Understanding binary, decimal, and simple analog electronics with a BASIC Stamp module and a few sensors.

Analog-to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion make it possible for a digital device, like the BASIC Stamp 2, to measure and control "real-world" values such as voltage, light level, and frequency. The experiments in the Basic Analog and Digital textbook introduce PBASIC commands for A/D conversion with resistor/capacitor circuits, interfacing an ADC0831 8-bit A/D converter, scaling analog outputs into meaningful digital values, analyzing time-varying signals, and using PWM as analog output. These concepts are conveyed using potentiometers, LEDs, speakers, photoresistors, and pushbuttons. This Stamps in Class text is an excellent companion or sequel to What's a Microcontroller?

This kit does not include a development board. To go through the activities in the textbook, you will need a BASIC Stamp Board of Education Full Kit or HomeWork Board Activity Kit.

Basic Analog and Digital Textbook Activities

• Building a comparator
• Building a simple digital DC voltmeter
• Building a resistive ladder network for D/A conversion
• Recording and displaying frequency and light data
• D/A conversion with pulse width modulation

Parts Kit Contents

• Four 100 Ω Resistors, 1/4 Watt
• Eight 1 kΩ Resistors, 1/4 Watt
• Three 10 kΩ Resistors, 1/4 Watt
• Ten 2 kΩ Resistors, 1/4 Watt
• Two 220 Ω Resistors, 1/4 Watt
• Two 270 Ω Resistors, 1/4 Watt
• Four 470 Ω Resistors, 1/4 Watt
• Two 10 kΩ Potentiometers
• One 0.1 µF Capacitor, mono radial
• Two 1 µF Capacitors, electrolytic
• One 10 µF Capacitor, electrolytic
• One 100 µF Capacitor, electrolytic
• Three Red LEDs
• One Yellow LED
• Two Photo Resistors
• Two Key Switches
• One LM358 Dual Op-Amp, DIP8
• One NE555N 555 Timer IC, CMOS
• 20 Jumper Wires, 3"
• One Piezo Speaker
• One ADC0831 8-bit A/D converter, DIP

You can download a PDF version of the textbook.

Hours to completion: 25
Level of Difficulty (out of 10): 6