[Lowfer] PIC PROGRAMMER QUESTION

[Johan H. Bodin]

Charlie , W5COV wrote:
> Also what chips should I order to keep on hand , just in case I manage to let the good smoke out of one of them . <grin>  

Hi Charlie,

it depends on the application of course but the PIC16F690 is a very nice general
purpose chip. It is the top member of Microchip's 16F631-16F690 family. Low
cost, 20 pins. This PIC is far more versatile than the old "standard hobby PICs"
16F84 and 16F628 yet it has the same CPU core so you don't have to learn a new
instruction set. It just has more memory, more and better peripherals, built-in
oscillator up to 8MHz and a few more pins. See data sheet at www.microchip.com.

I am using BKD compilers for all PIC10/12/16/18 projects, both at work and for
hobby stuff, and I am very happy with it. It doesn't have a fancy IDE, it is
just a very efficient compiler - use your favorite text editor or use it from
within MPLAB (Microchip's free IDE). You can download a free version of the CC5X
compiler from www.bknd.com. The free version has some limitations: max 1K code,
max 16-bit variables and somewhat reduced optimization but it still very useful
for small projects.

Suggestion:
Write a few simple assembly programs first to get familiar with the instruction
set and then try something simple in C. Watch the assembly output from the
compiler to learn how the compiler "thinks".


Stan W1LE wrote:
> This project is for a WSPR beacon, but a standalone, that does not
> need a computer to drive it.
> Look to:       http://web.telia.com/~u33233109/
> For the basic WSPR beacon plans.

That's an example of a C program written for the BKD CC5X compiler (written by
yours truly ;-) )

73
Johan SM6LKM