BASIC Stamp FAQ

STAMP FAQS PROGRAMMING INFORMATION
Last Revised On: 7/21/00 Page: 6
What is the difference between the BASIC Stamp Rev. D (sometimes just called “BASIC
The original version of the BASIC Stamp I was simply called, “BASIC Stamp”. That name was sufficient until the
arrival of the new physical package type, as well as the second model in the Stamp line, the BASIC Stamp II. At
that point, the original version was split into two package types, the Rev. D and the BS1-IC; both of which are
considered to be the “BASIC Stamp I”. The “BASIC Stamp II” is known as the BS2-IC, the "BASIC Stamp IIe"
is known as the BS2E-IC, and the “BASIC Stamp IIsx” is known as the BS2SX-IC. Today, the term “BASIC
Stamp” is too generic and really could be applied to any one of the units in the product line. Long-time Parallax
customers, however, still frequently refer to the BASIC Stamp I as the BASIC Stamp, thus, in many cases, there is
no difference between the term BASIC Stamp and the BASIC Stamp I. To keep things clear, we prefer the names:
“BASIC Stamp I”, “BASIC Stamp II”, "BASIC Stamp IIe", and “BASIC Stamp IIsx”, or more specifically,
-IC” , “BS2-IC” , “BS2E-IC” and “BS2SX-IC” and try to use the term “BASIC Stamp” to refer
to the entire line of microcontrollers.
How big is the BASIC Stamp?
The BASIC Stamp rev. D measures 2.5” (65 mm) L x 1.52” (39 mm) W x 0.4” (10 mm) D.
The BS1-IC measures 1.4” (35 mm) L x 0.58” (15 mm) W x 0.13” (3 mm) D.
The BS2-IC measures 1.2” (30 mm) L x 0.62” (16 mm) W x 0.35” (9 mm) D.
The BS2E-IC measures 1.2” (30 mm) L x 0.62” (16 mm) W x 0.35” (9 mm) D.
The BS2SX-IC measures 1.2” (30 mm) L x 0.62” (16 mm) W x 0.35” (9 mm) D.
How big are the BASIC Stamp I and BASIC Stamp II Carrier Boards?
The BASIC Stamp I Carrier Board measures 2.5” (65 mm) L x 1.5” (38 mm) W x 0.5” (13 mm) D
The BASIC Stamp II Carrier Board measures 2.8” (71 mm) L x 3.1” (79 mm) W x 0.6” (15 mm) D.
How do I power the BASIC Stamp?
The BASIC Stamp runs on 5 to 15 volts DC. All BASIC Stamps feature an on-board 5-volt regulator which will
convert an input 6 to 15 volts (on the VIN pin) down to the 5 volts that it’s components require. If your power
supply is 6 to 15 volts, you should connect it directly to the VIN and GND pins or to the battery clips on the
development board. The VIN and GND pins are pin number 1 and 2 on the BASIC Stamp rev. D or BS1-IC or
pin 24 and 23 on the BS2-IC, BS2E-IC and BS2SX-IC. If your power supply delivers a regulated 5 volts, you
should connect it directly to the +5V and GND pins (14 and 2 on the BASIC Stamp rev. D, 5 and 2 on the BS1-
IC, and 21 and 23 on the BS2-IC or BS2SX-IC). NOTE: When using battery or wall-pack power supplies, it is
recommended to limit the voltage to 9 volts on the Stamp 1 and Stamp 2, and 7.5 volts on the Stamp 2e and Stamp
2sx.
How much current does the BASIC Stamp consume?
The BASIC Stamp I consumes 2 mA in running mode and 20 µA in sleep mode, not including any circuitry on the
I/O pins. The BS2-IC consumes 8 mA in running mode and 100 µA in sleep mode, not including any circuitry on
the I/O pins. The BS2e-IC consumes 20 mA in running mode and 100 µA in sleep mode, not including any
circuitry on the I/O pins. The BS2SX-IC consumes 65 mA in running mode and 200 µA in sleep mode, not
including any circuitry on the I/O pins. A full comparison of the Stamps can be found at the end of this document.
Is the BASIC Stamp sensitive to static electricity?
While many electronic devices, including BASIC Stamps, can be damaged by static electricity, the BASIC Stamp is
generally less sensitive to static. We do, however, recommend taking all the usual precautions when handling
BASIC Stamps in static prone environments.