get started with PIC microcontrollers

Are you new to microcontrollers? Microchip 8-bit PIC microcontrollers are cheap and easy to start with. You can find them in many size starting at 6 pins. Most parts contain FLASH program memory, so they can be programmed hundred times. A good choice to start with is the 40-pin PIC16F887, or the 18-pin PIC16F628A/PIC16F818. They contain integrated serial interface, timers, PWM module, AD converter and separate EEPROM to store your own data.

1. Choose your PIC: read the datasheets and application notes at www.microchip.com
2. Get your PIC programmer or build one
3. Download the MPLAB IDE
4. Build a PIC circuit and study how it works
5. Make modifications, or build your own application
   

Programmers

The easiest is getting a Microchip ICD or PICKIT. I have built a DTait programmer. This programmer can work with several software: DL4YHF's PIC programmer, ic-prog, PicProg, and various Linux programmers.

Development environment

The MPLAB IDE is the development environment for writing, compiling, debugging, programming all the PIC devices at the same place.

Find PIC circuits

You can find several circuits on my site here, or you can check the PIClist mailing list.