Renovations Underway at Parallax
Yesterday, we had our first walk-in customer in many months. He came in to buy a robot kit for a friend and was curious why our entire operation was in such disarray, so Kristina took him on a tour. The Parallax site in Rocklin, California is undergoing some major changes in preparation for the future. […]
What’s a Microcontroller? with micro:bit and Python Curriculum Ready for Fall 2021 Class Adoption!
Pre-engineering Curriculum We’ve released the first 100+ web pages of the What’s a Microcontroller? with Python curriculum! This popular series is designed to move the casual middle school or high school maker student into a pre-engineering curriculum. The program uses the micro:bit v2.0 with a simple component set with a focus on signal measurement, circuit […]
Free Shipping on all 12-Pack Plus Kits through August 20th
Educational customers may now purchase any of our popular 12-pack Plus Kits and receive free shipping today through August 20th, 2021 (domestic USA only). To do this, you’ll need to either place an educational purchase order or call our sales department and order by credit card (916) 624-8333. Choose from these popular packages: ActivityBot 360 […]
Gripper 3.0 Manufacturing Problem – Request Replacement Parts!
https://youtu.be/jPF1fJgh2TE We’re a bit embarrassed! We continually talk about our Made in the USA focus and how our Gripper 3.0 product showcases this effort, but we goofed up on several parts. Customers who ordered a Gripper between the beginning of March through the end of June 2021 will find that it doesn’t assemble like you’d […]
Propeller 1 and 2 in Full Production Status – Ensure your Inventory with a Purchase Order!
First, the P1/P2 are both in full production for as long as the manufacturing process exists, which could be 30+ years! Quick links for live inventory status: P8XA32-Q44 P8XA32-D40 P2X8C4M64P You will notice that the Propeller 1 QFP package is out of stock. We are expecting the supply to be increased dramatically by October, but […]
Building a big robot? The 12V Motor Mount and Wheel Kit is back in Stock!
Back by popular demand for the foreseeable future, this kit is CNC-machined from AL6061 in our Rocklin, California office. Customers can create their own, large robots capable of carrying 40 lbs or more. There’s an accompanying Caster Wheel Kit so you can make an effective three-wheeled design with your own chassis. We don’t offer a […]
Robot 12-Pack Plus Kits for the Classroom
Dear Community, School robotics programs are restarting in different forms around the country and we’re answering calls about hardware choices, switching between robots, software updates, and curriculum for the different platforms we support. Summer programs are being planned and educators are being trained through Parallax’s distance learning program. To help you get started (or restarted) […]
Plural’s 3D Printing Material Management System Uses Propeller 1 FLiP Module
The Plural Additive Manufacturing Material Management System (MMS) manages filament for large-format, additive manufacturing industrial 3D printers. The system provides a moisture-absorbing desiccant canister and electric heater to keep ten spools of filament dry and ready to print — providing the highest material lifespan in a low humidity environment. Plural’s new MMS is controlled by […]
Ping))) Ultrasonic Distance Sensor with Graphical Debug Demo
Description The Ping))) object provides the distance from the sensor connected to an I/O pin through a 3.3k to 4.7k resistor. The object returns the distance in microseconds, or a 0 value if missing or bad sensor. The example uses smart pins and can be replicated for as many Ping))) sensors as needed. The values […]
Using Smart Pins to Measure Frequency Output of TSL235R Light-to-Frequency Sensor
Description Through the use Propeller P2 smart pins it is easy to measure the frequency, periods and duty cycle of input signals. This Quick Byte shows how to monitor the output of a TSL235R Light-to-Frequency Sensor. The output of the TSL235R Light-to-Frequency Sensor is a square wave that varies from 0 Hz (total darkness) to […]
