Hey guys, I've never attempted to use a Pic nor do I understand how to program them. Is there a beginners kit I can buy which teaches me how to build a couple of things and to help me get going?? Or is it something that's hard to learn without being taught.

Thanks

 

Have you any experience with programming and electronics. Any budget for this?

 

Ardunio is VERY beginner friendly http://www.arduino.cc/ , but it is not PIC as you specified. Cost wise the hardware is reasonably cheap and the software free.

 

True enough, it is also a bit more expensive than other brands. I have not made the jump myself, but I lean toward PICs due to the costs.

Because you had under 10 posts and posted a link the forum automoderated your post. I have approved it.

 

Have a look at this.

 

Thanks guys I'll check it out. I'll need something which has a dumbies guide so I'll have an little read up thank you

 

Actually Microchip has the "Chipkit32" (Google it) it uses some of the Ardunio libraries and a modified version of the Ardunio software. Digilent makes the hardware.

 

If I buy one of these kits. Does it come with some sort of examples snd lessons to explain the concept on how to program and the outcomes?? Thank you

 

The PICKit 2 starter kits has a programmer and a demo board which has 12 lessons on the CD.

Part Number: DV164120 - PICkit 2 Starter Kit

http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductDetails.aspx?Catalog=BuyMicrochip&Category=Starter%20Kits&mid=10&treeid=6

Read about it and decide whether it suits your need.

Allen

 

The lowest priced starter kit on the market right now (besides one that is free) is the Texas Instruments MSP430 LaunchPad which sells for $4.30.

http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/MSP430_LaunchPad_%28MSP-EXP430G2%29

 

Ahhh the ones you guys are looking at are in the us. In over the pond in the uk.

 

Rapid has the PICKIT 2 starter kit, the PICKIT 2 on it's own (not currently in stock), and the PICKIT 3 debug express:
http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/Integrated-Circuits/PIC-Microcontrollers
I'd also recommend a solderless breadboard, 6 pin header for connecting to PICKIT, some LEDs, resistors, etc.

 

The MSP430 Launchpad is available in Farnell UK for UKP3.03

http://uk.farnell.com/texas-instruments/msp-exp430g2/kit-dev-msp430-launchpad/dp/1853793

Allen

 

I'm more interested in the price of chips. But then, I do blow em now and again. I find the smell invigorating.

 

Get a spool of marijuana core solder. Works wonders.

 

I'm more interested in the price of chips. But then, I do blow em now and again. I find the smell invigorating.

You would love my lab! The magic smoke flows freely very often.

 

http://www.winpicprog.co.uk/pic_tutorial.htm
http://www.gooligum.com.au/tutorials.html