The Basic Stamp is a tiny, inexpensive microcontroller that can be programmed in the Basic programming language. Because the Basic interpreter is built into the chip, users can program it without expensive cross-development tools. Anyone with a PC and a free serial port has everything they need to develop an embedded system using the Basic stamp. The Basic Stamp also includes built-in circuitry for communicating with the outside world, greatly reducing the amount of additional electronics (if any) needed for typical projects. Its friendly development environment makes the Basic Stamp a favorite choice for enthusiasts, educators, and professional developers. It finds endless uses in electronics, radio, astronomy, weather, model rocket, RC, and robotics projects as well as in the prototyping of commercial embedded systems. This new edition has been updated with information relevant to the newest Basic Stamp, the BS2P, and revised to present more advanced projects. The result is a superb hands-on teaching text with dozens of completely new projects in addition to enhanced projects that take advantage of the latest features of the BS2P.
Each chapter introduces a new concept through a simple project - and then, through several enhancements, shows how to build better and better solutions. Readers get complete and detailed instructions for building their own test instruments, robot motor controls, Morse code keyers, infrared remote controls, Internet to Stamp gateways, and many more projects. Throughout the book, the author explains and teaches - always with the same clarity and thoroughness that has made him a favorite both on the Web and in enthusiast and professional magazines.