Based on the CBA robot main controller board, the Experimentation Station is a great tool for learning about programming and electronics. This compact, self-contained system, matches a BASIC Stamp 2e with a breadboarding area and a power source.

The Experimentation Station comes as a kit of parts with everything you need to build a fully operational, microcontroller based breadboarding system.

The kit is perfect for the beginner who wants to learn about programming and electronics. With the kit you will solder and test the controller PC board and assemble the board onto a support base. A 30-page manual walks you though all the steps and helps you gain skills you will need to build other projects.

Parallax BASIC Stamp 2e

The Experimentation Station is controlled by a Parallax BASIC Stamp 2e. The BASIC Stamp is an easy-to-program microcontroller with a long history in the hobby of robotics. The BASIC Stamp in the Experimentation Station is the OEM version. This has the advantage of lower cost but also allows the IO pins of the BASIC Stamp to be protected from direct electrical shorts.

For more information on the BASIC Stamp see the Parallax Web site.

Expansion and Experimentation
The controller board's design has many opportunities for expansion and experimentation. These include:

• Headers for two servos
• Headers for two wheel encoders or other sensors
• All 16 BASIC Stamp IO pins are protected by resistors and brought to a header for breadboarding
• 30 pin long breadboarding area
• Expansion header with all connections to allow for easy addition of add-on kits like LCD displays and sensor boards
• Fits Parallax AppMods with no modifications

The kit contains all the parts you need to assemble the station.

• Printed circuit board and electronic parts, including the Parallax OEM BASIC Stamp 2e interpreter
• Support base with rubber feet
• Breadboard
• Battery holder
• 30 Page printed manual
• Software CDs

You will need to supply common electronic tools like a soldering iron, pliers, wire clippers and screwdrivers. A serial cable will be needed to connect your computer to the robot for programming. You will also need batteries. We recommend rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries as they have greater life and more power.