Could we divert this discussion back to development tools for PIC and AVR. ((I also think the export control of USA is little --- would I say (or do I have guts to say) -- stupid... Those really needing the stuff are going to get it - it is just higher price through black market. I was pissed of couple of years back when I couldn't get 128 bit encryption to Windows NT but luckily I have moved to better operation system :-) ... partly...because many stuff work only on Windows. For example there is no version of MB-Lab for Linux....)) As a beginner I would need a list of names and possibly web-addresses - please. Is it really only option to get a professional development tool for PIC to by HI-Tec compiler? How much bigger code is, if no optimization is used? My personal favourite is BV513 from http://www.byvac.com. It is programmed in Basic and it has headers to which is very easy connect wires from breadboard. So experimenting is very easy. Also tech support has been very good. I also have displays and keypads from them and they can be connected with either I2C or SPI to the BV513. When I have time I will inspect whether I can program with the PICKit 3 to it. It should be possible. Best Regards Kari -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist