• Install the Parallax Basic Stamp software for Boe-Bot
• Unpack the Boe-Bot box and verify that all parts are available. Use the Boe-Bot robot inventory sheet.
• Setup the basic stamp hardware
• Test the hardware and software connection for the Microcontroller
• Understand how the Boe-Bot is connected to the Comm Port of the computer
• Find and use the Help file for the Basic Stamp
• Write and run a simple PBasic program

1. View the videos in the Videos and Simulations section below.
2. Read and follow the instructions in Robotics with the Boe-Bot  Chapter 1. 
3. Complete the Boe-Bot activities assigned by your instructor. If self-study, do all the “Your Turn” parts for each activity in the chapter.  Fill out the Observations section in this lesson for each Activity. (Note: It is only by typing in the commands that you truly begin to understand programming. So don’t short change yourself.)
4. Chapter 1 Vocabulary List - (PDF)
5. Review the Key Points or FAQs below.
6. Use the Observations again to Answer the questions at the end of the chapter.
   Check your answers.
7. When complete, turn in the Observations Word Doc to your instructor (print, email or other method defined by your instructor). Self-study students can optionally send to a parent, mentor or friend.

Videos and Simulations

Chapter 1 Overview Video

Activity Videos:

• Unpacking the Boe-Bot
• Activities Step by Step:
  • Chapter 1 Introduction
  • Getting the Software
  • Hardware Setup
  • Chapter 1 Summary
• Introduction to Programming
• Bread Board Basics
• Resistor Identification
• Lab Safety
• How to use Code Assist

Key Points or FAQs:

 How do I access the help file?

To access the help file, open the Basic Stamp Editor Program and select “Basic Stamp Help…” from the main Help menu at the top of the program window.

How do I connect, power up and power down the BOE?

To power up the BOE, make sure the battery pack has fresh batteries and that the power cord is connected to the power plug on the BOE.  Then slide the Power switch to 1 to use just to components on the BOE or to 2 to power up the BOE and the Servos.

What Comm Port is your BOE connected to?

The Comm ports vary on every machine.  If you are already connected, the easiest way to to view the comm. Port is to use the ‘Identify…” option under the Run menu in the Basic Stamp Editor.  This will show the name of the comm port in use.  If you do not know the comm port, use the Windows Device Manager to view the ‘Ports’ section to see the active comm port.

What file type are the programs saved as?

Basic Stamp program files are saved as *.bs2.  For example, Myprogram.bs2

What are the two lines of code we have to have at the beginning of every program?

The two lines of code required for all programs are called Directives.  They tell the program what language is being used and what microcontroller you are working with.

Here is an example:

' {$STAMP BS2}

' {$PBASIC 2.5}