PIC Programming

[BiteMe]

because I am so rubbish with microsoft products I've decided to teach myself a bit of pic programming.

Yes, I too think AVR or arduino is probably a better idea long term, but I have decided pic's will be my starting point. The main forum at microchip is diffiicult to understand form a beginner perspective, so does anybody know other more noob-friendly forums to learn a bit and try out some sample codes?

 

[X3rx3s]

Just start

Hey

Here is a cheap starter kit programmer which can program a huge range.

http://www.avnet.co.za/Specials/microchip/DV164120.htm
There should be more local resellers...

With this kit you get examples, programming software and a demo board. The examples start really easy, something like "hello world"(LED blinking) is the standard fist program.

With a basic knowledge of programming and electronics you should be able to get started.
Microchip also gives away free samples(4 pics a month)

Here is what I suggest... (if you know C)

1)Learn to program in ASSEMBLER (with MPLAB ide)
2) Then switch to C (use Hitech C or MikroC) (much more professional and easier)

There is a lot of examples on the CD and so forth...
Microchip is holding a masters seminar in Johannesburg/Cape Town/Durban at the end of the month but its semi advanced courses. But a more basic version of that pickit 2 will be available for R200 or something

To program you need(if you can do pics/electronics and programming):

1) The range data sheet (midrange etc)
2) The pic data sheet
3) Instruction set of the pic you want to program

If you know a bit of programming you can get started on a few hours...

I don't Think theres any good forums for beginners... but maybe a few good guides

This guide will take you all they up to interrupts...
http://www.hobbyprojects.com/pic_tutorials/introduction_to_pic.html

Cheers