On Mon, 19 Jul 1999 08:20:53 -0500 Lawrence Lile writes: > >>. The CPU is changed from Microchip's PIC16CXX series to Micon's >MDT1020/2020 >> series. The new IC is from a Taiwan IC company and >> is 100% PIC-compatible. These chips are used in the new X-10 products. I just received my Firecracker promotional kit, and of course before plugging it in I had to look inside. The TM751 transceiver and the HR12A remote each contain a DT2005 chip (The FireCracker transmitter itself has a genuine Microchp 12C508, while the Lamp Module uses an 18-pin chip that is probably full custom). The 'DT2005' is wired in the circuit exactly like an 18-pin PIC chip. So I make two conclusions: * Someone is already selling large quantities of products containing these chips in the USA. X-10 claims to have shipped more than a million of these promotional systems. * The chips apparently can be made to work, though we can't conclude they are exactly like PICs. * It will be very easy and fun to hack these units by removing the original chips and putting in PICs. and a few speculations: * If Microchip sues, they will be unsuccessful. It didn't work with Scenix, or Intel vs. AMD, Cyrix, etc. * Hopefully Microchip will concentrate on making money from PIC18s, and become fiercely competitive with the PIC16's >"100% comaptible" although the chip we sent over has no onboard >brownout >protection, although the Micon chip does. Phooey. There may be slight differences... It was bad practice for the manufacturer to replace the chip without consulting you first. You may have a right to reject the lot of units. Obviously you need to test the Micon chips all over the place to be sure they'll work for you. If your product turns out to fail in the field, there's serious damage to your company's reputation. I'd send the whole mess back and tell them to put Microchips in instead or forget it. >My question is - is it legal to import the Micon MDT1020 in the US? Someone else is already doing it. But, the X-10 stuff is all made in China, the Chinese maker may have done it without asking too. >My second question - should I hang my Korean supplier by his TOES or >his >NECK? No, move to Texas, invite him over, and shoot him in the back. ___________________________________________________________________ Get the Internet just the way you want it. Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month! Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.