Which PIC will be tge good choise?

[OS5N]

My antenae rotor remote is stuck. Reconstruct it as the old hardware set-up today wouldn't permit me to connect the remote to dedicated Radio Amateur ( Ham) programs. Quite a time now I was involved with computer hardware. My age 74! Last assembler language I used to play around with was The OS4 for Naked Mini from Computer automation. Processor was build on a 4 square foot board with discrete elements...Seems I am to old and missing part of my neurons to learn a a PIC assembler today with about forthy instructions . Thought a standard Mel Picbasic would do, as I still remember Basic I used in 1975. The mean question, which PIC ?
It should handle some analogue sigs, translate to azimuth indicator ( motor drived repeator )or why not use a LCD So as to visualise some other status of the system. Looked around and thought maybe a PIC 16F716 would do the job. Which other might be a better choise? Then the second question, does Mel pic basic ( standard ) runs under VISTA ...ha ha ! Would be great if some of the Pic specialist could help me and put me back on the rails. Oh RS232 serial communication is generaly used, but USB will probably be used in the futur. Thanks for a shout. sorry for my bad English and please dont tell Shakespeare about Willy wouln'ty appreciate it that much.

[mackrackit]

Welcome.

I am not one of the specialist, but I would start off with the 16F877A. ADC, comparators, USART, plenty of IOs.

Then when you are comfortable go with an 18F??? for the USB.

Do not forget to start with "blinky", then communication between two PICs and a PC.

Not sure about vista, I use Linux and sometimes XP.

[Jumper]

Hi,

I would say that 18F452 or 18F4620 is a great choice. If you want USB, sure it is the future but RS-232 is easier to get started with, you would have to use 18F4455 or something similar.

It more or less comes down to what you can get your hands on the easiest way.

If you plan to use serial communication it is recommended to have an external x-tal or oscillator.

[OS5N]

Thanks for the prompt replies, MACKRACKIT and JUMPER. Guess I'lle stick with a 16F877A for instance or 876A I can obtain easely. But what is " Blinky " ?

[mackrackit]

" Blinky " is a test circuit and program to test things. Make one or more LEDs blink the way you want them and go from there.

It seems like most people want to bypass " Blinky " but it is the best way to start. When I am setting up a new project I still make an LED blink just to make sure the fuses and whatever else are set correctly.

[OS5N]

First thanks to all those who encouraged me to wet my feet . Hope the wetted feet enjoy PBP before they turn their toes upwards....! Dave, my callsign as a Ham is ON4KJ since 1958 ( merely CW and contests )!! Have a look at QRZ.com and you'll find out somewhat more about, OS5N is my vanity call. IF I can find your e-mail, I'll tell you somewhat more about me! And now I'll get my wetted socks off! What comes next to PBPro? Hardware platform, what is " crossgrade " about, is " compile upgrade " a must etc. Take into account I still handle the soldering iron, and dispose of some discrete elements from an earlier live! But can't afford K$. Retired, and no Gov. in Belgium for instance, we dont know what will be next !!!! Thanks for reading me. All proposals will be welcome to make up my mind definitely. Jos.