PIC programming

[jimothy]

My dad has been dabbling in home electronics for a while and has decided now is the time to move up in the world to PIC programming. He wants a book on it for his birthday. Can anyone recommend a Dummies guide level book and kit to get him started? He's got no programming experience at all so it'll need to start with the basics.

Many thanks in advance!

[elster]

I blow EEPROM's but mainly only am using or editing manufacturers existing programs.

But I just learnt with trial and error.

I know my dad has some reference books. I'm at his house at the moment so will ask and see.

[Scraggles]

googled for

PIC programming +dummies

got http://freepcebooks.blogspot.com/2007/04/pic-micro... and lots of similair ones

[Mroad]

Try the PICAXE system as a starter. Aimed for educational use but I found was very good and cheaper to dabble with to start off with.
http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/picaxe/

[Jerkins]

You might like this one from Amazon -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PIC-Microcontrollers-Proje...

It's a decent beginner's guide, plus it describes the use of the free JAL compiler, which makes programming Soooo much easier!

HTH
David

[smele]

He should get the Microchip ICD2. It's about £40 pounds, but if you want to programme, you can't beat having an in circuit debugger. Makes life much easier.

[jonesgm]

I got into basic PIC controllers - via http://tubehobby.com/

build you own Nixie clock - PIC comes programmed but is not protected... so you can play around with it, then when you F*ck it up - just blow it again (you will still need a starter book on PICs)



...if you get the kit, Dad can brush up on his soldering skills too

Edited by jonesgm on Sunday 28th December 13:30

[jimothy]

Jerkins said:

You might like this one from Amazon -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PIC-Microcontrollers-Proje...

It's a decent beginner's guide, plus it describes the use of the free JAL compiler, which makes programming Soooo much easier!

HTH
David

I looked at this, its got good reviews. How do you program the PIC though (I know nothing about this at all). Can you just buy a kit and plug it in to your PC and download the program once its written?