At 22:59 07/10/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Ok, I am looking into the world of electronics and I really like doing
>this sort of stuff.  Let me warn you...I'm only 16 and you're probably
>thinking I should have some socializing to do or something, but...well you
>get the point.

        Hmmm, I've already saw this movie before... ME :)
        Once you've played with electronics it's become a point of no return...
        You can do socializing WITH electronics, a science fair is a good
starting point (build a Love-O-Matic). :)

>which I was very proud of because I interfaced it to my calculator (HP
>48G) (sorry about that, I just had to tell someone about that who might
>somewhat appreciate it).
        I have a 48SX, great machine.

>that I get, I have been searching around web sites, and I found some good
>stuff at ITU technologies, one of them being a "Warp 3" programmer that
>claims to program everything (for around $130) and a less expensive one
>that doesn't program

        Warp3 programs all 16C 12C and 14000 BUT do not program 17C, with
a little more you can buy a Picstart Plus that program 16C,12C,14000 AND 17C.
        But since you're starting with PICs I recommend that you start with
the easy part to work with, the 16F84, it doesn't need to be UV erased and can
be "in circuit programmed", cutting a lot of development time.
        You need serial out (or in) no problem, you can mimic it on code
(like the basic stamp do).
        You need ADC,use the PIC16C71 or use an ADC8031, it's easy to
interface with the 16F84.
        You can use cheaper programmers like PIC-1a from Itutech that can be
sold as Kit ($39 if my NV memory is good :) .
        Take a look also on Microchip Web Site (www.microchip.com) and
download the 16F84 datasheet if you're convinced enough.



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Ricardo Seixas
Mechanical Engineer
rseixas@ciclone.com.br

... Smile, tomorrow will be worst ...

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