Originally posted by: Sir Fredrick
That's odd, the link works for me.
Well, what I linked to is a (relatively) cheap RF Transmitter and a Receiver.
Now we're talking, BASIC stamp, this is something that the above mentioned items require.
I don't know anything about BASIC stamps or how to use them. Where is a good place to learn more? Specifically, I need to use one to interface the serial port with the RF transmitter.
well the link is working now... odd. Anyways, a Basic stamp is nothing more than a micro-controller in which you can program using the BASIC language, which makes it extremely easy to program. And the size of the module is in the shape of a stamp, hence the name BASIC STAMP. It has built in serial communication and easily interfaces to that wireless transmitter/receiver you linked to.
You would develope your program using their development software and "burn" your code into the basic stamp by using a programmer.
On the sending end, you want to use the BASIC STAMP as an interface between the PC and the wireless transmitter. On the receiving end, you want to use the BS as an interface between the receiver and the robot.
If that's the case, then there is a maxim IC chip called MAX202E that'll interface the serial port to the transmitter. What it does is basically converts the +-12V at the serial port to 0 and 5V so you can send those signals to the transmitter. No need for a basic stamp for this section.
Where you will need the BASIC STAMP is at the receiving end though, as it will receive the 0/5V signals from the receiver, read the data, and send out the appropriate controls for your robot. Ie, you can make the letter 'F' to move your robot forward, 'B' backward, 'L' left, 'R' right. I believe the basic stamp has built in serial port functions, so all you need to program is something like ' Receive "F", 3 ' where 3 is the i/o line that the data line on the receiver is connected to.
Ok, that might be a little technical, but you will need it
If I were you, I'd get one of those Basic Stamp start kits that includes everything you need to start working on your project. Also, DO NOT get the 433Mhz Tx/Rx AM modulated pair because that's the WORSE frequency range to operate on. At the very least, get a 900Mhz AM modulated pair. Even better would be an FM modulated Tx/Rx.