PICAXE 18X

The chip's functionality and development environment are very similar to a Basic Stamp 2's. The quality of documentation is good.

The chip is programmed using a minimal version of BASIC or a unique flowcharting system.

It only has 16 bytes of variable space. However, it has another 256 bytes of "data memory" for temporary storage. The chip has enough program space for approximately 600 BASIC commands.

It does not have a built-in voltage regulator - but it can operate anywhere from 2v to 5.5v (I've been running one around 7.2v for about 2 months straight - no smoke so far...).

What makes the PICAXE so great though is it's cheap!

The PICAXE 18X goes for under $9.

Less powerful versions of the chip go for under $3.

This really makes possible those cheap, fun little projects you wouldn't want to tie up $85 for a Basic Stamp + development board in. I made a microcontroller run night-light for a grand total of about $11.

You can get a full development kit for about $30. Even when you include shipping from the UK this is a major bargain.

I recommend the PICAXE 18 starter kit - but then order the more powerful PICAXE 18X processor to swap out the 18 with.

(Note: you will have to do a minimal amount of soldering to get things going)

They also have a nice selection of cheap robotics kits, motor controller boards, etc.

There are many other variations of the PICAXE - but the 18X along with the 28X (28-pin) are the most powerful.

Visit Revolution Education for more information.

http://www.hippy.freeserve.co.uk/picaxe.htm is a useful PICAXE resource.

http://www.phanderson.com has lots of good PICAXE info. Professor Anderson also sells his own PICAXE development kits.