Forrest;
I use the EasyPIC4 extensively, so please allow me to comment on
your post.

> You can buy it domestically at 
> http://www.circuit-ed.com/easypic4.htm  For $169 

I really like the board, the programming software, and the
development tools.  And I my experience with Circuit-Ed was
fantastic!

> ... it's one of those boards which you can do a lot of 
> things without having to resort to circuit building.

This is all true.  The board is extremely flexible. Using the
DIP switches, you can enable or disable all of the board's many
peripherals.

> You should be able to do all of the "R&D" on your 
> project with this tool.   You can use the multiplexed 
> LED to test out the display stuff.  You can use the 
> buttons for the inputs.  And so on.

Correct again.  You can do an awful lot with everything that's
on the board.  And if necessary, you can run a small cable from
the connectors to a breadboard containing any additional
circuitry.

> One disadvantage I see is that the onboard programmer uses 
> a proprietary interface which means that programming and ICD 
> will need to be through the mikro tools.   All this means is 
> that when programming, you'll need to use their software for 
> the programming itself (using a .hex file from your chosen 
> programming tool), and that the debugging part probably will 
> only work with their compilers.   

You nailed it.  Fortunately, their PICFLASH programming tool is
simple, flexible, and reliable.  It, and the board, accomodate
just about all of the Flash-based PICs.  

But, as you noted, the ICD debugger only works with their
compilers.  You can program chips with code from Microchip's
MPLAB but there is no ICD capability when programming in
assembly language.

> It does look like the demo versions of their compilers will 
> build small programs without restriction, and that they are 
> priced reasonably.

The 2K code limit is pretty generous.  I bought the full C
Compiler about nine month ago, but I haven't installed it yet
since the demo is doing everything I need.

If you have any further questions about the board, I'd be happy
to (try to) answer them.

Andrew

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