Hmm.. I was thinking of going with an EzProg but it doesn't look like it supports the 16f84. I really do want to stick with something simple.. so maybe the Wisp.. nobody mentioned the DIY kits though.. don't like these? http://kitsrus.com/upuc.html#k150 -Shay John J. McDonough wrote: > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Olin Lathrop" > > Subject: Re: [PIC] Programming a 16f84 vs 16f877 > > >> here before. However if you do go this route, at least use a 16F648A or >> 16F88 instead of the obsolete 16F628. For low volume projects, it >> doesn't > > > It depends a little on Shay's take on development. > > If he builds a programmer, then the 16F84, 16F84A, 16F628, 16F87x are > supported by a wide range of public domain software. Support for the > 88, 648A, and 87xA is pretty limited. Non nonexistent by any means, > but not nearly as widespread as the older parts. > > *BUT*, if he gets an ICD2 (best aproach IMO), or a Wisp or EzProg, > then you are absolutely right. The 88 is a really nice chip, and the > 648A barely costs more than the 628 and has twice the memory. > > I like the 84A to 628 move as a simple learning step, but once you > have the developent capability, the 648A is exactly the same as the > 628 from that perspective. Although I personally prefer the 16F88, > the change from the 84A is a bigger step, and so a little scarier. > > Sounds to me as if Shay has been reading datasheets and the like, and > if that's the case, and if he can get a little help (maybe from this > group), it might serve him well to skip the 84 step and go straight to > an 88 and/or 877A. > > But I've seen so many foks who are scared off by all the I/O choices. > I know we differ on this, Olin. And I don't like how many people seem > to get stuck on the 84 which is the lamest of the available chips. > But I like the getting stuck on the 84 better than getting frustrated > and not getting anywhere. At least the guy stuck on the 84 might > someday find the project that gets him to try something better, and > once he does, he figures out how easy it is to move between parts. > The guy who gets nowhere stays nowhere. > > --McD > -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist