Re: [OTish] PIC Convert....

[Ant Skelton <ant@xxxxxxx>]

andy_powell_is wrote:
>
> The problem is that there is just too much information on the PIC. I
> really want a 'getting started' or 'moving from the Basic Stamp to
> PIC' type book or set of documents.

Make sure you get the datasheet for the device you're using from
http://www.microchip.com/ - while
you're there, have a look at some of
the application notes in microchip's design centre. You'll be referring
to the data sheet frequently. Have a look at http://www.piclist.com/ -
they have some good resources, especially for the beginnner.

> I /think/ I've established that
> for each PIC I need a crystal thingy (ocillator?) but I don't know
> that for sure. The pin configurations are throwing me a little too.

Depending on exactly which PIC you're using and how accurate/fast you
need your clock to be, you can generally use a crystal oscillator (most
accurate), a ceramic resonator, a resistor+capacitor combination, or
sometimes just a resistor. Some devices have an internal oscillator
which is often sufficient. Look at the "Special Features of the
CPU"
section of the datasheet for your chosen device. I generally use ceramic
resonators unless the device has an internal oscillator.

> Does anyone have a good source of information on the PIC - from the
> beginning?

Try the list above. There's also a book called "Easy Pic'n" that
seems
quite well regarded, although a search on amazon will probably throw up
a few alternatives.

> but before I get going I need to find out what I'd need, and what
> pins are for what... you know really basic (hehe) stuff.

The best source of information for that stuff is the datasheet. For each
family of pics there's also an uber-datasheet, all available from
microchip's website.

> There seem to be 20 different types of programmer (hardware) etc... I
> just need a few pointers in the right direction.. A search on Google
> just causes information overload...

The piclist has some links to cheap programmers you can build yourself,
otherwise you'll have to shop for the best programmer that suits your
needs I'm afraid! Personally I use the Devantech programmer from
www.devantech.co.uk.

HTH

ant
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