Difference between Basic Stamp modules and EFX boards?

[Jeff Haas]

I was chatting with a friend the other day and describing what I was doing with the Prop-2, and some of the other projects people on this board have done.  It turns out he's an amateur robot builder and is very familiar with the Basic Stamp modules.  He asked me what the difference was between the regular Basic Stamp modules and the EFX boards.  I said that the EFX boards are set up to deal with connecting to servos, relays, etc and that they have been designed to deal with the power requirements of this sort of application,  and the outstanding customer support.  I hope I got this right; afterward, I re-read the PDFs to see if I could pick up any more info.

Did I represent the EFX boards correctly?  Is there a document that I missed that describes what you've added to the Basic Stamp modules? 

Jeff

[JonnyMac]

Remember, we used to work for Parallax and all this started with a product line called "Parallax EFX."  We describe our controllers as industrialized BASIC Stamp (or SX) powered controller boards.  To us, industrialized means that it has a power supply, connections, and ability to drive industrial-type equipment (valves, relays, etc.).  We've actually had a few robot builders turn to us for the reasons I just stated.

People will sometimes ask, "Is this a BASIC Stamp?"  Our answer is, "Well, it's a controller board that uses a BASIC Stamp."

[Jeff Haas]

Thanks, that's the kind of answer I was looking for.

[menehune]

Yes.  The prop boards come with buffers (the ULN chip) and a screw terminal strip to directly connect your wires.  Unlike the  BS stamp boards which come with experimenter type prototyping areas.  Your connections look more professional (IMHO) on the EFX Prop boards and you don't need to buy, wire and mount your own screw terminal strips or ULN chip like you may need to do with the Parallax Stamp modules.