getting started in a project, some help really appreciated

[mugwamp]

Well, Robert, you've found your way to a board for people who use MELabs PicBasic. Obviously, there's a number of ways you can program your PIC so the first decision you have to make is what system you're going to use. Once you make that decision, then the next step would probably be to get a book that takes you through the process of learning how to make microcontrollers do what you want them to do. They're friendly little buggers but somewhat set in their ways and they don't compromise much. They'll do all the things you say you want to do but before you build a digital alarm clock, you've got start with having one flash an LED. It sounds simple but there's a lot of posts here from people who are having trouble getting that far. For PicBasic, I'm fond of either "PIC Microcontroller Project Book : For PIC Basic and PIC Basic Pro Compliers" by John Iovine or "Programming PIC Microcontrollers with PICBASIC" by Chuck Hellebuyck. Both are excellent books. Working with a simple breadboard is quite possible. There's also complete boards which have all the components in place like the MeLabs X-1.

Everybody's different in how they like to learn things. I like to jump in feet first. Other people might want to start slow and work gradually. Assuming you decide to go with either PicBasic or PicBasic Pro, you'll find that this board is an excellent source of of information and ideas.