"Jamil J. Weatherbee" wrote:

> CCS C compiler is the one with a lot of library functions for about $99,
> I've heard good reports about it.  Anyone know if I will have any problems
> on a 16c73a?
>
> Does anyone know where I can order this online and download it.

I have been using the CCS compilers for 4 ro 5 years and, as far as I am
concerned, its as good as any other.  They offer the closest thing to an EC
(Embedded C) compiler that I have come across.

You can order it from CCS and download it (
http://www.ccsinfo.com/download.html ) after they give you the order number
over the phone.  I would recommend ordering the PCM compiler first since this
is the one that works with 14 bit devices like the 16C73.  The PCB compiler
works with 12 bit devices such as the basic 16C56.  Each of these are $99 each
(+ $7 s/h) or you can buy the development package which includes both
compilers and an IDE for $350.

I use it with MicroChips MPLAB (which you can download from MIcroChip site)
and it works great.  I have only had to use the CCS IDE a few times in order
to take advantage of the memory reporting and listing features for code
optimization purposes, however,  I have used it often enough to justify the
extra $150.

You can practice optimization techniques very easily using MPLABs simulator
mode and the PICC compiler. The best way to do this is the old fashion single
stepping through the program listing.  I have discovered a few bugs this way.
but, so far, they have been fairly easy to work around.  The support at CCS
has been great.  They have been very quick to get updates on their web page
immediately, and have even let me download the updates after the 30 day
warrenty expired, if I could show them that a bug has caused me to "hit a
wall".

If code optimization is essential, you will have to do some assembly coding. I
have only had to do this a few times and, as I become more familiar with
writing C code and the CCS compilers, it is becoming increasingly rare that I
have to resort to writing any assembler at all.

In my opinion, mixing the 14 bit PCM compiler with the Micro Chip MPLAB
development software, gives you a real bargain at $106  giving you a PIC
processor simulator with, editor, and compiler.