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

[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

[mister_e]

go for a 40 pin device then. PIC16F886, 16F877(a), PIC18F452, PIC18F4520 etc etc

if you have a serial port, try to build your own JDM programmer, lots of info all 'round the web. Make sure the software for the JDM will support the PIC you'll choose.

[elproducts]

You could also consider the CHIPINO from chipaxe.com.
It works with PICKit 2, PICkit 3, and any PICkit 2 clone.
Will accept Arduino shields and is PIC16F886 based.
They also have a breadboard version that's even cheaper.
CHIPINO gives you the simplicity of Arduino but the power of PICBASIC or any compiler such as Flowcode.
If you need help getting started check out rawmicro.com. They have a video on how to use Flowcode with CHIPINO.

[Rover999]

Hi thanks for all the help just so many different answers I am confused. Just brought the book PIC in practice and working trough it but it's slow going and I need to get this first project finished in a month promised it to grandson for his birthday.
Could some one please mentor me trough this first project then I can take my time with the rest of the learning
Thank you
Al

[cncmachineguy]

Can you answer any of my questions in post #7? You answered the whats it for part, and I agree it needs to be done in time - no dissappointing the youngens.

Will the stepper be moving anything or just spinning with a flag on the shaft.

[Rover999]

Hi he is into photography and seen this thing from the states called stack shot
http://www.cognisys-inc.com/stackshot/stackshot.php
He uses mine and his dads cameras he saw some shots of spiders up close and being a doctor who fan he was hooked
I have made the foucusing track with a sensor( micro switch) for home position but stuck on the control bit.
Been out of work and on sick for 2 years so no way can I afford the unit from USA what do you think
Al