BASIC Stamp FAQ

STAMP FAQS PROGRAMMING INFORMATION
Last Revised On: 7/21/00 Page: 7
Are there any production possibilities with the BASIC Stamp?
Yes. We offer the major components of the BASIC Stamp circuit (the interpreter, the EEPROM and the
resonator) separately at a discounted price for tight integration into your products. For initial development
purposes, request the OEMBS1 or OEMBS2 product. These are “OEM” versions of the modules with an easy to
follow circuit layout and all the components provided in through-hole format. The “OEM” versions provide a great
“base” unit, which you can build yourself, to test the circuit and help in your own designs.
What items do I need to get started with the BASIC Stamp?
The items you need are: 1) the programming software, 2) the programming cable, 3) the manual, 4) the BASIC
Stamp module itself, and optionally 5) the appropriate development board. If you are interested in using a particular
version of the BASIC Stamp, it is best to purchase the BASIC Stamp I, BASIC Stamp II, BASIC STAMP IIe or
BASIC Stamp IIsx Starter Kits. These kits include all five of the items listed above at a lower cost than if you were
to purchase each of the components separately. If you choose not to purchase a starter kit, you can retrieve all the
documentation and software from our web site and simply purchase the BASIC Stamp module you desire.
How can I make my own BASIC Stamp circuit?
Parallax sells the BASIC Stamp’s interpreter chip in three different package type: DIP, SOIC and SSOP. Any of
these can be used to create your own BASIC Stamp circuit for purposes of deeply embedding it within an
application. For initial development purposes, request the OEMBS1 or OEMBS2 product. These are “OEM”
versions of the modules with an easy to follow circuit layout and all the components provided in through-hole
format. The “OEM” versions provide a great “base” unit, which you can build yourself, to test the circuit and help
in your own designs. Please call Parallax Technical Support to receive information and pointers on other package
types (particularly SSOP) as the pin configurations of the interpreter chips are different and are not properly shown
in the 1995/96 Microchip documentation.
What kind of microchips are used in the BASIC Stamp?
The BASIC Stamp I uses a PIC16C56 from Microchip Technology Inc. The BASIC Stamp II uses a PIC16C57
Microchip Technology Inc. The BASIC Stamps IIe and IIsx use an SX28AC from Scenix.
What kind of operating environment does the BASIC Stamp require?
The BASIC Stamp modules will work in 0° to 70° C temperatures with up to 70%, non-condensing humidity.
While the modules may continue to function outside these ranges, it is not guaranteed or recommended. Parallax
also sells the BASIC Stamp I and BASIC Stamp II in industrial (-40° to 85° C) and extended (-40° to 125° C)
ranges. (At the time of this writing, this option is not available for the BS2E-IC or BS2SX-IC) Additionally, it is
best to keep the BASIC Stamps away from, or shielded from, any nearby RF interference as this may impact the
accuracy of its I/O functions.