On Thu, Aug 01, 2002 at 12:32:37AM -0500, Pic Dude wrote:
> > But it's the classic fallacy. Novices never stay novices.
> > Projects very quickly
> > become more complex as the novice developer becomes more
> > comfortable with the
> > environment.
>
> Agreed, but novices usually don't look that far ahead when scratching
> their heads and thinking where to begin.  A few bucks wasted on a
> 16F84 "feet-wetter" is no big deal to almost anyone.

It's not about the money. It's about the mindset. The 16F84 makes simple
things simple and complex things difficult. The 16F628 makes simple things
simpler and complex things simpler too. All that's missing is a lack of
information.

>
> I'll agree with others that there really is a good amount of PIC 16F628
> info out there, but most newbies don't want to tackle a month's worth
> of docs before seeing their LED's blink.

Agreed. Documented boilerplate is needed.

>
> Hey, I have an idea -- let's buy a bunch of those LED's that have
> built-in blinkers, and sell them to newbies for $5 each, telling
> them that they include pre-programmed 16F84's.  Connect a couple
> volts, watch it blink, ditch it, then pick up some 16F628's. :-)
> I'll go reserve my spot on late-night infomercial TV now -- right
> between the Hollywood 24-hr diet and the 30-minute millionaire
> system. :-)
>
> > OK. I can buy that. I'll put up a 16F628 based blinky LED on my page.
>
> That's the spirit! :-)

I wrote it last night. I need to put a huge disclaimer at the top:

; WARNING!!! YOU MUST TIE RB4/PGM to GROUND IF YOU ARE USING LVP MODE!!!

I couldn't figure out why it wouldn't blink until I had my DOH! moment.

>
> And of course, I make these demands on you folks, when I've been
> meaning to get my own web pages up and running (and include a bunch
> of good PIC content) for a while now.  Slap on my own wrist.  :-(

No problem. We all do what we can.

BAJ

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