> I have problems with the stairstep learning technique. Much 16F84
> code is twisted precisely because it doesn't have the facilities
> or memory to do jobs adequately. A hobbyist should start off with
> the more featureful chip and learn how to use those features.

I agree completely with BAJ (as you can tell from previous posts).
However, even if you DO believe in the stairstep learning technique,
the 16F84 is still a bad choice. For stairstep learning purposes, the
16F505 is a much better selection:
* It has an internal oscillator: simpler circuit
* It has no EEPROM: less confusing peripherals
* It has no open-collector pins: less confusing
* It is possible to disable the reset pin: simpler circuit
* It also fits on most JDM programmers AND the PICkit 2 demo board
* There is also no concern for interrupts, as it doesn't have any
* It has no register banks: much easier programming
* It has more RAM than the 16F84
* It is only $0.78: you can buy almost four 16F505 for the price of one 16F84A

Greetings,
Maarten Hofman.

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