This is the Revision A verion of the BS2Hub8 RoboBrick. The status of this project is that it has been replaced by the Revision C version.

BS2Hub8 Robobrick (Revision B)

Table of Contents

This document is also available as a PDF document.

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Programming
• 3. Hardware
  • 3.1 Circuit Schematic
  • 3.2 Printed Circuit Board
• 4. Software
• 5. Issues

1. Introduction

The BS2Hub8 RoboBrick is a master RoboBrick that can control up to 8 slave RoboBricks. It is controlled by a Basic Stamp 2^® from Parallax. It has two terminals that can be connect to a battery between 6 and 9 volts. It has an on board 5 volt voltage regulator to provide power to the slave RoboBricks. The is a connector that can be connected to a DB9 connector and used to communicate with a controlling PC via RS-232 voltage levels.

2. Programming

We may eventually put a few examples of programming the BS2Hub8 RoboBrick here. Basically, it is programmed using the Parallax Basic for the Basic Stamp 2.

    ' Even numbered pins inputs and odd number pins are outputs.
    ' (Remember for the BS2, 1=output and 0=input.)
    dirs = $aaaa

    ' Set all outputs to high:
    high 1
    high 3
    high 5
    high 7
    high 9
    high 11
    high 13
    high 15

    ' To copy a Switch8-B (on N2) to LED10-B (on N1):
    switches var byte
    loop:
	' Send command 0 (Read switches) to Switch8-B:
	serout 11, 396, [0]
	' Receive the switch readings from Switch8-B:
	serin 10, 396, [switches]
	' Send switch values to LED10-B:
	serout 9, 396, [switches]
	goto loop
	
								

3. Hardware

The hardware consists of a circuit schematic and a printed circuit board.

3.1 Circuit Schematic

The schematic for the BS2Hub8 RoboBrick is shown below:

The parts list kept in a separate file -- bs2hub8.ptl.

3.2 Printed Circuit Board

The printed circuit board files are listed below:

bs2hub8_back.png

The solder side layer.

bs2hub8_front.png

The component side layer.

bs2hub8_artwork.png

The artwork layer.

bs2hub8.gbl

The RS-274X "Gerber" back (solder side) layer.

bs2hub8.gtl

The RS-274X "Gerber" top (component side) layer.

bs2hub8.gal

The RS-274X "Gerber" artwork layer.

bs2hub8.drl

The "Excellon" NC drill file.

bs2hub8.tol

The "Excellon" tool rack file.

4. Software

There is no software for the BS2Hub8 RoboBrick yet.

5. Issues

The following fabrication issues came up:

• Pin 7 is missing on U1.
• Replace SW1 with a more robust switch.
• Move VR1 to the left a little to make room for a heat sink.