Hi guys,

I am new to the PIC and micro-controllers in general.  I am currently
working on a project of perhaps modest complexity ( very complicated to me
<g> ). My dilemma relates to the fact that I am just now getting my feet
wet with assembler but I have been using C on the PC platform for years.  I
am tempted to use C as it would _greatly_ decrease my development time.

However, I realize that C can't be totally optimized to assembler and I am
concerned that the finished program could grow beyond the confines of the
PIC's program space.

I thought if I gave you a brief description of my project you might could
help me decide whether I should switch to C or stick with assembler.

My project is a handheld device that contains the following subsystems :

1) PIC17C44 - 8k memory, USART, 32 mhz
2) 2 meg NVRAM ( max 2 chips for 4 meg )
3) RS232 communication ( possibly using MAX232 )
4) 4 x 20 LCD
5) Keypad ( 20 - 30  keys )
6) Low voltage monitor
7) Possibly a battery charging circuit

In addition to the above, I can identify at least two non-trivial tasks
that must be handled by the software.

First, I plan to implement a very scaled down version of the DOS FAT system
in the NVRAM.  Master file table, FAT, sectors, and no subdirectories.  The
user will not be aware of the storage scheme. I want to use it to
facilitate memory reuse as data blocks are added, changed, or deleted.

Second, the user must be able to search for a "file name".  I thought I
would take the approach the cell phone manufacturers used.  The user enters
a few characters from the beginning of the name by way of the numeric
keypad and then uses the up and down keys to scroll through the list. This
may require maintaining an index in a reserved portion of the NVRAM.

Hopefully that's enough information to help you help me <g>.  I appreciate
any and all comments.

Eric Oliver
Texas - 33 years young
Amateur programmer and electronics hobbyist