>From the number of web-sites that use 16F84, I believe
it is the best MCU to start with. Soon, you would want
to change to a PIC which more features like timer
and etc. 16F873 is quite a good chip to move to. For a
programmer
I would recommend PICStart +. The programmer is stable
and it always get updates from Microchip.

John

--- Steph Smith <zapsmith@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote:

> For a starter design i personally would NOT choose
> the 16F87x but instead go for the smallest
> (cheapest!)
> I.C. that has enough pins to do the job,without
> resorting
> to complex software dodges.The 12Fxxx, 12F508,or
> 16F627
> are likely candidates as the internal oscillator
> means a few 
> extra useable pins.The main reason being the code
> for 16F84
> like a rash all over the web can be adapted.This is
> simply 
> because the more complex things get, the bigger the
> chance 
> of 'errors'creeping in.Without enough knowledge
> errors can stop 
> the project in its tracks,causing what may be a
> really 
> good  idea to be abandoned.On the subject of
> programmers
> it all depends on the level you wish to get
> to,theres no point 
> spending a huge amount on something to burn a couple
> of chips.
> On the contrary home-brew programmers can give a
> good 
> grounding in the practicalities of
> ports,hardware,pinouts etc.
> which may be 'insulated' from the user by buying a
> ready-made
> item.The ultimate in cheap would be to build
> something like 
> NOPPP on a breadboard;which of course would mean 
> not much lost if it doesn't work! you can re-use the
> parts
> and the breadboard will come in handy.The bit about
> needing
> seven wires to drive the LCD,only six are needed (4
> for data
> and 2 for control) Some useful pointers are the
> 2-wire LCD 
> on myke predko's
> MYKE.COM 
> and timers etc. at 
> http://www.hobby-elec.org/e_menu.htm
> Hope this helps.
> -- 
> http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
> View/change your membership options at
> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
> 


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist