PIC Programmer

[Simon Quested]

Hi Peter and All

> I think that it's very good value, BUT, you have to ask yourself why
> you're going to use a PIC. 

> These devices are great for performing
> many small logic functions - 

This is the sort of thing I need.

> Traditional microprocessor architectures like the 68HC11, 68332, etc. can
> access lots of program memory and are not limited in the same way a PIC
> is. On the other hand, to do anything with one of these "bigger" chips,
> you have to write a lot of code just to get the CPU to power up its
> internal circuitry and talk to the outside world.

This sounds like a lot more hassle.
 
> You may have heard about the Basic Stamp (and like clones) that can
> be programmed in BASIC (or even C). These devices use a PIC chip,
> but they read an external program (usually stored in a serial EEPROM). For
> each high level instruction it interprets, the PIC has to read the EEPROM,
> decode what is required, then do it. This slows the PIC down by orders of
> magnitude compared to running from its "native" mode, and compared to an a
> "traditional" microprocessor. In general a Basic Stamp (or similar) is NOT
> suitable for an EFI project. 

I'm not building an EFI set up. I'm looking at controlling a waste gate with a 
stepper or servo motor.

> I have to be honest and say that if you want to get into programming
> micros 

No not really. 

Pics however for the minor setup cost they could be worth investigating. 

Thanks for the info!

Cheers

Simon
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  Simon Quested 
  Computer Engineer, Silicon Graphics & Windows NT Support
  LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF NEW ZEALAND
  Phone (64)(03) 3252811 Ext. 8087
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A person who smiles in the face of adversity 
.....probably has a scapegoat.
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