New! Index of useful literature

New! Basic Stamp 1 divided by four ST1-64 code version 2 available online!

Current project CORE ST1-64 ver2.0

• CORE ST1-64 is a virtual machine running on a PIC16C84 or PIC16F84 microcontroller that interprets the intermediate code, stored in the internal on-chip 64 byte EEPROM memory. The machine is fully compatible with Parallax Basic Stamp 1 Basic interpreter with the only exception - the program memory has only 64 bytes. The compatibility includes compatible download protocol and debugging facilities. For development can be used the original development software by Parllax or Windows development software by TEP.
• Interpreter code for CORE ST1-64 version 1.0 is now available.
  Before downloading it please subscribe our mailing list (if you did not it previusly). You will be noticed about further development and experiences of others. Now you can
  If the above button does not work, please try this link.

  The file was downloaded 1511 times until March 22, 2000.

• Compiler from source language (currently only BASIC) to the intermediate code of CORE ST1-64. The compiler ST1.EXE is included in the distribution. The syntax of the input language of this compiler is compatible with the Basic Stamp I language with some extensions, that will be useful in future types of core. The compiler after compiling displays the size of compiled programs in bytes, so the STMPSIZE utility is no longer needed.

  This compiler allows compiling the Basic program into the intermediate code (the default action of the compiler), downloading the program to the ST1-64 chip using parallel port interface (with /l option) or serial port interface (with /s) option and debugging the program (with /d option).

  The compiler also generates the output file with the binary intermediate code named CODE.OBJ. The name of this file can be changed using the /o command line option.

  The ST1 compiler uses in present version for downloading the parallel interface that is vulnerable to interrupts. For maximal reliability it should be run under clear MS-DOS (not the DOS window under Windows). You can use it also in the DOS window under Windows, but the downloading is not allways succesful and sometimes you should repeat it. In near future will be implemented downloading using serial interface that is not vulnerable to interrupts.

  Compiler is written using LEX and YACC tools and is prepared to be multilanguage compiler with multiple code generation modules. Future versions will support more languages (the BS1 syntax is only moderate start) and code generation modules for interpreters with more memory and also direct code generation for microcontroller.

• Circuit. The basic circuit for parallel downloading is very simple. The ST1 compiler supports both serial and parallel port downloading (the original DOS Stamp software downloads only via the printer port). Serial port downloading requires an 'adapter' to convert the +/- 12V serial signals down to a safe 5V.

  This adapter is designed to adapt the original 'printer port cable' for use with the serial port. Naturally you could also construct a new cable arrangement from scratch. Note that pin 6 and 7 on the serial connector must be linked. Note also that the adapter requires a 5V power source, which can be sourced from the Stamp's 5V output pin.

  There are two versions of the conversion cable. The first one uses transistors and the second one uses MAX202 or MAX232 circuit.

  You can look at ELECTRONICA ESTUDIO site where is the schematics and PCB layout of the ST1/64 hardware under the name "Clon Stamp 64". You can also order a kit here.
  

• Other compilers. If you are not satisfied with the above compiler, other compilers can be obtained from a number of sources. The currently known possibilities are following:
  • The first possibility is to use an original Basic Stamp I editor for MS/DOS developed by Parallax (BASIC Stamp is a registered trademark of Parallax, Inc.). This editor is called STAMP.EXE and is freely downloadable from the Parallax site or from Parallax FTP server.
  • The second possibility is to use a BS/4 Editor written by Antti Lukats from Silicon Studio Ltd. that was developed for the BS/4 project and is freely downloadable from the Dontronics page Basic Stamp Divided By Four.
    Note that this editor uses different downloading protocol than CORE ST1-64, so you have to use the BSAVE command (see our note to Parallax software) and then download it using BSLOAD.EXE downloader by Parallax. If there will be enough interest we can maybe develop a CORE ST1-64 version with BS/4 compatible download protocol. When using current version of BS/4 Editor you cannot use DEBUG command.
  • The third possibility is to use a nice Windows based sofware created by TEP. The software is downloadable from TEP site. According to the authors: This Windows software has been developed because the original Parallax DOS software was not suitable for schools running Windows NT networks, or for any schools who prevent DOS access for system protection reasons.
    This software is fully compatible with programs written in the DOS software, and programs written in either system can be exchanged without modification. However this software downloads to the Stamp via the serial port, rather than via the printer port as used with the original DOS software. See the Download Cable section for further details.
    BSSClub note: The serial downloading should be without problems possible also for CORE ST1-64 chip, but we did not check it. We encourage our users to test it and to let us know about results.
  • If there is available any other suitable compiler, please let us know.
• Documentation
  For users unfamiliar with the Basic Stamp system we strongly recommend the original Basic Stamp manual, which is available in pdf format from the Parallax Web site at http://www.parallaxinc.com.
• Bug History

  	- Version 0.1, Initial Release
  	- Version 2.0, November, 1999
  	  Added compiler ST1.EXE
  	  Added and tested serial port dovnloading circuit
  	  Added GIF version of circuit schematics
  	  Removed ID locations programming in hex file
  	  Added two versions of hex file - for 16C84 and 16F84
  

  You are encouraged to report bugs and errors using the Implementation error report
• Distribution
  This software is property of BSSClub and you are free to use it for your personal use as you see fit. However, this software is not public domain and you may not redistribute it in any way with any product or service. If you would like to mirror the official distribution on your Web or FTP site, contact BSSClub and we will not unreasonably withold our permission to do so provided you agree not to charge for the software, not to modify it in any way, and you agree to keep the most current version.
• Disclaimers
  This software is provided free and is as-is. BSSClub makes no warantee as to its fitness for any purpose whatsoever. Basic Stamps are a product and registered trademarks of Parallax Inc. BSSClub is in no way affiliated with Parallax.

An older project BS/4 - Basic Stamp Divided By Four by Antti Lukats

Some time ago, Antti Lukats of Sistudios came up with a Basic Stamp divided by four. The original basic Stamp One has 256 bytes for tokens in an external 256 byte EEPROM (BASIC Stamp is a registered trademark of Parallax, Inc.). Antti's has just 64, which is the internal data eeprom storage of the PIC16C84 and PIC16F84 EEPROM version PICmicros.

This is an ideal starting point for Students, and Hobbyists, and may well be suitable for small Industrial Applications.

Schematics of the board for this project is here and the whole PDF document can be downloaded from here.

Important note! If you are going to build this circuit, consider that the circuit for the following project will be slightly different and this circuit will no be usable for them. We recommend you to slightly wait and build the circuit suitable for both projects.

It appears that possible additional development on this project is not forthcoming, so this code is placed on the web free for personal use only and can be downloaded from the Dontronics page Basic Stamp Divided By Four.

The BS/4 project contains some unimplemented features and some errors.

• Known unusual features: loading protocol different from original BS1, using P7 in SERIN and SEROUT commands will force HOST port to be used instead of P7 Pin.
• Firmware v 0.01 (alpha) known bugs: DEBUG not working, POT not working, SLEEP and NAP not working, SERIN working only partially
• You may report further bugs and errors using the Implementation error report

Other project - Picaro by Tom Napier

• A Stamp-like Interpreted Controller
  For years, Tom's been itching to control the instruction sets of processors. Using a PIC, some memory, and an interpreter, he bypasses the processor hurdle and writes his own language. He shows you how to do it, too.
  Unfortunately, this interpreter can be programmed only in a special assembly language. The article describing the controller is here in PDF format.
• Download source code and binaries: picaro_UPDATED!.ZIP

Other project - Tiny51 Basic presented by Dontronics

• The Jesstec Tiny-51 Interpreter is an adaptation of the old Intel Tiny Basic Interpreter and has been designed to run out of serial EEPROM, one or two enhancements have been done, and a PC front end developed which will allow programs to be written without line numbers and downloaded to the system.
• Download binaries from Dontronics page.

Implementation error report

Here you may report the bugs or errors that you have discovered in our projects.
What project error are you reporting: CORE ST1-64 Error Report BS/4 Error Report

Your name: (Do not hit return)

Your email: (Do not hit return)

Please provide your source code

Please provide error condition and description

• Microcontroller Projects With Basic Stamps.
  Paperback - 300 pages Bk&Cd Rom edition (October 1999)
  ISBN: 0879305878
  This book is much better than the regular Stamp manual. It starts out explaining how everything works and then covers each of the commands by function which is a great idea instead of alphabetizing them). After that the author shows you how things work by bringing you through a series of projects. Unlike some books most of these projects are simple enough to breadboard in 10 or 15 minutes. There are a few projects that are more complicated at the end so you can get some feel for how do do a real design too (like the morese code keyer that has a pcb).

  

• Programming and Customizing the Basic Stamp Computer.
  Paperback - 350 pages Bk&Cd-Rom edition (March 1998)
  McGraw-Hill; ISBN: 0079136842
  A book/CD-ROM tutorial on the BASIC Stamp single-board computer, which runs a PIC Microcontroller and doesn't require any assembly language programming. Offers a primer on basic electronics, and coverage of both BASIC Stamp I and II, from understanding BASIC programs to PBASIC toolboxes and applications. Includes 12 complete projects demonstrating applications, and a reference guide. The accompanying CD-ROM provides software tools for developing PIC applications.

• The Basic Stamp 2 - Tutorial and Applications.
  Spiral-bound - 170 pages 1 edition (February 1998)
  Peter H. Anderson; ISBN: 0965335763
  

  

• Basic Stamp: An Introduction to Microcontrollers.
  Paperback - 416 pages (March 1997)
  Butterworth Heinemann; ISBN: 0750698918
  Covers both the hardware and software sides of the Parallax BASIC Stamp 1 and 2 microprocessor operation and design. The BASIC Stamp is built on PIC microcontroller hardware and uses PBASIC as its programming language, which makes it simple to use, but versatile enough to solve professional problems. Once the hardware operations and PBASIC instruction sets are established, applications suitable for designers as well as home hobbyists are presented. These applications can be used as is or can be modified.

Microchip PIC

PIC'n Up Pace: An Intermediate Guide to Using PIC Microcontrollers from Square 1
David Benson; June 1999; Square One Electronics

Serial PIC'n: PIC Microcontroller Serial Communications
Roger L. Stevens; May 3, 1999

PIC'n Techniques, PIC Microcontroller Applications Guide
David Benson; January 1, 1999

PIC: Your Personal Introductory Course
John Morton; August 1998; Newnes

Design With PIC Microcontrollers
John B. Peatman; November 1997; Prentice Hall

Microcontroller Cookbook: PIC & 8051
Mike James; November 4, 1997; Butterworth-Heinemann

Programming and Customizing the PIC Microcontroller (Book+Disk)
Michael Predko; September 1997; McGraw-Hill

Atmel AVR

AVR RISC Microcontroller Handbook
Claus Kuhnel; September 1998; Newnes

Handbook of Microcontrollers (Re 8051, 68HC05, Atmel AVR, PIC, Stamp, +CD)
Michael Predko; July 1998; McGraw Hill

Basic Stamp Documentation and Links

• Basic Stamp FAQ maintained by Al Williams
• Parallax Basic Stamp mailing lists
• Basic Stamp mailing list archive
• L.O.S.A. List Of Stamp Applications
• Official documentation and software is on the Parallax WWW site
• Copy of Basic Stamp documentation
• An article Decoding the Basic Stamp by Chuck McManis
• HTH's Hardware Hacker filbibliotek index and directory
• Stamp-like and Stamp-compatible products
• TEP Basic Stamp Microcontroller (BS I board compatible HW)
• Scott Edwards counterfeit Basic Stamp (BS I board compatible HW)
• StampBus microcontroller (BS I board compatible HW)
• BS1-Mp Micro-controller using the Basic Stamp BS1-IC module (BS I board compatible HW)
• BS/4 Basic Stamp Divided By Four (BS I/4 chip compatible HW)
• The Wedge board (BS II board compatible HW)
• Homebrew Stamp II Board (BS II board compatible HW)
• Homebrewed Stamp (BS II board compatible HW)
• TEP Stamp home page with Windows Stamp 1 software
• BS1 emulator by AWC

Links

• AWC Electronics offers the ASP-II prototyping system for Parallax Basic Stamp Microprocessor modules, the companion ASP-A Lab kit, and Pak-II Math Coprocessor that brings 32-bit floating point math to almost any microcontroller. Al Williams also maintains the Basic Stamp FAQ.
• Dontronics
• Introduction to the BASIC Stamp by Peter H. Anderson
• Pbasic's Basic Stamp Homepage with copy of original Stamp documentation
• Silicon Studio
• Microcontroller Development
• WARS - Winnipeg Area robotics Society
• EDU-PIC - how to use PICs in educational purposes. They are also planning to make cheap developement platforms available for students and/or other interested parties.

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