> (once I find a decent
> book - any suggestions?).

If you are up to it: "the art of electronics"

> I managed to google a temperature sensor/data logger and
> I do have the parts list and I have a Digi-key catalog(2005). 
> [Got this list from http://quozl.netrek.org/ts/]
> 
> Can someone advise me as to how to look up these parts?

"look" or "hook"?

Kitsrus has a kit that contains all of the above, with the chip
programmed. I (and others) sell these kits:
http://www.voti.nl/shop/p/K-DIY-145.html

This one is pre-build: http://www.voti.nl/shop/p/TEMPSENS-SER-1.html and
uses the more modern 12F509.

> (In the case that it hasn't been 
> pre-programmed, should i find the pre-programmed one or the 
> 'empty' and program it myself using a programmer?)

If you just want to build just this one temperature thingy you should
buy a preprogrammed chip, or preferrrably the kit.

If you want to dive into PIC programming you should get yourself a
programmer (pickit2 is not a bad suggestion) and start with a smaller
project.

Wouter van Ooijen

-- -------------------------------------------
Van Ooijen Technische Informatica: www.voti.nl
consultancy, development, PICmicro products
docent Hogeschool van Utrecht: www.voti.nl/hvu
 
 

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