Alt-BEAM Archive

Message #00529



To: beam@corp.sgi.com
From: Steven Bolt sbolt@xs4all.nl
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 16:47:56 +0100 (CET)
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: hmmm...i wonder which subject


On Tue, 16 Feb 1999, George Rix wrote:

> That isn't impossible with BEAM, AFAIK. If you interface it with some sort
> of control device, like a CPU, or a BASIC Stamp, and upload the program, it
> should work (I don't know a thing about BASIC stamps, so don't jump on me if
> you couldn't use it there).

There has been quite a bit of talk about adding a programmable
device to some combination of Microcores, Nervous Nets and so on to
gain something, but I have yet to see a worked out example to prove
the point.

Imho, once you go for a programmable, it's best to use uCs all the
way. I recall Mark T. being asked about using Nervous Nets as an
`autopilot' for cars; he answered that would not be a good idea,
because Nervous Nets are not predictable enough.
If you send a scout to Mars, you want it to its job predictably...

Best,

Steve

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# sbolt@xs4all.nl # Steven Bolt # popular science monthly KIJK #
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