Thanks Steve,

Yeah, I know I could post the basic steps of my project. But then someone with enthusiasm to burn might post the code to do it all and then I'd have to chose between accepting his code or doing it myself. I don't want to put myself in that position 'cause that would be SOOOOO tempting to speed up the process. LOL

Seriously, I'm stuck at home and I'm trying to keep my mind active. That's why I try to post specific questions to parts I can't figure out after a while. I learn best when I research the material myself, I'm a trial & error kind of guy. It may take me longer to go forward, but at least the 'thinking' is helping me fight this medication that numbs the skull (temporarily sidelined).

Thanks for that message about those LCDs, I hadn't seen any cheap 4x40s in the Montreal area. I'm holding back on the other idea now until I can go get a few at Madison. These PICs are so much more user-friendly when it comes to LCD displays.

Don't worry, I should be stuck on something else soon enough...

Robert