Hi there,


        Some time ago I had a brain storm and came up with an idea,
        however, my skills are related to software and not with electronics.

        So while scanning the Internet, I came across the PIC micro
        controller and thought great, very little electronics, so I bought
        the easy pic'n guide and set about working on my project.

        Unfortunately, I found that the guide deals more with the programming
        aspects and little on how to setup your first project. I have been
        monitoring the PICLIST examining the microchip and parallax sites
        and glanced at a number of application notes, however, most
        electronically are above my understanding. Thus I am
        asking kindly (hopefully without being flamed too much!) for some
        guidance, either book, web sites or electronic mail discussion would
        help, to gain further understanding to the world of micro controllers.

        My first project is to hook up a 16C84 to some LEDs and switches,
        my main concern is not to blow up the PIC :-), but be able thru
        software to turn leds on when modifying the switches. I believe
        I have grasped the assembly language side to pics and have even
        had a play with the simulators.

        The pic'n book explains connecting resistors to the leds and the
        switches to the appropriate data ports. The cyrstal is connected
        to the oscillator spots as described in easy pic'n, but I am
        really concerned with the power sides of the chip. Do I need the
        7805 power chip??

        It appears from all the Application Notes that I have seen to be
        regarded as something one should already know, and thus little is
        mentioned about it. Could some one give me a brief run down?


Thanks for your patience,


Regards,



Robert Walker,
NEWBIE PIC enthusiast.

EMAIL:: Robert.Walker@airservices.gov.au