>>Instead of a NE555, you could use PIC12C508 (8-pin PIC) and NO
>>external RC
>>networks.  With 6 I/O available, you could even implement multiple
>>timers.

 >   Here we go.  Six months from now

 >      'Instead of <device> you could use 12C508...'

 >   is going to drive us all crazy!

>___Bob

Bob,

Rather than expecting it to drive us all crazy, I hope it (the 12C508)
allows us to make some easy money.  Think of all the simple jobs that
presently require gobs of messy TTL and timers to monitor a few inputs
and produce one or more outputs.  I hope to be able to shoehorn many of
these into sub-one-dollar parts like the 12C508, because I can market
these cheap, one chip solutions that require very few external
components.  Many simple projects and/ or ideas never get implemented
because we can't hit the price point.

Sure, I like the big exotic projects too.  But I'll take easy money
whenever I can get it!  I have high hopes for the 12C508 and 12C509.

 ----- Steve