Hmm. Another problem with attracting hobbyists to dsPIC is that it is both too unique and too ordinary... Too unique, we've been talking about. Not enough examples, few existing projects, etc. But there's more. If one picks a 16F84 for their first project, they know that even if it isn't the best possible choice, it is basically compatible with a LARGE range of rather compatible microcontrollers. All the way from 6 to 40+ pins, with a wide variety of packages, memory options, peripherals, and so on, all within hobbyist budget and availability. One is confident that even if it isn't the best choice, it IS a stepping stone to those better choices... Too ordinary... The problem here is that we have a relatively uncommon 28pin $10 microcontroller. There are LOTS of those. 8051s, 6805s, 6808s, COP8s, ST6, Z8s, AVR, Cypress... Decide on an 18pin package (for no particularly good reason), and the choices are much more restricted... :-) BillW -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist