Propeller Backpack

The Propeller Backpack is a compact, multipurpose Propeller-based module that is optimized for audio and video applications. Out of the box, and without programming, it serves as a video character display for your BASIC Stamp (or other compatible controller). Using one of our 3-wire Extension Cables (#805-00001 or #805-00002), you can plug the Backpack into a standard 3-pin servo header and communicate using a simple serial protocol. Any NTSC video monitor plugged into the Backpack’s A/V connector will then display the characters sent by your program – in color, in selectable windows, and with selectable character sizes.

The Propeller Backpack is also a fully-capable Propeller development platform, which you can program with Parallax’s free Propeller Tool software. Uploading programs to it is a snap, either by using the free LoadBP software via any BASIC Stamp, or directly with the optional Prop Plug (#32201). The Propeller Backpack works in conjunction with your own firmware, or that from the Propeller Object Exchange (OBEX). The Propeller Backpack is expandable, too. The onboard 12-pin socket makes it compatible with Parallax’s complete line of plug-in daughterboards.

Features:

• External interface
• 1/8” stereo phone jack for A/V signals, 3-pin servo header for power and serial I/O, 4-pin Prop Plug header, 12-position daughterboard socket
• Onboard Propeller chip and 10MHz crystal for up to 80MHz operation
• Double-size (64K x 8) EEPROM for programs and data
• Onboard sigma-delta analog input circuitry (2 channels)

Application Ideas:

• Provide programmable character overlays on top of an incoming video signal
• Send and receive data by radio at 1200 baud, using the AFSK modem software from the OBEX and the built-in push-to-talk circuitry
• Generate line-level stereo audio output or simultaneous audio and video output
• Accept line-level audio input with or without simultaneous video output
• Generate synthetic speech

Some Compatible Products:

• TCS3200-DB Color Sensor
• TSL1401-DB Linescan Imager
• 7-Segment Daughterboard (Master Unit)
• 7-Segment Daughterboard (Slave Unit)
• Power Input, 3-pin Header I/O Daughterboard
• BS2pe Prototyping Daughterboard 
• Daughterboard Extension Cable

Key Specifications:

• Power requirements: 4 – 6 V unregulated DC @ 20 – 150 mA, depending on application (5 V regulated DC is required when used with daughterboards.)
• Interface: 1/8” stereo phone jack for A/V signals, 3-pin servo header for power and serial I/O, 4-pin Prop Plug header, 12-position daughterboard socket
• Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.35 in. (38.1 x 34.3 mm)

Downloads & Resources:
Propeller Backpack Documentation (.pdf)
Propeller Backpack PC Loader (.zip)
Propeller Backpack TV Overlay Object, Documentation, and Demo (.zip)
Monitor Firmware [preloaded] (.zip)
Terminal Firmware [preloaded] (.zip)
Firmware Source Code - For Advanced Propeller Users (.zip)
BASIC Stamp demo program (.bs2)
Propeller Backpack Analog Input (.spin)
Propeller Backpack Serial I/O (.spin)