Hi guys
Thanks for the input. I agree that buying one would probably be the cheapest, quickest option and I think I'll get one on Saturday.

<B><U><FONT COLOR = RED>HOWEVER</FONT></U></B>

Has anyone got any idea how to do it using a PIC?

<B><U><FONT COLOR = BLUE>Ulterior motive : </FONT></U></B>

Been thinking of how to build a CNC driven PCB assembly robot.

Would be nice to check that the (error prone) human put the right components in the right magazine and to make sure that the component was not faulty or out of spec.

I'm not talking about lightning speed here, but the bragging rights might be impressive. :>o

I know I'm probably mad, hence the name, but I think up all sorts of weird things while I'm stuck in traffic. Helps keep the blood pressure at an acceptable level.

Go Well