Parallax Propeller Board Overview

Key features and setup guide for the Parallax Propeller Activity Board WX

Introduction

The Parallax Propeller Activity Board WX is an affordable and fully-featured development board designed for Propeller projects. It comes equipped with a mini solderless breadboard, expanded I/O headers, and both 3.3V and 5V power regulators, allowing users to easily build Kickstart demonstration projects or Propeller C tutorials.

Parallax Propeller Board

Key Features

Integrated Solderless Breadboard

The board includes a mini solderless breadboard, facilitating projects with short jumper wires like the 100mm Male-Male Jumper Wires.

Power Options

  • USB Cable: Power can be supplied via a USB cable during programming and testing. Note that USB ports typically provide up to 500 mA of current.
  • Separate Power Supply: Alternatively, a 6-9 volt battery pack or a power adapter delivering at least 1 amp at 6 to 9 volts can be used when untethered from a computer.

3-Position Power Switch

The board features a 3-position switch to control power distribution:

  • Position 0: Removes power from all power pin connections.
  • Position 1: Applies power to the breadboard power pins, excluding the six servo headers.
  • Position 2: Applies power to both the breadboard pins and the servo headers.

Using Servo Headers

The servo headers facilitate easy testing of Parallax continuous or standard servo motors. Additional information is available in the documentation.

Adapting Wiring Diagrams

Wiring diagrams from Kickstart projects can be adapted for use with the Propeller Activity Board. Depending on the original diagram, you may need to make minor adjustments for pin connections.

Wi-Fi Module Integration

This Wi-Fi module connects to your Propeller Activity Board, allowing you to open up the possibility of projects using interactive internet and web features.

WiFi Module

Wi-Fi Module Firmware

  1. Go to the Parallax Wi-Fi Module Firmware and Example Files download page
  2. Download the most recent version (highest version number) 32420-Parallax-ESP…zip
  3. Unzip to a folder and make sure the words Parallax ESP and the version number are in the folder name

Connect Wi-Fi Module to Propeller Board

  1. Set the board's power switch to 1
  2. Run an example program to test the module's firmware and communication with the Propeller board
  3. Set the board's power switch to 0
  4. Make sure the corners of the module with white triangles are to the left
  5. Line up the module pins with the sockets
  6. Press down firmly so that the Wi-Fi module sinks into the socket
WiFi Module Wiring

Getting Started Steps

  1. Join Module's Wi-Fi - Connect to the module's network
  2. Update Module Firmware - Ensure latest firmware version
  3. Configure Module Communication - Set up communication parameters
  4. Program the Propeller over Wi-Fi - Wireless programming capability
  5. Load and View a Test Page - Verify web connectivity
  6. Test the Propeller to Webpage Communication - Confirm bidirectional communication
  7. Join another Wi-Fi Network - Connect to existing networks

Additional Resources