Hi,

> Enter your name here wrote:
> using TTL logic and works just fine however I want to convert the
> displayed data into a velocity( ft/sec or M/sec).  I can generate data
> with existing components such that all I have left to do is take the
> inverse (1/xxx) of the data and display it.  I want to pursue using an
> MCU and all I read tells me the PIC products are the way to go but I
> am confused with all the available hardware and software available.
Yes, this can be done with a PIC.  You can start with a PIC16F84 which
is EEPROM.

> Question is what do I really need to buy?? most of what I do is
> strictly R&D/one of a kind stuff.  I do have some programming
> experience in fortran, cobal, basic etc and I do do industrial control
> and automation systems (my core buisness).  Any help would be greatly
> appreciated and I promise no more Books to the list.

NONE at all.  The development software MPLAB is free. You can download
it at the Microchip website (http://www.microchip.com).  It includes a
simulator and an assembler.  You must learn the assembly language (only
30+ instructions).

For the programmer, you can DIY it (do it yourself). Check
http://www.gbar.dtu.dk/~c888600/newpic3.htm for the diagram and the
software.  This is a serial port programmer and requires no external
power to operate (power is taken from RS232).

regards,
Reggie