In message  <848344987.916155.0@colours.demon.co.uk> PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
 writes:
> Any help to get me started on the right tack would be very gratefuly
> received.  My knowledge of electronics is pretty basic,  but the only
> analogue requirement is for the AtoD conversion,  so once I get
> started I should move on fast.
>

Roy,


Might I suggest you look at the 16C71x PICs. They have ADCs built in.
Only 8 bits, but a 20us conversion time.


Regards,


Mike Watson