Rochester, 30 oktober 2005. > I am a complete newbie at PIC and don't even know enough yet to ask the > right questions, probably. But I do want to learn, and did some looking on > the Internet and have found two places that seem to have step-by-step > tutorials available on-line. One is Myke Predko tutorials at > www.rentron.comand the other is at > WinPicProg.co.uk . > > I wonder if anyone has an opinion as to which of these two might be the best > for me? I do have a basic knowledge of electronics, and also of computer > programming, and do not mind sitting down and spending some time building > circuits. The WinPicProg site looks like it might be better, but that is > just my initial impression and I may be wrong. If I could do my newbie period over again, I would've gone with the PICkit 2, for the following reasons: 1) Building your own programmer is overrated, and in the end usually more expensive than buying the PICkit 2. 2) It comes with CDs that include all datasheets, software and example code and applications. 3) It comes with a demo board, allowing you to test software with LEDs, A/D converters and a button. 4) It support newer devices (and I think it is better to start with the newer devices), like the 16F688, and the 16F690, which comes with the kit. Older devices, like the 16F628A, might be supported in future software releases. It can still do ICSP and I believe the linux software works with it as well. 5) It works with USB, and therefore avoids most compatibility issues related to programmers using the serial port and parallel port. I have won a PICkit 2 recently, and I was very impressed by it. The examples of Microchip all use absolute code, and for most applications relocatable code is a wiser choice, but they are understandable and easy to modify. I own the book of Myke Predko (Programming and customizing PICmicro Microcontrollers) and think his knowledge of electronics is excellent. However, most of his programming advice should be ignored. I do not know the other site you mentioned. Greetings, Maarten Hofman. -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist