testing all your new code! Demo code in text is provided below for easy copy.

' {$STAMP BS1}                ' Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer
' {$PBASIC 1.0}               ' Serial Transmitter – Send a Text Character
PAUSE 5000                    ' Load into computer 1
SEROUT 0, ON2400, ("g",10,13) ' Transmit a text character + CR + LF
END                           ' Quit
' {$STAMP BS1}                ' Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer
' {$PBASIC 1.0}               ' Serial Receiver – Receive a Text Character
SYMBOL x = B0                 ' Load into computer 2
SERIN 0,N2400, x              ' Receive one text character
DEBUG #@x                     ' Show text on the debug screen
END                           ' Quit

Here's what Parallax says about the BS1 Engine
www.parallax.com/Store/Microcontrollers/BASICStampModules/tabid/134/CategoryID/9/List/0/SortField/0/Level/a/ProductID/3/Default.aspx
It's amazing what you can accomplish with this well-proven microcontroller and its simple PBASIC 1 language. All vital components (processor, clock source, memory, power regulator) are provided on the BS1's tiny PCB; just connect power and go! BASIC Stamp 1 Project Board (#27112) Development / Education Platform for the BASIC Stamp 1 Introduction- When the BASIC Stamp 1 was introduced 10 years ago nobody could foresee the impact this ingenious little controller would have on the electronics world; at both the hobbyist and professional levels. The original BASIC Stamp 1 (BS1) and its big brothers, the BASIC Stamp 2 family, have sold millions of units all over the world, and into every application and industry one can imagine. The BASIC Stamp 1 has been used for years in award-winning Science Fair projects, in industry, in hobbyist and professional robotics, in television and motion picture props and special effects the BS1 has a long and illustrious track record you're in very good company when you choose it. The BS1 Project Board is a low-cost reintroduction of the original BASIC Stamp in a HomeWork Board type platform that has become a standard for students, hobbyists, and even professional engineers. The board includes everything you need to get started with microcontroller applications at minimal expense just add your external circuits, code, and imagination.
 
BASIC Stamp 1 Project Board
www.parallax.com/Store/Microcontrollers/BASICStampDevelopmentBoards/tabid/137/CategoryID/12/List/0/SortField/0/Level/a/ProductID/119/Default.aspx 
For students, hobbyists, and professionals who desire the small form and features of the BASIC Stamp® 1 microcontroller, but need a development platform in the mold of the Parallax Board Of Education and HomeWork boards; the BASIC Stamp 1 Project Board is low-cost solution that is sure to fit the bill. The BS1 Project Board consists of a surface-mounted BASIC Stamp 1 on a 3 1/4" x 2 1/2" (8.3 x 6.4 cm) printed circuit board. The board includes a 9V battery clip, a mechanically interlocked 2.1 mm power jack, DB-9 connector for programming, and LM2936 regulator providing 40 mA for your projects.

* Red LED power indicator with On/Off Switch
* Mechanically interlocked power supply, prevent dual connection of wall-pack/9-volt battery
* DB9 connector for BS1-IC programming and serial communication during run-time.
* 0 – P7 I/O pins, Vin, Vdd and Vss connections brought adjacent to prototyping area
* Includes 1 3/8" x 2" (5.1 x 3.5 cm) solderless breadboard
* 220 Ω resisitors on all I/O pins for protection
* Power Requirements: 5.5 to 15 VDC
* Communication: Serial for Programming (default to 2400 baud)
* Dimensions: 4.00 x 3.05 in (102 x 77 mm)
* Operating Temperature: +32 to +185 °F (0 to 70 °C)

BASIC Stamp 1 Project Board Technical Specifications
Microcontroller - Microchip PIC16C56A
Speed - 4 MHz
Program Execution Speed - ~2,000 instructions per second
EEPROM Size - 256 bytes (93LC56)
Program Length - ~80 instructions
Inputs / Outputs - 8
Source / Sink Current per I/O - 20 mA / 25 mA
Source / Sink Current (device) - 40 mA / 50 mA
Power Consumption - 7 mA running (no loads); 5 mA Sleep (Rev B) 1
PC Interface - Serial, 4800 baud (programming and DEBUG)
Editor (Windows only) - STAMPW.EXE (Version 2.1 or higher)
Power Supply - 6 15 volts DC (2.1 mm, center-positive), or 9-volt battery
PCB Size - 31/4" x 21/2" (with 1/8" corner mounting holes)
Project Area - 13/8" x 2" solderless breadboard or through-hole mounting pads 2

1. Rev B boards - the power LED remains illuminated when the BASIC Stamp is in sleep mode
2. Not all pads are available for general-purpose use

Additional Resources
The following materials are available for download from www.parallax.com:

* BASIC Stamp Programming Manual (Downloads Documentation)
* BASIC Stamp 1 Applications Notes (Downloads Documentation)
* Nuts & Volts "Stamp Applications"
* The Elements of PBASIC Style

STAMP AI SOFTWARE
There is a possibility of creating a Minuscule version of Stamp AI. Let me know if you'd like to see artificial intelligence on two Stamp computers.

SPIN OFF PROJECT
A spin-off of this project is a tiny tester for parallel computing machines.

LINKS
Stamp SEED Supercomputer 
Basic Stamp Supercomputer
TriCore Stamp Supercomputer
Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer
Tiny Stamp Supercomputer
Penguin with 12 Brains
BASIC Stamp Supercomputing Book
Three Dimensional Computer 
StampOne News!
Penguin Tech 
Penguin Robot Society 
Humanoid Toddler Robot  
Ultimate List Prop Languages 
Prop-a-Lot *Propalot Stuff 
Prop SC Computer 
Prop Skyscraper 
Hobby Space Program 

Note: Some links may need updating using the converter (see link below)
 

Smart BoeBothttp://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=6&m=469004

Multiprop Project List
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=472019

Tiny Tester for Developing Parallel Algorithms
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/124433-Tiny-Tester-for-Developing-Parallel-Algorithms?p=927796#post927796

Link Converter 
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/126151-Forum-URL-Converter?p=943996#post943996 

UltraSpark 40
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=921524