Microchip PIC Forum: Re: [piclist] An introduction & Many Questions

First, buy the Pickit2 from Microchip ($50.), from Allied Electronics
or Mouser. This comes with a programmer, ICD and a development board
with a 16F887. Download MPLAB from Microchip , its free. Most
development today is done with "C" or Basic. The compilers generate
assembly code which is then assembled, but you get to look at it
which will teach you a great deal. For compilers try BoostC which
allows you to create 2K word programs. The full comiler is $70. For
Basic try GCBASIC which is open source or Oshonsoft Pic_Sim_Ide which
includes a simulator.

You can download documents, Pickit2, 16F887, etc, from the Micrpchip
site.

Dick

---- Original Message ----
From: leon.heller@bulldoghome.com
To: piclist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [piclist] An introduction & Many Questions
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:10:36 -0000

>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Ken Stuempges" <ozarkshermit@dishmail.net>
>To: <piclist@yahoogroups.com>
>Sent: Sunday, November 11, 2007 1:26 AM
>Subject: [piclist] An introduction & Many Questions
>
>
>> Howdy:
>> I'm what you would call an O.T.H.E. (Over-The-Hill_Engineer).
>> Have not done any Electrical Engineering since the early to mid
>80's,
>> but now have the bug to resume. I plan on some minor PIC projects,
>> some for fun, and one to sell, small-time. My programming
>background
>> was strictly Assembly, (6800 - 6809 - 8086 - 8088), as well as
>> hardware. As far as programming goes, I plan on going strictly
>> Assembly again. I'll probably start with the 16F84, with the
>intent
>> to grow. In addition, I have an XP computer, so will need
>something
>> compatible with USB.
>>
>> After surfing here for a while, I'm still confused about what
>> programmer/development/debugger to get. I suppose I could go
>direct
>> to Microchip - but am trying to save a few $$.
>>
>> There are several on the web and ebay, in particular. Is anyone
>> familiar or used anything from the following ebay stores:
>>
>> MDflystore ; Jeffs-store ; or the Chi-Com outfit from Hong Kong
>> "VirtualVillage-USA" or the Bulgarians, "Olimex" ?
>
>Don't bother with the 16F84, it's been obsolete for some years. Use
>the
>16F88.
>
>Oliomex has the advantage that they are supported on the Sparkfun
>Electronics forum (they sell Olimex boards).
>
>The Microchip PICkit 2 is very good value.
>
>Leon