On Fri, 19 Jun 1998 16:20:41 +0100 David Tait writes: >> Has anyone a clue? Or better a simple programmer schema for both >> micros? > >In line with recent suggestions on this list you are advised to go out >and buy a decent programmer. The 16C54 isn't very well-suited to DIY programmers because it has only a parallel programming mode where all 12 bits of the instruction must be applied to 12 pins of the chip at the same time. The '84 is generally programed in a serial mode where the programmer inputs the 14 bits of the instruction one bit at a time, only needing to drive two pins. Note also that the 16C54 is about the lowest-end model in the PIC line and doesn't have several features that the '84 does. You can still do many useful projects with it though. You could look at Microchip's programming spec and build a 16C54 programmer using one or more 16C84's. If you can get a large number of free 16C54's it would be worthwhile to buy a more universal programmer. This would also let you program the other members of the 16CXX line. I have a PICSTART Plus and like it because it will program any PIC (except the surface-mount ones, which require an adapter socket). But it is rather expensive for a programmer that only does PIC chips, and it works only with Windows 95 or 3.1. _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]