On Mon, 26 Aug 1996 13:42:48 +0200 Vikram BAJAJ
<vikram@GTC13.MATRAMHS.FR> writes:
>Hi everyone,
>
>I am a complete beginer to Micro-controllers.
>
>1. Can any one suggest which microcontroller would be the best to start
>with in PIC series and what tools would I need to use any where can I
>get them, if possible in shareware? Is there any book for beginner or
>any material available on the net?

The most often reccommended PIC for beginners is the PIC16C84.  There are
several reasons for this.  One is that it has eeprom program memory
instead of eprom.  This allows easy reprogramming without UV erasing.
Another is that the '84 is one of the simplest to build a programmer
for.  There are several very simple designs that you can build yourself
for very little money if you are inclined to do it yourself.  These
designs are available on the web and on Microchip's BBS.  A good place
to start getting info is from Microchip's web page.  It's URL is
http://www.microchip.com.  Device data, application notes, and very good
development tools (assembler, simulator, etc.) are available free from
this web page.  It also has some links to third party PIC related web
pages that you can use to track down more info.  You might also want to
try logging in to Microchip's BBS.  This can be reached by telnet at
mchipbbs.microchip.com, or you can get to it through Compuserve using
the instructions that are given in the back of most Microchip product
data sheets and other literature.

>2. For my first project I want to design a techometer with LCD display.
>Has anyone got information on this. I looked at STAMP basic example
which
>uses a 'pulsin' command. Is there any way I can convert this code into
>assembly code?

PIC assembly is very easy to learn.  I'm not familiar with the STAMP or
it's 'pulsin' command, so I can't give a specific way to code it in
assembler, but suffice it to say that reading inputs and measuring times
are easy to do in PIC assembly language.

>3. I understand there is shareware PCB designer available, where can
>download this software from?

You can download a PCB layout program called EasyTrax from
www.protel.com.  You can also get information and demos for Protel's
full featured professional software from this site.


                                        Peace,
                                        William Kitchen