Active Robots Ltd. of UK has readied a new wireless controller board based on Atmel's ATMEGA8535-16 mega chip running at 16 MHz. The WMB-USA comes with a built-in serial RF link and variable power from 1 to 10 mW. Plus, it offers selectable data speeds. All of the parameters at the PC end can be easily modified with the configuration software supplied free with the board.

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The combination of high speed and seamless wireless communications via PC or laptop makes the radio microboard well suited for the development of low-cost wireless control, mobile robots and data logging applications. At 16 MIPS, it is faster than other solutions in the market, and there are many compilers available that are suitable for this board, according to the maker. Individual applications can easily be developed in Basic or C.

WMB-USA is 84 mm x 70 mm x 20 mm and accepts any input voltage from 6 to 35 V, with polarity inversion protection. And 750 mA is available for peripheral electronics needs. Four 8-bit I/O ports and one serial port make the board versatile in terms of control and I/O capability. Other features include pre-assembled board, ISP port, ISP download indicating LED, 32 I/O port pins, reset button, free Windows BASIC/C compilers and ISP downloader (optional). The WMB-USA is available from stock at $199.00 each from Saelig Co. Inc. of Pittsford, N.Y.