Mike wrote:
>
> >I don't think that PICs are so much better. They have a grotty
> >architecture compared to the Z8, which is *much* nicer. On the other
> >hand, PICs are much easier to get hold of in small quantities,
> >development software and hardware are available for next to nothing, and
> >the documentation can be obtained very cheaply, or free.
>
> The thing that bothers me about PICs (and I think its the most important for
> use in control systems) is the inability to read internal ROM to perform a
> checksum or equivalent integrity check. So for low end stuff that has any type
> of real world control - I just don't use them.
>
> For low end stuff I use the 89C2051 by Atmel or 68HC705C8 by Motorola.
>
> The high end PIC stuff is about on par with HC11 type devices.
>
> Rgds
>
> Mike

Here in Italy is very easy to find and cheap and easy to program (like
pic),the SGS Thompson ST62xx family.
If you need more inf. you can see the SGS THOMPSON site and if you need
a cheap to bild programmer I can send you the scheme and software.


                                Luca