Help please I am so lost just need pointing in the right direction

[Rover999]

Welcome Albert. What you are proposing is relatively simple programming wise. Some new users get a little frustrated with configuration bits and other things required on the pics to get started. A lot of us started our journey on Basic Stamps. These can easily do what you mention, without some of the headaches of getting started. For one offs, and simple things, Basic Stamps are a cheap way to get started into programming. If you were needing multiple items, faster speed, more complex communication, and endless other possibilites, then you could upgrade to PicBasic Pro.

Thank you just if some one could give me a list of the parts to buy I can order them then start just so many different parts I am so confused.
Once I had a parts list I can figure out Programing just as cash is so tight I don't want to buy what I do not need dose this make sense.
Albert

[ScaleRobotics]

I have been away from stamps for a while now, so maybe someone else will have a different opinion. I got up to a Basic Stamp 2 device (BS2), which they still offer, but are currently out of stock. For about $10 more, there is a faster BS2 SX. You would need a computer with a serial port, or a usb serial port adapter, to program these Basic Stamps.

For a comparison on their capabilities, you can see this: http://www.parallax.com/tabid/436/Default.aspx . Just click on the different stamps you want to compare. The BS2 is capable of what you describe, and probably the Basic Stamp 1. But I would definitely get a BS2 or above, rather than the BS1. A lot of the code transfers pretty easily, if you want to switch to PBP later on.

[mackrackit]

I think this might be the way to start.
http://www.myamicus.co.uk/
The compiler is free and all you need to copy the code to the module is an USB cable.

[mister_e]

Assembler is free, MPLAB is free, if you have a "older" PC (says running XP or even 98), then some JDM progammer are easy and so cheap to build (not the best one but may work really well). A PICKIT 2 or PICKIT 3 Starter kit is also pretty cheap, probably the same price (or not much than) an Arduino, Amicus board Or some Basic Stamp.

Once you get the concept and built few project, PICBASIC PRO pay by itself. Still, there's a limited Demo version available on Melabs Website. From what I feel, what you need to do will perfectly fit the limitation of the DEMO version,

HTH

[cncmachineguy]

Do you have to do the hardware also? What kind of servo? R/C type or real servo, what size stepper? Do you have to do the stepper drive or just send step/dir signals? What are the outputs? Just set and clear a pin or is something connected to the pin?

All of the above are great suggestions, but really more information is needed to "point you in the right direction". Is this a job interview or a project for a job? The requirements are a bit strange.

[Archangel]

I will throw my 2 cents in here, first off I agree with Mr E. 100%. I would add this: A JDM programmer can be had on ebay for about 10 bucks US, PBP Demo is free but won't do elaborate program, but will do simple programs, use small cheap pics and use several and use alegro stepper controller chips. You might get someone else to compile your code in the beginning and then load the hex. I stayed away from microcontrollers because of Basic stamps high price ! FOR many years ! There are some cheap / free C compilers. The compiler is your largest expense. Serial LCD would eliminate the need for big LCD routines like LCDOUT (free demo won't do)
Upscale in price from JDM is the PICKIT2 It's great, but like 50 bucks. Low level 12F pics are really cheap and many have good features, but few I/O pins. Easiest PIC to start with is 16F84. Few features, several I/O s no analog features to confuse you, Pin compatable with 16F628A/648A so code will transport up. Request samples from
Microchip, Allegro, Maxim just do not get greedy with them.

[Rover999]

Thank you for all the help I have been given
I have made a few decisions bit just need a bit more help
I have been given a copy of flow code 3 and find It ok to use
I think if I use it I will be ok with all the help files around the net.
Just there are so many processors around I do not know the one to pick.
I want a pic that will control the following
Also the best hard wear to program it I am useing an old win98 laptop with one USB port
1. LCD screen around 3 lines of text
2. one stepper motor
3. 6 inputs
4. 6 outputs
5. 1 Keypad
6. 3 servos

[Rover999]

Do you have to do the hardware also? What kind of servo? R/C type or real servo, what size stepper? Do you have to do the stepper drive or just send step/dir signals? What are the outputs? Just set and clear a pin or is something connected to the pin?

All of the above are great suggestions, but really more information is needed to "point you in the right direction". Is this a job interview or a project for a job? The requirements are a bit strange.

Forgot to answer all the questions the sevos are real servos the stepper I haven brought yet any recomendations .yes I have to do the stepper driver the out puts will fire either relays or optisilztors to protect the unit.
Just to turn things on and off
Hope this helped just he thinks I am like beforenand can do all this stuff but with the depression it's so hard
Al

[cncmachineguy]

By the way I do not expect help for free I am willing to pay for your time ect

No need for all that. Help here is free and ample!! Now thats not to say someone wouldn't be open to making it for you for a price, as long as you are doing your part like troubleshooting and trying to learn, folks here will help till its done or you stop posting.

Now off to look at your link.