The
TFS-1 ROBOIFACE board provides an adaptable, compact interface and programming
solution for the use of the ‘stamp’ processor that has become a basis for all types
of control projects. You just need to
provide power for the stamp module you wish to use and for the accessories you
wish to activate such as lamps, sensors, motors, solenoids, valves, etc.
Provided
on the board are ten LEDs that give an indication of the output conditions so
you may see the function of the stamp programming during operation. The LED’s may be left in the circuit during
actual operation or programmed to give an output display as necessary for your
application. One LED does not have a 1k
resistor to ground as required for operation so that you may configure it to
fit your particular application. You
may solder a 1k, ¼ watt resistor from the pad provided to ground to activate
the LED nearest the INPUT connector.
An
input connector pad array for a 9-pin Male connector is available and is
configured as a serial connector so that control of the stamp can be done
through serial data input. Two other
pins are wired to the stamp for and can be used as inputs or outputs as
required. Other connections to the
stamp module are available on the AUX-I/O header connector located between the
DATA and INPUT connectors. Also on this
header connect the Vin and Rst lines from the stamp.
At
several locations on the board, plated through isolated pads have been provided
where additional parts may be soldered to fit your particular application. These pads have no internal connections to
the board circuitry.
Eight
output circuits are provided by TIP102 darlington transistors. Each transistor will switch the control
voltage through the controlled device to ground when activated by a high
condition on the stamp module. Any,
none, or all may be active at the same time. Each is protected by a
reverse-bias diode. For the diodes to
be in the circuit, the + and common connections must be made to the control
voltage power supply. Diode protection
is usually used when switching inductive loads such as relays, motors or
solenoids. The diodes provided, 1N4001
are rated for 50volts. If the control
voltage is greater than 50 volts, you must change the diodes to higher voltage
ones or not use them in the circuit by not connecting the control voltage + pad
to the control power supply positive connection. Although the transistors are internally protected by diodes,
these provide additional current handling. Space is available to mount a filter
capacitor (C1) to provide regulation for the control voltage power. Typically a filter of this type is necessary
when driving loads requiring heavy current and which are located a distance
from the power supply.
Refer
to the schematic diagram provided for connections and to the manufacturer’s
data sheet for maximum switching currents and voltages under various operating
conditions.
‘stamp’
and ‘Basic Stamp’ as used in this
document refers to all 24pin .06” width microprocessor modules manufactured or
distributed by Parallax, Inc.
Programming software is available from Parallax, Inc. on their web site http://www.parallaxinc.com.
While
this board provides a convenient aid to using a microprocessor for your
particular control application, you must decide if it is suitable. No programming help or applications are
available here, however, very active user groups can be found on the
internet. Check www.yahoo.com or search for ‘Basic Stamp’
using any search engine. Replacement and additional parts are available from
several distributors such as www.digikey.com
.
Board
Pricing Bare Board $30.00 US paid by postal money order
Wired and tested $85.00 US paid by postal money order
(additional charges for
postage/handling on foreign orders)
Contact
[email protected] or [email protected] to purchase
ROBOIFACE boards or for additional information. Special pricing on quantity orders.