Propeller Activity Board WX (#32912)

Comprehensive technical specifications and detailed component breakdown

Overview

The Propeller Activity Board WX features the 8-core Propeller microcontroller pre-wired to a host of popular peripherals for fast and fun experiments. Learn or teach the basics of electronics, programming, and robotics with this versatile board. Explore our free web tutorials for graphical BlocklyProp code-building or text-based C-language programming at learn.parallax.com.

The WX version of the Propeller Activity Board expands upon the functionality of the original (#32910). There's more current for your projects with independent 1.8 amp 3.3 V and 5 V switching regulators, an upgrade from audio-out-only to a Mini TRRS audio/video (or audio/mic) jack, and selectable wireless socket/USB communication between host computer and the Propeller chip (RF module not included!)

Key Features

  • Built-in 8-core Propeller P8X32A microcontroller, 64 KB EEPROM, and 5 MHz crystal oscillator
  • Solder-free prototyping with breadboard and header sockets for power and I/O
  • Six servo/sensor ports with power-select jumpers
  • Automatically selects between USB and external power sources and provides USB over-current protection
  • Center-positive 2.1 mm barrel jack for external power supplies
  • Convenient reset button and 3-position power switch
  • Onboard mini stereo-audio jack with microphone/video pass-through
  • Built-in microSD card slot for data logging or storing WAV files
  • Wireless Module socket accepts RF modules to simplify remote management
  • Dedicated analog header sockets provide four A/D 12-bit inputs and two buffered variable-resolution D/A outputs
  • Indicator lights show the status of system power, servo power, programming source, DAC output levels, wireless communication activity, and USB communication activity
  • 3.3 V and 5 V switching voltage regulators with independent 1.8 amp outputs

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Power Requirements Rev A: 6–15 VDC from external supply, or 5V from USB
Rev B/C: 6–24 VDC from external supply, or 5V from USB
Communication USB mini-B (onboard serial over USB)
Dimensions 4.0 x 3.05 x 0.625 in (10.16 x 7.75 x 1.59 cm)
Operating Temperature +32 to +158 °F (0 to +70 °C)

Board Components (Rev B/C)

1. Propeller Multicore Microcontroller System

  • 64 Kilobyte I2C EEPROM for program and data storage
  • 8 core Propeller P8X32A microcontroller
  • 5 MHz crystal oscillator

2. Power Jack

  • 2.1 mm center-positive power jack accepting 6 to 24 VDC (max 15 VDC recommended)
  • Suitable for remote applications and robotics

3. 1.8 A Voltage Regulators

  • 5 V and 3.3 V switching regulators with up to 1.8 A output each
  • Power available through sockets along the breadboard

4. Servo Headers

  • Six servo ports for connecting servos and other devices
  • Power-select jumpers for each port

5. 3.3V / 5V Power Access

  • Positive 3.3 V and 5 V supply sockets for powering circuits on the breadboard

6. Breadboard

  • 34 5-socket rows for solder-free prototyping

7. GND, D/A, A/D Access

  • Access sockets for ground, digital to analog, and analog to digital connections

8. D/A Activity Lights

  • Yellow LEDs indicating output voltage at D/A sockets 0 and 1

9. Analog/Digital Converter

  • 12-bit ADC for monitoring voltage at analog inputs A/D 0, 1, 2, and 3

10. Propeller I/O Pin Access

  • Access to Propeller I/O pins P0 to P15

11. WX Wireless Access & Communication Header

  • Header for wireless module connection and communication

12. Power Switch

  • Three settings: off, microcontroller power, and servo ports power

13. Reset Button

  • Restart or reset the Propeller microcontroller's program

14. Audio/Video Jack

  • TRRS A/V jack for audio output and microphone/video pass-through

15. USB Port

  • For loading programs, serial-over-USB communications, and power supply

16. USB Activity LEDs

  • Blue and red LEDs indicating USB communication activity

17. Wireless Activity Lights

  • LEDs indicating wireless module activity

18. microSD Card Socket

  • Socket for accessing files from a microSD card

19. WX Wireless Communication Module Socket

  • Socket for wireless communication modules

20. Programming Selector Indicator LEDs

  • Indicators for selected programming source

Resources and Downloads