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How to Use BASIC Stamp 2sx: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of BASIC Stamp 2sx
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Introduction

The BASIC Stamp 2sx (BS2sx-IC) is a microcontroller module manufactured by Parallax. It combines a BASIC interpreter with a microprocessor, enabling users to program and control electronic devices with ease. This module is ideal for hobbyists, educators, and engineers who require a simple yet powerful platform for prototyping and automation.

Explore Projects Built with BASIC Stamp 2sx

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Arduino UNO-Based Coin-Operated Communication System with LCD Display and Servo Control
Image of Veding Machine: A project utilizing BASIC Stamp 2sx in a practical application
This is a microcontroller-based control system for a vending or arcade application, featuring an Arduino UNO that manages user inputs through arcade buttons, drives servos, displays information on an LCD, and communicates over GSM with the SIM900A module. Power regulation is achieved through a switching power supply and DC-DC buck converters.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino 101 Based Access Control System with RFID and Keypad
Image of door1: A project utilizing BASIC Stamp 2sx in a practical application
This circuit features an Arduino 101 microcontroller connected to a variety of peripherals. An LCD screen is interfaced via I2C for display, an RFID-RC522 module is connected for RFID reading capabilities, and two SG90 servomotors are controlled by the Arduino. Additionally, a 4x4 membrane matrix keypad is used for input, and a buzzer is included for audio feedback, all powered through a breadboard power module supplying 5V or 3.3V as needed.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino Nano-Based Sign Language Interpreter with LCD Display and Flex Sensors
Image of Hand_Project: A project utilizing BASIC Stamp 2sx in a practical application
This circuit is a sign language interpreter system using an Arduino Nano, multiple flex resistors, and an LCD display. The flex resistors detect different hand gestures, which are read by the Arduino and displayed as corresponding messages on the LCD. The system is powered by a 9V battery and includes an I2C module for communication with the LCD.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino Mega 2560-Based Access Control Panel with RFID and Keypad
Image of Expo Project Wire Diagram: A project utilizing BASIC Stamp 2sx in a practical application
This circuit is designed to interact with users through a keypad and display information on an LCD screen, control two stepper motors, read RFID tags, and provide audio feedback with a buzzer. It is powered by a breadboard power supply module and the contrast of the LCD can be adjusted with a potentiometer. The Arduino Mega 2560 serves as the central controller, although the user code for operation is not yet provided.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with BASIC Stamp 2sx

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of Veding Machine: A project utilizing BASIC Stamp 2sx in a practical application
Arduino UNO-Based Coin-Operated Communication System with LCD Display and Servo Control
This is a microcontroller-based control system for a vending or arcade application, featuring an Arduino UNO that manages user inputs through arcade buttons, drives servos, displays information on an LCD, and communicates over GSM with the SIM900A module. Power regulation is achieved through a switching power supply and DC-DC buck converters.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of door1: A project utilizing BASIC Stamp 2sx in a practical application
Arduino 101 Based Access Control System with RFID and Keypad
This circuit features an Arduino 101 microcontroller connected to a variety of peripherals. An LCD screen is interfaced via I2C for display, an RFID-RC522 module is connected for RFID reading capabilities, and two SG90 servomotors are controlled by the Arduino. Additionally, a 4x4 membrane matrix keypad is used for input, and a buzzer is included for audio feedback, all powered through a breadboard power module supplying 5V or 3.3V as needed.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Hand_Project: A project utilizing BASIC Stamp 2sx in a practical application
Arduino Nano-Based Sign Language Interpreter with LCD Display and Flex Sensors
This circuit is a sign language interpreter system using an Arduino Nano, multiple flex resistors, and an LCD display. The flex resistors detect different hand gestures, which are read by the Arduino and displayed as corresponding messages on the LCD. The system is powered by a 9V battery and includes an I2C module for communication with the LCD.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Expo Project Wire Diagram: A project utilizing BASIC Stamp 2sx in a practical application
Arduino Mega 2560-Based Access Control Panel with RFID and Keypad
This circuit is designed to interact with users through a keypad and display information on an LCD screen, control two stepper motors, read RFID tags, and provide audio feedback with a buzzer. It is powered by a breadboard power supply module and the contrast of the LCD can be adjusted with a potentiometer. The Arduino Mega 2560 serves as the central controller, although the user code for operation is not yet provided.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

  • Robotics and automation
  • Data acquisition and logging
  • Home automation systems
  • Educational projects and prototyping
  • Sensor interfacing and control

Technical Specifications

The BASIC Stamp 2sx is designed to provide a balance of performance and simplicity. Below are its key technical details:

Key Specifications

Parameter Value
Microcontroller Ubicom SX28AC/DP-G
Program Execution Speed ~10,000 instructions per second
Program Memory 8 KB EEPROM (2,000 instructions)
RAM 32 bytes
I/O Pins 16
Operating Voltage 5 V DC
Current Consumption 20 mA (typical)
Clock Frequency 50 MHz (internal)
Communication Protocol Serial (TTL-level)
Dimensions 1.2" x 0.6" (30.5 mm x 15.2 mm)

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The BASIC Stamp 2sx has a 24-pin DIP package. Below is the pinout and description:

Pin Number Name Description
1 VSS Ground (0 V)
2 VDD Power supply (5 V DC)
3 RES Reset pin (active low)
4-19 P0-P15 General-purpose I/O pins
20 ATN Attention pin for programming
21 SIN Serial input (TTL-level)
22 SOUT Serial output (TTL-level)
23 NC Not connected
24 NC Not connected

Usage Instructions

The BASIC Stamp 2sx is programmed using the PBASIC language, which is simple and beginner-friendly. Below are the steps to use the module in a circuit:

Steps to Use

  1. Power the Module: Connect the VDD pin to a 5 V DC power source and the VSS pin to ground.
  2. Connect I/O Pins: Use the P0-P15 pins for interfacing with sensors, actuators, or other devices.
  3. Programming: Use the Parallax BASIC Stamp Editor software to write and upload PBASIC code to the module via a serial connection.
  4. Run the Program: Once the program is uploaded, the module will execute it automatically.

Important Considerations

  • Ensure the power supply is stable and within the specified voltage range (5 V DC).
  • Use pull-up or pull-down resistors for unused I/O pins to prevent floating states.
  • Avoid exceeding the current limits of the I/O pins (25 mA per pin, 50 mA total).

Example Code for Arduino-like Functionality

Below is an example PBASIC code to blink an LED connected to pin P0:

' BASIC Stamp 2sx LED Blink Example
' This program blinks an LED connected to pin P0 every second.

DO
  HIGH 0          ' Set P0 high to turn on the LED
  PAUSE 1000      ' Wait for 1 second
  LOW 0           ' Set P0 low to turn off the LED
  PAUSE 1000      ' Wait for 1 second
LOOP

Interfacing with Arduino UNO

While the BASIC Stamp 2sx is a standalone microcontroller, it can communicate with an Arduino UNO via serial communication. Use the SIN and SOUT pins for this purpose, ensuring proper voltage level matching.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. Module Not Responding

    • Cause: Incorrect power supply or loose connections.
    • Solution: Verify that the VDD and VSS pins are properly connected to a 5 V DC power source and ground.
  2. Program Upload Fails

    • Cause: Serial connection issues or incorrect COM port selection.
    • Solution: Check the serial cable and ensure the correct COM port is selected in the BASIC Stamp Editor.
  3. I/O Pins Not Working

    • Cause: Exceeding current limits or incorrect pin configuration.
    • Solution: Verify the pin configuration in the code and ensure the current drawn by connected devices does not exceed 25 mA per pin.

FAQs

Q: Can I use the BASIC Stamp 2sx with 3.3 V devices?
A: Yes, but you will need level shifters or resistors to safely interface the 5 V I/O pins with 3.3 V devices.

Q: What is the maximum program size?
A: The BASIC Stamp 2sx can store up to 2,000 PBASIC instructions in its 8 KB EEPROM.

Q: Can I use the module for real-time applications?
A: The BASIC Stamp 2sx is suitable for simple real-time tasks but may not be ideal for high-speed or complex real-time applications due to its limited processing speed.

This concludes the documentation for the BASIC Stamp 2sx. For further details, refer to the official Parallax user manual.