> What is the PICSTART package that people
> mention in this list like?
>

I started out with a PICSTART model b1 three years ago, and upgraded
to a PICSTART PLUS after about a year.  PICSTART PLUS can be obtained
at a discount if you attend one of Microchip's embedded control
seminars. Also try asking your rep, they've been known to hand them
out on rare occasions.

PICSTART PLUS will program any of  Microchip's PICS.  The unit costs
about $120, I think .   There is a fancier programmer that will
program and then verify at different voltages. .  This is not
neccesary for prototying work.


> Is the PIC16C84 the best to start off
> with?

PIC16C84,  PIC16C54, or PIC12c508 all make good beginner's chips.
ALL the PICs are very easy to program once you understand ONE of
them.  Almost any one of the low end devices is a good place to
start.  The sole advantage of the '84 is you don't need to UV erase
it, it has onboard EEprom.


-- Lawrence Lile

     "The ideal design has zero parts"  -
            (attributed to Harold Hallikainen)

Download AutoCad blocks for electrical drafting at:
http://home1.gte.net/llile/index.htm