Hi,

I started about 2 years ago - with a PIC16F877A and had partial success but kept coming across bits that I could not work out. So I:

1. Got the simpler PIC16F84A chip.

2. A 'development board' from Mikroelektronika (the EasyPIC5) - a bit pricey but it also handles the PIC16F877A. This has all the buttons, LEDs and other peripherals for quick learning/experimenting (get the LCD extra). It also minimises the chance of a wrong connection that can bugger up a learning session for days!

Or, get the simpler board from Olimex 'PIC18 Board.' The name is a bit confusing because it caters for chips with 18 pins (like the PIC16F84A) not the PIC18F seriec of microcontrollers.

3. Books that were helpful: 'Programming PIC Microcontrollers With PicBasic' by Chuck Hellebuyck. 'PicBasic Projects' by Dogan Ibrahim.

4. Work through the exercises in the books.

5. Work through the Microchip Spec for the PIC16F84.

6. Download the Microchip integrated development environment (free) and do some assembler level programming to see the bits moving around.

If the advice is misplaced - sorry.

Regards Bill Legge