basic stamp

BASIC Stamp Information
What is the BASIC Stamp® microcontroller?
Does the BASIC Stamp module lose its program when I remove the battery or power supply?
Does the BASIC Stamp microcontroller come in different versions?
What is the difference between the BASIC Stamp Rev. Dx module and the BASIC Stamp 1 module?
How big is the BASIC Stamp microcontroller?
How big are the BASIC Stamp Carrier Boards?
How do I power the BASIC Stamp module?
How much current does the BASIC Stamp microcontroller consume?
Is the BASIC Stamp microcontroller sensitive to static electricity?
Are there any production possibilities with the BASIC Stamp modules?
What items do I need to get started with the BASIC Stamp microcontroller?
How can I make my own BASIC Stamp circuit?
What kind of microchips are used in the BASIC Stamp microcontroller?

What is the BASIC Stamp microcontroller?

The BASIC Stamp module is a microcontroller developed by Parallax, Inc. which is easily programmed using a form of the BASIC programming language called PBASIC. It is called a “Stamp” simply because it is close to the size of an average postage stamp, except for the BS2p40 which is much longer due to it's additional I/O pins.

Does the BASIC Stamp module lose its program when I remove the battery or power supply?

No, your PBASIC code is stored inside a serial EEPROM on-board the BASIC Stamp module. EEPROMs provide non-volatile storage; they retain memory even without power. The EEPROM used in the BASIC Stamp 1 and 2 modules are guaranteed to function properly for 40 years and for 10,000,000 write cycles per memory location. The EEPROM used in the BASIC Stamp 2e, 2sx, 2p, 2pe and 2px modules are guaranteed for 100,000 write cycles per memory location.

Does the BASIC Stamp microcontroller come in different versions?

Yes. Currently there are eight functional versions of the BASIC Stamp module and thirteen physical versions. The BASIC Stamp line consists of the following: BASIC Stamp 1 module, BASIC Stamp 2 module, BASIC Stamp 2e module, BASIC Stamp 2sx module, BASIC Stamp 2p24 module, BASIC Stamp 2p40 module, BASIC Stamp 2pe module, and the BASIC Stamp 2px24 module. The BASIC Stamp 1 module is available in three package types (physical versions) as shown below. The BASIC Stamp 1 Rev. Dx module is a through-hole, socketed package (with prototyping area). The BS1-IC is a 14-pin SIP with surface-mounted components. The BS1-OEM is a 14-pin SIP in a larger board layout meant for OEM use (for recreating the entire BASIC Stamp 1 circuitry). It’s important to note the three versions are functionally equivalent (with the exception of the lack of a Reset pin on the BASIC Stamp 1 Rev. Dx module) but are just in physically different packages. The BASIC Stamp 2 module, BASIC Stamp 2e module, BASIC Stamp 2sx module, BASIC Stamp 2p24, BASIC Stamp 2pe and the BASIC Stamp 2px24 modules are available in a 24-pin DIP, and we also have the BASIC Stamp 2p40 module with surface-mounted components (see below). They are called the BS2-IC, BS2E-IC, BS2SX-IC, BS2P24-IC, BS2PE-IC, BS2PX24-IC and the BS2P40-IC, respectively. The BS2-IC and BS2sx are also available in an OEM version (shown below) that is a 20-pin SIP package.

What is the difference between the BASIC Stamp Rev. Dx module and the BASIC Stamp 1 module?

The original version of the BASIC Stamp 1 module was simply called, “BASIC Stamp microcontroller”. 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 2 module. At that point, the original version was split into two package types, the Rev. Dx and the BS1-IC; both of which are considered to be the “BASIC Stamp 1 module”. The “BASIC Stamp 2 module” is known as the BS2-IC, the “BASIC Stamp 2e module” is known as the BS2E-IC, the "BASIC Stamp 2sx module" is known as the BS2SX-IC, the “BASIC Stamp 2p24 module” is known as the BS2P24-IC, the “BASIC Stamp 2p40 module” is known as the BS2P40-IC, the “BASIC Stamp 2pe module” is know as the BS2PE-IC and the “BASIC Stamp 2px24 module” is known as the BS2PX24-IC. Today, the term “BASIC Stamp microcontroller” 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 1 module as the BASIC Stamp microcontroller, thus, in many cases, there is no difference between the term BASIC Stamp microcontroller and the BASIC Stamp 1 module. To keep things clear, we prefer the names: “BASIC Stamp 1 module”, “BASIC Stamp 2 module”, “BASIC Stamp 2e module”, "BASIC Stamp 2sx module", “BASIC Stamp 2p24 module”, “BASIC Stamp 2p40 module”, “BASIC Stamp 2pe module” and “BASIC Stamp 2px24 module”, or more specifically, “Rev. Dx”, “BS1-IC” , “BS2-IC” , “BS2E-IC”, “BS2SX-IC”, “BS2P24-IC”, “BS2P40-IC”, "BS2PE-IC" and the "BS2PX24-IC" and try to use the term “BASIC Stamp microcontroller” to refer to the entire line of microcontrollers.

How big is the BASIC Stamp microcontroller?

The BASIC Stamp Rev. Dx module measures 2.6” (66 mm) L x 1.6” (40.6 mm) W x 0.375” (9.5 mm) D.
The BS1-IC measures approximately 1.41” (36mm) L x 0.4” (10mm) W x 0.13” (3mm) D.
The BS1-OEM measures approximately 1.4” (36mm) L x 1.4” (36mm) W.
The BS2-IC measures approximately 1.2” (31mm) L x 0.63” (16mm) W x 0.35” (9mm) D.
The BS2-OEM measures approximately 2.0” (51mm) L x 2.0” (51mm) W.
The BS2E-IC measures approximately 1.2” (31mm) L x 0.63” (16mm) W x 0.35” (9mm) D.
The BS2SX-IC measures approximately 1.2” (31mm) L x 0.63” (16mm) W x 0.35” (9mm) D.
The BS2SX-OEM measures approximately 2.0” (51mm) L x 2.0” (51mm) W.
The BS2P24-IC measures approximately 1.2" (31mm) L x 0.63" (16mm) W x 0.35" (9mm) D.
The BS2P40-IC measures approximately 2.02" (51mm) L x 0.63" (16mm) W x 0.35" (9mm) D.
The BS2PE-IC measures approximately 1.2" (31mm) L x 0.63" (16mm) W x 0.35" (9mm) D.
The BS2PX24-IC measures approximately 1.2” (31mm) L x 0.63” (16mm) W x 0.35” (9mm) D.

How big are the BASIC Stamp Carrier Boards?

The BASIC Stamp 1 Carrier Board measures approximately 2.5” (65mm) L x 1.5” (38mm) W x 0.5” (13mm) D.
The BASIC Stamp 2 Carrier Board measures approximately 2.5” (65mm) L x 3.1” (79mm) W x 0.6” (15mm) D.
The Board of Education® programming board measures approximately 4.25” (107mm) L x 3.1” (77mm) W x 0.6” (15mm) D.
The Super Carrier Board measures approximately 4.25” (107mm) L x 3.1” (77mm) W x 0.6” (15mm) D. The Basic Stamp Activity Board measures approximately 4.25” (107mm) L x 3” (76mm) W x 0.5” (18mm) D.
The BS2p 24 Demo Board measures approximately 4.5” (114mm) L x 3.1” (77mm) W x 0.5” (18mm) D.
The BS2p 40 Demo Board measures approximately 6” (153mm) L x 3.1” (77mm) W x 0.5” (18mm) D.

How do I power the BASIC Stamp module?

The BS1 and BS2 modules both require 5 volts DC (Vdd) or 5.5 to 15 volts DC (Vin). The BS2e, BS2sx, BS2p24, BS2p40, BS2pe and BS2px24 all require 5 volts DC (Vdd) or 5.5 to 12 volts DC (Vin). All Stamps feature an on-board 5-volt regulator which will convert an input of 5.5 to 12 volts (5.5 to 15 volts for the BS1 and BS2) on the Vin pin down to the 5 volts that it’s components require. If your power supply is 5.5 to 12 volts (15 volts for the BS1 and BS2), 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 12 on the BASIC Stamp Rev. Dx module, pin number 1 and 2 on the BS1-IC or pin number 24 and 23 on the BS2-IC, BS2E-IC, BS2SX-IC, BS2P24-IC, BS2PE-IC and BS2PX24-IC (40 and 39 on the BS2P40-IC). If your power supply delivers a regulated 5 volts, you should connect it directly to the +5V (Vdd) and GND pins (2 and 12 on the BASIC Stamp Rev. Dx, 5 and 2 on the BS1-IC, and 21 and 23 on the BS2-IC, BS2E-IC, BS2SX-IC, BS2P24-IC, BS2PE-IC and BS2PX24-IC (37 and 39 on the BS2P40-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, Stamp 2sx, Stamp 2p, Stamp 2pe and Stamp 2px.

How much current does the BASIC Stamp microcontroller consume?

At 5 volts DC the BASIC Stamp 1 module consumes 1mA in running mode and 2µA in sleep mode, not including any circuitry on the I/O pins. The BS2-IC consumes 3mA in running mode and 50µA in sleep mode, not including any circuitry on the I/O pins. The BS2E-IC consumes 25mA in running mode and 200µA in sleep mode, not including any circuitry on the I/O pins. The BS2SX-IC consumes 60mA in running mode and 500µA in sleep mode, not including any circuitry on the I/O pins. The BS2P24-IC consumes 40mA in running mode and 350µA in sleep mode not including any circuitry on the I/O pins. The BS2P40-IC consumes 40mA in running mode and 350µA in sleep mode not including any circuitry on the I/O pins. The BS2PE-IC consumes 15mA in running mode and 150µA in sleep mode, not including any circuitry on the I/O pins. The BS2PX24-IC consumes 55mA in running mode and 450µA in sleep mode, not including any circuitry on the I/O pins.

Is the BASIC Stamp microcontroller sensitive to static electricity?

While we have made every effort to ensure that the BASIC Stamp modules are less sensitive to static, we recommend taking the usual precautions when handling all Stamp modules. For instance, when transporting the BASIC Stamp modules, always place it in the conductive foam it came in. When handling BASIC Stamp modules, make sure you’ve grounded yourself by touching a grounded object, such as a metal computer case, or you could wear an anti-static wrist-strap

Are there any production possibilities with the BASIC Stamp modules?

Yes, we offer the major components of the 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 BS1 OEM, BS2 OEM, and BS2sx OEM 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. Our web site includes information regarding details on pricing and availability.

What items do I need to get started with the BASIC Stamp microcontroller?

The items you need are: 1) the BASIC Stamp Windows Editor programming software; 2) the programming cable (a standard DB-9 serial cable or USB port with serial adapter) for all BASIC Stamp 2 modules and a BS1 serial adapter for BASIC Stamp 1 modules; 3) the BASIC Stamp User's Manual; 4) the BASIC Stamp module itself, and optionally 5) the appropriate development board or kit. For details on these items see "Parallax's Guide to Getting Started".

How can I make my own BASIC Stamp circuit?

Yes, Parallax sells the BASIC Stamp’s interpreter chip in two different package types: DIP, SSOP or both. 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, we sell OEM versions of the BS1, BS2, assembled and unassembled, and the BS2SX assembled only. 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 kind of microchips are used in the BASIC Stamp microcontroller?

The BASIC Stamp 1 module uses a PIC16C56a from Microchip Technology Inc. The BASIC Stamp 2 module uses a PIC16C57c Microchip Technology Inc. The BASIC Stamp 2e, and 2sx modules use an SX28AC from Ubicom. The BASIC Stamp 2p24, 2p40, 2pe and 2px24 modules use the SX48BD.