> basically I use 4 I/O's on my microcontroller and connect 
> these together. How I signal these pins determines what the 
> LCD displays, and how they signal is based on the hardwired 
> code in the microcontroller...
> 
> If this is correct 

it is correct

> And for the record, I know this is going to be a big 
> challenge but I have a really good idea for a product that I 
> want to start a company with. This project will basically be 
> a working prototype to show to investors.

For a demo mockup I suggest you get a laptop, palmtop or the like and
program it to do what you want. For the functionality it will not matter
what the hardware is.

> If I can get some funding from some VCs or gov agencies

I wish you luck, but I very much doubt you will. Not because your idea
is not sound, but because this route very rarely works.

> I don't care how long it takes me. My time frame is 1 year.

If you realy don't care how long it takes you (and you are not yet too
old) you will have a good chance. If you do care and it must be shorter
than one year you'd better be prepared to spent that year full time on
this, and I still doubt you will finish it in that time frame. If you
buy existing hardware and limit yourself to the programming side your
chances are much better.

Wouter van Ooijen

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

-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist