Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Sensor Interfacing

[Warren Greenway <opensourcesub@yahoo.com>]

Yes, I have plenty of experience with BS1 and BS2
modules. They are extremely simple to use, a little
pricey, but not unreasonable, and more durable then
many modules. Hoever, they are extremely limited and
will do nearly nothing without some support circuitry.
This is where it comes down to preference, once again,
the PIC has nothing on the MSP430. I still very
strongly
recommend a TI eval kit for $49. Also, there is
another
Basic Stamp type option, the BasicX from NetMedia. It
is
cheaper, more durable, and more powerfull then the
BS2.
One final option in the way of modules is the ZWorld
Rabbit modules. These are VERY verstile modules that 
are painfully easy to use and reasonably priced. Once
again, the MSP430 will beat it hands down, but the
Rabbit modules are cake to use. The Rabbit modules,
as an example have PWM motor controllers, RS232,
rotary encoders, analog measurement ports, etc. The
Stamp is the easiest to get your feet wet, (hehe...),
but it will run out of steam real fast.

Warren.

--- steve <steve@kobol.worldonline.co.uk> wrote:
> Hi All
> 
> i don't know if my input on this matter is valid 
> but i have started looking
> into the new BASIC2 stamps that are available
> through www.parallax.com for
> my ROV project.
> As a complete novice with PICs and the programming
> language, i thought the
> available equipment, technical support and the lots
> of free software and
> tutorials sounded quite good.
> It looks to me like the issues of interfacing
> multiple sensors and other i/o
> could be handled with this type of device and the
> additional add-on boards
> that they supply could be adapted for our purposes.
> Has anybody got any experience with the stamps that
> could comment?
> 
> Best Regards
> 
> Steve Bosworth
> UK
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Warren Greenway" <opensourcesub@yahoo.com>
> To: <personal_submersibles@psubs.org>
> Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2003 4:51 PM
> Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Sensor Interfacing
> 
> 
> > Well, I can only use it for prototyping, then I
> have
> > to re-implement in C or assembly, since everything
> I
> > do is micro-amp and ultra small footprint. Anyhow,
> I
> > am developing an extensible controller system that
> > will
> > have rugged sensor inputs, serial and keypad
> input,
> > high
> > current output, and graphics and ASCII LCD driver.
> I
> > am
> > designing two versions, a light weight <$100
> version,
> > and a full featured system for around $400. They
> will
> > both be intended for automotive applications, but
> I am
> > planning on using the light version in my
> sub...When I
> > get around to building it.
> >
> > Warren.
> >
> > --- "Sean T. Stevenson" <sts@telus.net> wrote:
> > > I am using LabVIEW 7, the full development
> version
> > > with all the bells and whistles.  I have to say,
> > > despite not liking it earlier (it's not the most
> > > intuitive software to learn), the more I use it
> the
> > > more impressed I get.
> > >
> > > -Sean
> > >
> > >
> > > Quoting Warren Greenway
> <opensourcesub@yahoo.com>:
> > >
> > > > That humidity part is important for any
> system.
> > > > Potting,
> > > > conformal coating, AND water tight enclosures
> > > should
> > > > be
> > > > used. On most systems simply touching the
> crystal
> > > will
> > > > cause an oscillator fault. (Which will
> generate a
> > > > reset
> > > > on most systems.) Water, obviously is much
> > > worse...And
> > > > salt water...Evil. I guess I'm not a big fan
> of
> > > > Labview,
> > > > but if you are then the National Instruments
> > > systems
> > > > might just be a good choice.
> > > >
> > > > Warren.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > __________________________________
> > Do you Yahoo!?
> > The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product
> search
> > http://shopping.yahoo.com
> 


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