> the mains frequency might be stable in u.s. (i didn't think on this >fact). i think it's apparent from tony's mail that he wanted an accurate >clock. so i suggested using a high frequency crystal oscillator (about 20 >Mhz the time base of the PIC and not 32.khz etc). since the >frequency is fairly large i don't think variations in temp. etc. will affect >the stability of the clock. as tony'd seeked i just suggested another way of >doing the same thing. obviously the alternative is much more expensive, which >is the price paid for a stable clock. 32 KHz xtals are cut to be extremely accurate and stable. That's why they are the standard for timekeeping purposes. A 20MHz frequency is overkill and expensive. Let alone not usable in a '84 (which only is spec'd to 10 MHz). Andy ================================================================== Andy Kunz - Montana Design - 409 S 6th St - Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 Hardware & Software for Industry & R/C Hobbies "Go fast, turn right, and keep the wet side down!" ==================================================================