Have you ever wanted to control an RC servo, but you couldn't devote enough processing time to repetitively generate the required pulses? The PicoPAK-VIII is the perfect way to solve this problem. This diminutive 8 pin IC monitors an output from a host computer (e.g., a Basic Stamp, a PIC, or other microcontroller). When it senses a pulse, it repeats the pulse to the servo with a 20mS space between pulses. It will continue to output the pulse until the host sets another pulse output.

That means your servo code can stay almost exactly the same, but you don't have to service the servos except when you want to change their position. Here's a simple Basic Stamp program that sets a 2mS pulse output and then stops:

'{$STAMP BS2}
'{$PBASIC 2.5}
PicoPAK pin 15
HIGH PicoPAK
PULSOUT PicoPAK,1000  ' 2uS/ count so 2mS
GOTO stopp
' Stop here, but don't let Stamp
' reset
STOPP: GOTO stopp

Of course, a real program would do something other than stop, but the point is that the Stamp doesn't have to intervene -- the PicoPAK continues to generate pulses.

The Details

With the PicoPAK-VIII you receive the chip, a ceramic resonator, and a data sheet that explains how to use the chip (you can also view the manual online).

Get it Now!

Try a PAK for 21 days. If you aren't delighted, just send it back undamaged for a full refund of your purchase price. But once you see how useful it is, you won't want to be without it.

Need volume pricing?

Add to Cart PicoPAK-VIII Coprocessor $9.95 each

Key Benefits

Saves development time
Generates pulses with no intervention from your processor
Perfect for servo control
Simple to interface

Key Links

Manual

PAK-VIII (control 8 servos)

PC Servo Controller

Customer application: Internet-controlled skull (this won the IP appliance contest at DefCon 12)

AWC Electronics - Pulse Output

The Details

Get it Now!

Key Benefits

Key Links