RS-232 Adapter Board
User Manual
Engineering » Design » Product
Blue Wolf, Inc.
9179 W. State Street
Garden City, ID 83714
Engineering » Design » Product
RS-232 Adapter Board
Revision History
Version #
1.0
Release Date
3/14/2011
Revision/Release Comments
Initial draft for release.
The information contained in this publication, regarding device applications and/or use, is intended by way of
suggestion only and may be superseded by updates or revisions.
No liability is assumed by Blue Wolf, Inc. with respect to the accuracy or use of such information or infringement of
patents arising from such use or their compliance to any industry standards.
The use of Blue Wolf, Inc. products as critical components in any life-saving system is not authorized except with
express written approval. Safety glasses should always be worn when assembling this kit and care should be
exercised when using any soldering iron equipment or assembly tools.
This document is distributed by Blue Wolf, Inc. electronically and may not be printed and distributed without prior
written permission.
Copyright © Blue Wolf, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved.
Version 1.0
© 2011 Blue Wolf, Inc.
Page 2 of 11
Engineering » Design » Product
RS-232 Adapter Board
RS-232 Adapter Board
#BWR-003
For Use in the FlashFly System
Table of Contents
The FlashFly System ...................................................................................................................................... 4
RS-232 Adapter Board................................................................................................................................... 5
Features ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Key Specifications ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Kit Contents................................................................................................................................................... 5
Tools Required .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Optional USB to RS-232 Adapter Configuration ........................................................................................... 6
Assembly Instructions ................................................................................................................................... 6
Power Connection to RS-232 Adapter Board................................................................................................ 8
RS-232 Adapter Board Pinouts...................................................................................................................... 9
Solder Jumper Non-Stamp .......................................................................................................................... 10
Module Dimensions .................................................................................................................................... 10
Schematic Diagram for the RS-232 Adapter Board..................................................................................... 11
Version 1.0
© 2011 Blue Wolf, Inc.
Page 3 of 11
Engineering » Design » Product
RS-232 Adapter Board
The FlashFly System
FlashFly is an innovative system that allows a user to remotely download BASIC Stamp
programs to Parallax’s Stamp modules or interpreter chips. FlashFly’s wireless capabilities, in
coordination with common Series 1 XBee modules, will allow a user with a BASIC Stamp mobile
robot or stationary platform to modify his or her program remotely.
Therefore, individuals who have mobile robots, sprinkler systems, weather stations, alarm
systems, or any other remote or fixed controller board with a BASIC Stamp core will benefit from
the FlashFly system because wirelessly downloading a program change is now achievable and
easy.
FlashFly eliminates the tedious task of having to connect a robot or a fixed platform to a
computer before any programming changes can be made. FlashFly also enriches a user’s
learning experience by providing instant feedback data to the DEBUG terminal screen, which
allows a user to evaluate his or her program flow and I/O data wirelessly. FlashFly can also be
used in conjunction with any other microprocessor platform that needs to transmit data
wirelessly.
The two main components of the FlashFly system are the Base Module and the Remote
Module. These two modules are responsible for communicating back and forth. In the FlashFly
system, there are three options for the Remote Module component. Each of these options will
allow for wireless downloading of BASIC Stamp programs.
1. The Remote Module can be inserted into a breadboard or user-defined board for direct
communication with a BASIC Stamp interpreter chip.
2. The RS-232 serial adapter board can be used in the FlashFly system to connect to a
mobile or fixed platform when the user has a serial BASIC Stamp version (a board that
uses a DB-9 connecter).
3. The USB Stamp adapter module can be used in the FlashFly system to connect to the
Remote Module when the user has a USB-type board with BASIC Stamp.
The following list identifies each of the FlashFly system components, their respective product
numbers, and their role in FlashFly. The last two boards are interchangeable, depending on the
BASIC Stamp version a user has.
Base Transmitter Board (BWR-001) – This board connects to the computer.
Remote Receiver Board (BWR-002) – This board connects to a mobile or fixed robot.
RS-232 Adapter Board (BWR-003) – This board connects to the remote board.
USB Stamp Adapter Board (BWR-004) – This board connects to the remote board.
Version 1.0
© 2011 Blue Wolf, Inc.
Page 4 of 11
Engineering » Design » Product
RS-232 Adapter Board
RS-232 Adapter Board
This RS-232 Adapter board works as an optional attachment for the FlashFly system, and also
comes in a partially assembled kit. This cost-effective solution is an easy way to interface the
FlashFly system to a serial version Boe-Bot, serial version Board of Education, HomeWork
Board, Basic Stamp 2 Carrier Board, or any other serial version using the BASIC Stamp. The
basic purpose of the RS-232 adapter board is to convert the I/O signals to and from an RS-232
transmission level.
An additional benefit of the RS-232 module, when paired with the Base module, is that it can
serve as an extra USB to COMM serial port adapter.
NOTE:
A USB A to mini B cable is
required for use, but it is not supplied.
Features
Provides an easy interface for communicating with the FlashFly system
When used with a Base module, this functions as an extra USB to RS-232
COMM port adapter (TX,RX,DTR) for BASIC Stamps
Partially assembled kit for flexible configurations
Works with the Remote module or Base module
Key Specifications
Power requirements: come from a 3 pin 0.100” male header (5Vdc)
DB-9 male connector
Operating temperature: -40 to +185F (-40 to 85 C)
Dimensions: 1.13” wide by 1.30” long (with headers)
Kit Contents
BWR-003 PCB (1) — SMD components are pre-soldered
DB-9 male straight connector (1) — Solder to top of board
8-pin right angle 0.100” female header (1)
3 pin 0.100” vertical header for easy power input (1)
Tools Required
Soldering iron (always wear safety glasses when soldering)
Solder (some soldering experience required)
Flux
Version 1.0
© 2011 Blue Wolf, Inc.
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