I haven't heard much talk about using the 12C5XX PICs.  This makes me
suspect that they aren't widely available yet.  I've included my
research, so I won't be wasting too much bandwidth.

I've read the overview and the datasheet for them, (start at
http://www.microchip2.com/products/micros/micros.htm, the datasheet is in
PDF).  The press release, http://www.microchip2.com/pressrel/12000.htm, says
that volume shipments should have started in September at less than $.99 each
at quantity 50,000.  I'm interested in quantity 25 or 50 of the 12C508 (or
12C509 if they're not much more expensive).  It's October.  Anyone know who's
got them (if anyone) and how much they cost at these small quantities?

I checked Digikey's website, http://www.digikey.com, and they weren't
listed there yet, I haven't checked any other vendors yet.

I've got a PIC-1 programmer from ITU Technologies,
http://www.itutech.com/pic-1.htm.  It seems like it should be possible to
in-circuit program a 12C508 with the PIC-1, almost like programming a 16C84.
Has anyone actually done it?

I plan on testing my software on 16C84's (because I've got a few).  I
don't plan on anything very ambitious at first, so I can write most of my
code using the subset of features that is common to both the 16C84 and
the 12C508.

My first program will probably be the classic, blink some LEDs to show it
works.  Hopefully I'll do it in the form of an earring made with just a 3
volt battery, a 12C508, 4 LEDs, 4 current limiting resistors, and a earring
hook.  The leads on the LEDs and resistors will form the mechanical
structure.  I suspect that the batteries will last longer than my wife's
desire to wear it.

Paul Haas
paulh@hamjudo.com