I am really glad to see that all you picsters are so easily amused :-)).
Technical people with a good sense of humor are hard to find.

What I need to do is just PIC your brains a little.  I have all the hardware,
software and books to learn what to do with these PIC devices.  What I need is
a little bit of direction.  I am wanting to build a model rocket launcher for
a friend who has an asthmatic son.  I have seen some simple designs but tend
to lean towards the flair for bells and whistles.  So what I will have a very
I/O intensive little PIC.

I want to use 10 LED's for the launch sequence (10, 9, 8, 7, ....2, 1, L).
These LED's will count down in sequence with the last LED "L" flashing at
about 1-2 Hz at launch.  I want to use a piezo alarm to sound a launch warning
for the last 4 counts (LED's 4, 3, 2, 1, L).  Then there would be a dual
RED/GREEN LED for the Fuze continuity check and a button for this test (maybe
it could be automated).  Then we have a flashing (1-2 Hz) red LED to indicate
the countdown has been halted due to emergency and a button to activate this
feature.  There is also a flashing yellow LED (1-2 Hz) to indicate a temporary
hold on the countdown sequence and the button to hold and restart the
countdown.  Two buttons for on and off and a green LED to indicate power "ON."

I also want a master reset button (Must be held in for 5 -10 seconds) to reset
the whole system to a known state and disable the launch circuit.  I am
planning on using a key switch for the master interlock on the launch circuit.
This and maybe using a SSR to isolate the launch and Fuzing circuit will
enhance the safety issue.  I want the unit to also go "To Sleep" after 5 or 10
minutes of inactivity.  Pressing any key would reawaken the system in the
state it was in prior to "Sleep."

Finally it would be great to have some form of battery condition indicators.
Maybe a small LCD voltmeter to measure battery voltage or current.  Maybe a
battery gas gauge like Benchmarq sells for high priced power tools.  Maybe use
the display for a clock too?  Want to be able to use alkaline or rechargeable
batteries to power the thing.  It would be great if it could be charged from
an auto cigarette lighter!!

What I need is suggestions on  what PIC  might really fit the bill here.
There is a lot of I/O, a watch dog timer, maybe an A/D, should be able to
drive LED's, an SSR, a piezo audio indicator, determine battery condition and
charge state.  And much more.

With all these bells and whistles this asthmatic young teen could have the
ABSOLUTE neatest model rocket launcher at the contests.  This is his only form
of recreation due to his exacerbated condition.

What I will get out of this journey, in addition to his smiles, is the
knowledge earned from getting this thing designed and built.  I have MPLAB on
a Compaq Presario 1610 and a PIC Start Plus Programmer.  I have all the PIC
books written by anyone I could find.  I have a free source for the PIC chips.
What I need is direction and suggestions along the way.

Want to help??  The only real concern is SAFETY to prevent an accidental
launch which might cause an injury.  This can be avoided with some old
fashioned design criteria and common sense.  I have until December 24th to get
this done.  Any direction and comments would be greatly appreciated by the
recipient and myself.

Ed