> 1.  Power supplies (Do I have to buy a bench supply, How do I use a
> 78(L)05, can I use batteries).  I would recommend that the beginner's
> kit programmer has enough current left over to power most
> applications.
> 2.  Oscillators (don't run.)  Ideally, I would like to see the
> PICmicro MCU built into the programmer and the entire assembly being
> being inserted into the application, with the clock built in and
> providing current to the external devices.
> 3.  Programming.  Where do they find one, which one is best.
> 4.  How does the individual get {Insert project available on the
> Internet here} to run.  Many projects available on the Internet or
> written up in different books are designed for obsolete parts or
> low-level (PIC16F5x) parts which are not programmable by ICSP
> programmers.

        I Agree in many points with Mike, and add: I still think the easier
way to a newbie come to the PIC world is 16F84, in a "module" with
the programmer. Or a complete lab, with buttons, leds, etc. The
hassle of knowing "is the oscilator working?" is annoying for the
ones without a frequency counter or scope.

        I'd do what I did to myself: A small module, with a NoPPP and a PIC
16F84. A 6 pole x 2 positions push button, keying the programming
pins and xtal. Push the button, program. Push the button, run. Be
happy with it. We are talking about N E W B I E S, and although the
higher end PICs would have more "bang for the buck" I still think the
NoPPP is the easiest/cheapest/more bang for the buck programmer
avaiable around. Period. Easy assembly, cheap parts, easy testing (it
gives you the state of each pin, easing the test) and works in EVERY
parallel port I've tested (and I tested it a lot, you can be sure).

        Also, a good "begginers' manual" would be nice. Something like the
"projects.PDF" you can find in Tony's page. these are nice projects,
simple as it could be, aimed for the begginners. Step by step, it
will bring fun and insight on the architeture of the PIC.

        The best books are that ones that FIRST gives you something to play,
and AFTER teaches you how does it works. If you see a LED flashing,
the first time of your life, you will be in a deer joy. After that,
you can learn how you can play it faster or slower, or else light up
at your control.

        And congratulations to everyone for this nice idea ;o)

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