Propeller

[Jadams]

I have been reading more and more on the advantages of the propeller chip (Nuts and Volts Spin Zone).  As I have just started to get comfortable with with Prop 1 codes and thinking about moving to Prop 2 to be able to utilize larger and more complex projects, I am considering getting started with the propeller and spin. 

It appears that you concentrate your support on the products sold through EFX-TEK.  Do you plan to offer the same outstanding support for propeller projects?

I will be more inclined to make the move knowing that there is the same level of support as you have provided with the Prop series. 

Thanks

[bsnut]

Jim,

Reason why Jon and JB are making products now with the Propeller, is it provides more processing speed and the ability to multitask.

The Prop-1 and Prop-2 (Basic Stamp1 and 2) cannot multitask like the Propeller. One advantage that the Propeller has over the Basic Stamps (Prop1 and 2),is it has 8 processors (8 cogs), which this means that each processor can work independently and this means that the Propeller can multitask (run different programs).

[JonnyMac]

It appears that you concentrate your support on the products sold through EFX-TEK.

At the risk of seeming cheeky, we support what we design and sell. 

Please remember that we are not part of Parallax, we are a wholly independent company that happens to use a lot of Parallax goods.  Why wouldn't we? -- we were engineers there and have a great relationship with our friends at Parallax.  They are particularly excited about some of the fun things we're doing with the Propeller chip.

The AP-16+ is our first EFX-TEK branded product that uses the Propeller.  We also used the Propeller in a couple designs for our friends at Ethereal FX.  Up next for us is the HC-8+.  This is a super cool, user-hackable controller (I've talked about it in other threads).  We've gone through the typical growing pains with it.  In fact, I just got home from a Hollywood FX shop (they're using a Prop-1, an AP-16+, and a couple custom Propeller boards I designed for the same shop last years) and found the latest HC-8+ on my doorstep.  I'll double-check it and when my findings agree with JB's, we will roll this dude into production.