Has anyone used a PIC12F629 for a successfull project, or does anyone recommend an 8pin microcontroller that is as easy to use as the 18pin PICF84

The project I am trying to do needs a really really low cost Flash programmable microcontroller that can sit looking for a specific serial ASCII code string and when it sees the string it will enable one or more outputs on the PIC for 1 seconds then turn it off again. The output bit than is enabled needs to also switch a low power relay that in turn will supply power to a 12Volt DC lamp.

I use Pic Basic V2.03 and an Epic LPT programmer.

Anyone fancy helping me with the project, I am sure for some this is like very easy, for me its a nightmare and I really would welcome some help.


Andy