Robot platform – Stingray Robot

„The Stingray robot from Parallax Inc. provides a mid-size platform for a wide range of robotics projects and experiments. The Propeller Robot Control Board is the brains of the system providing a multiprocessor control system capable of performing multiple tasks at the same time. The Propeller chip provides eight 32- bit processors each with two counters, its own 2 KB local memory and 32 KB shared memory. This makes the Propeller a perfect choice for advanced robotics and the Stingray robot.

Features:

  • Multicore Propeller chip based control board
  • Extra large EEPROM (64 KB) for storing additional data
  • On-board 3.3 V & 5V switching power supply
  • 5 V I/O translators to simplify interfacing to 5 V sensors/devices
  • Integrated dual full bridge driver
  • Two DC spur gear motors
  • Two-wheel differential drive system with rear omnidirectional wheel
  • Multiple mounting locations for sensors, add-ons, etc.
  • Free online Propeller Tool programming software for Windows and example Stingray source code (requires Win2K/XP/Vista, IE7 or higher, and USB port)

Key Specifications:

  • Power requirements: 6 AA 1.2 V Rechargeable Batteries (not included)
  • Communication: USB A to Mini B Cable (included)
  • Operating temperature: +32 to +158 °F (0 to +70 °C)
  • Dimensions, assembled: 13 x 10.9 x 5.5 in (330 x 277 x 140 mm)“

http://www.parallax.com/Store/Robots/AllRobots/tabid/755/ProductID/601/List/0/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName

For just 299$, it looks like the perfect base for own roboter projects. We’ll see how good it’s when my kit arrive.

Parallax 96 dpi Serial Inkjet Printer Kit

Want to learn about inkjet printer technology, and apply it with a robot or by waving an inkjet nozzle over a piece of paper? Parallax, Hewlett-Packard Specialty Printing Systems, and Matt Gilliland have combined to produce this unique kit. The hardware and documentation are designed around HP’s Thermal Inkjet 1.0 technology. Using the Parallax Serial Inkjet Printer board, your microcontroller sends a string of serial data which is printed as 1/8” tall characters. Waving the inkjet cartridge over a piece of paper or mounting it on a Boe-Bot produces print-quality text in the font of your choice!“

http://www.parallax.com

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