I cant tell you how nice it is to get some good help as a noob on a forum. It is RARE! I read a sticky from Melanie about this and it must have worked!

I do appreciate all the suggestion on chips. I will get the datasheets tonight and look them over.

If you all can handle it. I do have more questions....

1) How big a problem is it moving from one chip to another. Example. Lets say I choose one chip and find I don't have enough space for the program. Are there "other" versions of the same chip with more memory? I mean pin for pin compatible? Otherwise, how do you even begin to estimate how big your program is going to be?

2) I mentioned my project is keypad based. Have any of you heard of or know what the advantages are to using a 74c922 keyboard decoder? I have seen other designs that dont use them and some that do? Like I mentioned before I am an electronics guy (mostly analog stuff) so I have never used a 74c922. I do understand that the decoder will reduce Inputs needed on the PIC and the debounce is controlable. I guess what I am asking is more from a "Coding" point of view/use with a PIC perspective.

3) What do you all think of the MEL lab-x1 dev board? I feel when making purchases its always best to ask the man(or woman) that owns one. Also, is my epic programer still gonna be ok with the new chips. Or should I invest in a USB programmer.

4) What about the PIC-AXE with the bootloader? If I am not mistaken would this not me similar to like having a Jtag port? As Ricky Ricardo would say "splain it to me"

Man, I cant tell you how refreshing it is to go to a forum and not get slammed for being ignorant...(Ignorant has in un-informed---not stupid that is different!)

Thanks again, and if anyone needs electronics help I will do my best!

Off to the MICRO-CHIPS website for some datasheets!

bill12780