one suggestion:

Start blinking just ONE LED for the beginning, then jump to a program
which will read a switch and if pushed will blink the LED, if not will
don't, then maybe try to understand how could be some LEDs
multiplexed, combine them with button program and so on . Everything
in small steps.

You need a PC, a PIC programmer hardware, a PIC programmer software, a
PIC microcontroler, some time to test the combination PC-programmer
software,  the PIC datasheet printed and READED by yourself,
electronic tools (includind a soldering iron, DVM, electronic
components, etc) and a lot of patience.
If you believe you'll finish the job in two days then forgot it.

greetings,
Vasile

On 8/1/06, basic jonathan <jonathan_j_worrell@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> Hi guys. I am VERY new to MicroControllers, and I have no idea how to start.
> I think this would be a fun hobby and I had a few questions. I am trying to
> program a very basic PIC that will toggle through the alaphabet on a LCD
> screen, and display the letters on a 5x3 series of LED lights. I would like
> to keep this as small as possible.
> I drew a diagram to better explain what I am trying to do.
> http://www.nabble.com/user-files/171/PIChelp.bmp PIChelp.bmp
> Please, any help would be greatly appreciated. I am not sure where to start,
> but I have a basic understanding of what is needed. (ie a PIC, program
> software, LEDs, a LCD and a power supply)
> I am not sure what kind of PIC to get, or what software. If I need to
> explain myself better, please just ask.
> Thanks for all the help!
> --
> View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/NEED-HELP-basic-PIC-programming-tf2030953.html#a5586776
> Sent from the MicroControllers - PIC forum at Nabble.com.
>
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